By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Playing for France was among the options for Joel Embiid. He was also eligible to play for Cameroon. Shortly after becoming a citizen of the United States in September, he picked the specific route for his international career.
Various players of the national team of France and officials of the French Federation of Basketball have been critical of the reigning season MVP of the NBA. FFBB president Jean-Pierre Siutat reiterated his view, putting in even more faults to the 30-year-old center.
“Team USA, with him, who can beat you? Come on, nobody. This is an easy way for him to get an Olympic medal,” he told Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
Team USA is projected to feature multiple NBA superstars in the 2024 Olympic Games. Embiid has been sidelined since tearing the meniscus in his left knee in January. However, he is considered likely to return to action with the Philadelphia 76ers toward the end of the 2023-24 Regular Season and therefore be ready for his international debut in Paris.
The draw to decide the three groups of the approaching Olympic Games set the USA in Group C alongside Serbia, South Sudan, and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, one of Bahrain, Cote d’Ivoire, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Over the 2023-24 season until being forced to the injury list, Embiid averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals per contest over 34 appearances with the Sixers.