NBA MVP and Philadelphia 76ers superstar, Joel Embiid has decided to play for the USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. The center has been pondering about playing for France but chose America.

The 29-year-old, born in Cameroon, has never played at the international level due to persistent injuries.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Team USA, James Harden, France, Cameroon, NBA — Joel Embiid won MVP last season. Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE.
Source: Getty Images

According to ESPN, Embiid informed the Team USA executive director of his decision days after the pair met in Colorado.

Embiid has American and French citizenship and according to the report, there has been a recruiting battle in the background.

General manager of the French men's national team, Boris Diaw recently said the center wanted to play for France, but a hand injury prevented him, per CBS Sports.

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The big man has struggled with injuries in his career and has never played more than 68 games in a season. Therefore, his health will determine his participation in the tournament.

Why is Embiid committing to Team USA?

The 7-foot superstar reportedly wants to help the USA bounce back from the 2023 World Cup humiliation in Manila, Philippines.

The USA were eliminated by Germany in the semifinal a few weeks ago despite being pre-tournament favorites.

Reports also say Embiid was encouraged by some NBA superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, who expressed their interest in playing at the 2024 Olympics.

ESPN also adds that Embiid wants to win a gold medal in front of his son, who was born an American citizen. The six-time All-Star would definitely play a key role for Team USA next summer.

Embiid's challenge to 76ers teammates

Sports Brief earlier reported on newly-crowned MVP and 76ers superstar, Embiid challenging his teammates to improve next season.

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The Sixers exited the playoffs in the second round for three seasons in a row.

The last time they reached the conference finals was in 2001, during the Allen Iverson days. The 2001 MVP led the Sixers to the NBA Finals, but they lost in five games to the Lakers.

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Edwin Kiplagat

Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.