Joel Embiid will likely be Team USA’s starting center at the 2024 Paris Olympics, declaring his allegiance to the USA after a controversial courting period where he also considered representing France. Now that Team USA’s training camp has begun, Embiid discussed playing for Team USA as a longtime dream.
“It means so much. It’s been a dream for a long time. It’s an electric group of guys, especially with such great players and the type of talent that you have. It’s fun to be a part of.”
Embiid wants to enjoy the experience and learn how to play with these elite stars around him.
“Just enjoying it. I play against them so I feel like I know a lot about them, but just being around them, and learning how to play with each other.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9v2ZACxomY
Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 39 games last season, losing out on a potential MVP campaign and another scoring title due to the injuries that kept him out for over half the season. Despite the struggles he had with health over the season, Embiid is determined to represent Team USA and be one of their most impactful players.
Embiid chose to represent Team USA over France or his home country of Cameroon in a decision many have derided him for, especially because he turned down France. With his arrival, Team USA has finally filled the center hole which has limited them at previous international tournaments.
Joel Embiid Will Do Whatever It Takes To Win
Embiid spoke candidly about his participation on Team USA this season. The center discussed how he feels he won’t be bullied by other centers and how excited he is to play in a lineup with all-time NBA legends.
“Everybody knows it’s hard to bully me, and it’s hard to bully those other guys. I think we’ve got enough size and basketball IQ. … Honestly, I’m just excited to get the ball in the post and having Steph, [Kevin Durant], ‘Bron cutting.”
Embiid’s dedication to winning at the Olympics knows no bounds, with the center saying he’d be willing to take zero shots and only play defense due to the incredible caliber of his teammates.
“I’m playing with a lot of great, amazing basketball players. So if I’ve got to take zero shots and play defense, I’m happy with it. … I don’t see [my teammates] as competition. I just want to enjoy them.”
The 2023 NBA MVP may have upset fans by declaring for Team USA instead of France, but it was a decision he made as someone who went to school and college in the United States before building a life in the country. His children are full American citizens and the country has given Embiid all the professional glory he’s received.
He is more American than French anyway, with Embiid not having the professional or familial ties with France that he has with the United States. Now that he’s made the decision to represent the greatest basketball nation in the world, he has to live up to their trust in him by dominating opposing big men during the Olympics.
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