Embiid commits to Team USA for 2024 Paris Olympics
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid committed to play for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Embiid said it was "tough" choosing to play for the United States over his native Cameroon and France, a country he holds citizenship with, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"I really wanted to participate in the Olympics," Embiid added. "That's been my goal and my dream."
The 29-year-old said he picked the U.S. because it's where he lives and the country his son was born in. Embiid became an American citizen last year after moving from Cameroon to the U.S. at 16.
I’m really proud and excited about this decision. It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, and the USA home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league. I want to play for my fans because they’ve… pic.twitter.com/6VHSQTKVl3
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) October 5, 2023
Embiid informed executive director Grant Hill of his decision to join the team on Thursday morning, sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. He reportedly chose to represent the United States after the team failed to earn a medal at the FIBA World Cup this summer.
Some of the stars that have committed to play for the U.S. next summer include Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo was also offered a spot on the 12-man roster, according to the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang.
A variety of other stars expressed interest in playing for the United States earlier this week, including LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.
Team USA overtook the top spot in FIBA's world rankings from Spain after placing fourth in the World Cup.