The NBA’s reigning MVP, Joel Embiid has chosen to play for Team USA ahead of France and Cameroon in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Embiid said Thursday that he was in contact with delegates from the French national team but he had decided to stick with Team USA.
“I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision, and it just took me one last meeting with all parties involved and went ahead,” he said.
“It’s exciting for USA Basketball that Joel Embiid wants to represent the United States,” Hill said Thursday in a statement.
“Joel and I have had several conversations about his goals and I’m looking forward to continuing that dialogue knowing that one of those goals is to represent USA Basketball next summer in Paris.
“As I’ve said before, I’m looking forward to the process of building the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team roster over the next several months.”
According to Embiid, it was tough for him to choose between France, Cameroon, and the USA, as he holds a tri-citizenship.
“I love all three options, you know, with my home country, which I love a lot,” Embiid said.
“But I really want to participate in the Olympics, that’s been my goal and my dream. And you add that with the fact that my son is American, and I’ve been here for such a long time. … I’m really thankful for the opportunity. France — the commitment they were willing to make — I really appreciate it. It was a tough decision.”
Embiid also said that he wanted to help the team and win a medal in front of his son.
“I feel like for the past few years, since [Arthur] has been born, every decision has been made just based on family,” he said. “My family, my son, and having the chance to represent a country like the USA.”
The U.S. lost three of its final four games in Manila, allowing 117 points per game in the losses.
Embiid is a six-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive Team selection.
