Joel Embiid spoke to reporter Roy Kroichick about his experience with Team USA and what he expects for the next Olympics in Los Angeles. Embiid praised all of his teammates for making his transition to Team USA very easy, and how he has loved his experience in Paris. Embiid did note that he could represent his native Cameroon at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles should they qualify for the tournament.
“It’s been a good experience. It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon.”
Embiid switching over to represent Cameroon may not sit well with American fans, who might think he was jumping on the bandwagon to represent Team USA, and left as soon as he found success. But Embiid has always maintained that playing for Cameroon is his first priority and only represented Team USA because Cameroon wasn’t able to qualify for the Olympics.
Joel Embiid’s love for Cameroon played a big factor in his decision to play for Team USA over France, as he revealed that he rejected France because of their historically poor relationship with Cameroon. So it makes sense that he would walk away from Team USA to play for Cameroon if given the opportunity.
Ironically, if Embiid does join Cameroon after rejecting Team USA, it would mark the second consecutive Olympic games that Embiid rejects the chance to play for the host country. This year, he rejected the chance to play for France, and in 2028, it would be to reject Team USA, who host the Olympics in Los Angeles.
Cameroon Could Be A Powerhouse With Embiid
Joel Embiid’s return to Cameroon could make them significantly better. Pairing Embiid with fellow NBA stars Pascal Siakam, Yves Missi, along with Christian Koloko would set Cameroon head and shoulders above most teams in South Africa. Their biggest challenge could be South Sudan, which shocked a lot of people at this year’s Olympics.
For now, Joel Embiid will have a singular focus on Team USA. Embiid had a solid game against Serbia, as he put up 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block to help Team USA reach the gold medal game. Now, Embiid will have a chance not just to win the Olympic gold medal, but also to shut up the French fans who have been booing him consistently this tournament.
Embiid has not been shy about taking it to the French fans for booing him. In fact, after Team USA’s major win against Serbia, Embiid intentionally celebrated right in front of the French fans who were booing him in the audience.
Embiid and Team USA must do their best to shut down the noise and focus on defeating France. They cannot afford any distractions or could blow their chance to secure their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
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