Basketball
Both Team USA and Team France Want Joel Embiid for 2024 Olympics
by privatebet.com - 2022/10/08
Only ten days after Joel Embiid announced he became an American citizen, his future at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games got a little bit complicated. Both Team USA and Team France are reportedly trying to woo the Philadelphia 76ers player to their side. Embiid announced that he’s now an American citizen in late September, saying it’s a blessing to be an American after living in the country for a long time. This news comes shortly after the Cameroon-born NBA player was granted citizenship by France, and this complicates his Olympic future. The French national team coach Vincent Collet sparked the debate when he expressed interest in Embiid, “Now he has both nationalities, and he has to choose one basketball nationality… I know he met some of our players to discuss. I think he should play with us. But we will see. We will respect his decision whatever it is.” Shortly after Collet’s statement made the rounds online, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Embiid has "firm interest" from Team USA for the 2024 Olympic Games. His decision could determine the outcome of the men’s tournament at the next Olympics since France and USA are two of the front-runners after playing in the finals in Tokyo, where Team USA won their fourth consecutive medal.