Joel Embiid’s Olympic Decision
During Team USA’s 110-84 victory over Serbia at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, fans booed Joel Embiid every time he touched the ball, even in pregame warmups. The seven-time NBA All-Star, who was born in Cameroon, became a French citizen in 2022, which made him eligible to represent the host nation. However, Embiid, 30, chose to play for Team USA after meeting with general manager Grant Hill on Oct. 5.
“It was not easy,” Embiid stated on X about his decision. “I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, and the USA home. After discussions with my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league and for my incredible fans since day one. Most importantly, I want to honor my son who was born in the U.S. I want him to know I played my first Olympics for him.”
France’s Efforts to Secure Embiid
Boris Diaw, former NBA champion and French general manager, revealed in March that Embiid had expressed interest in playing for France during the 2021-22 NBA season. Diaw said, “Joel came and said he wanted to play international basketball, seeking to win with France.” French basketball president Jean-Pierre Siutat stated that he worked with the government to obtain a passport for Embiid and his son, affirming that Embiid had consistently expressed a desire to represent France. However, Embiid denied any quid pro quo arrangements through his spokesman.
Reactions and Controversy
The backlash from fans in Paris stems from disappointment over Embiid’s choice. Former French national player Frederic Weis criticized Embiid’s decision, feeling it displayed a lack of respect for France and its citizens who sought citizenship. “I hate him for the things that he did,” Weis remarked. Despite this negativity, Embiid remains focused on his choice, stating, “Like I said, I’m an American. I play for Team USA.”
Performance and Upcoming Matches
In five exhibition games, Embiid averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. In the match against Serbia, he scored four points and grabbed two rebounds in 11 minutes of play as Team USA improved to 1-0. They are set to face South Sudan on Wednesday. Meanwhile, France, ranked ninth by FIBA, is 2-0 and will compete against Germany on August 2. Both teams need to advance out of their respective groups to meet later in the tournament.
“I’m really proud and excited about this decision…” Joel Embiid tweeted on October 5, 2023.
Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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