Joel Embiid now finds himself suiting up for Team USA as a naturalized player for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision was not easy for the Philadelphia 76ers center, as he got ping-ponged from choosing between France and his native country, Cameroon.
Initially, Embiid had a handshake agreement to represent France in international competition. The decision to move away from the French national team was factored in several reasons, according to the former NBA MVP during his interview through the NYT podcast. The first of which is pressuring him to make a decision through a deadline.
“I kind of felt rushed in that decision because I wanted to take as much time as possible and it didn’t help that France put an ultimatum on when the decision had to be made. I didn’t know [the timeline]. I saw it on Twitter and I was like woah, where did this come from?” said Embiid.

Contemplating finalizing his representation with France, Embiid also considered that his home country has not been in good terms with the French government.
“One thing that was kind of bothering me a lot was the relationship between France and Cameroon and African countries in general, historically and even right now,” Embiid adds. “I still got my family living in Cameroon and I don’t want to put them through any of that stuff. I want them to be safe. And the relationship between France and Cameroon in general is not good.”

Joel Embiid says relationship between France and Cameroon played into his decision to not play for France, via NYT Podcast.
“I kind of felt rushed in that decision because I wanted to take as much time as possible and it didn’t help that France put an ultimatum on when the… pic.twitter.com/2VFWJ6GW8J
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) July 20, 2024
Joel Embiid initially wanted to represent Cameroon over Team USA
From Cameroon to France and finally deciding to suit up for Team USA, Joel Embiid may be representing the red, white and blue, but he still feels that he bleeds his African heritage. This was admitted by the seven-time NBA All-Star, who, given the chance, would choose Cameroon above any country trying to get his services.
“One thing that was always known was that Cameroon is the first choice. And if they qualify, I’m playing for my home country because that’s my dream to play in the Olympics,” Embiid admits.
The two-time NBA scoring champion is set to join forces on a stacked Team USA roster that features LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum, to name a few.
Team USA will officially begin their 2024 Olympic run on July 28, facing Nikola Jokic and the Serbian national team. They are set to wrap up a series of tune-up games with Germany, South Sudan, Canada and Australia during the USA Basketball Showcase in Dubai.

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