It was reported earlier this year that Joel Embiid was set to apply for French citizenship, and it finally became official last month. The 76ers big man was then supposed to link up with the team for EuroBasket 2022, but the hand injury he suffered in these past NBA playoffs meant he was unable to do so.
That means we will have to wait for a bit longer to see Embiid team up with fellow All-NBA big man Rudy Gobert to form what would be a formidable frontcourt for France. Gobert, who is playing at the EuroBasket, recently spoke about potentially teaming up with Embiid, as he called him an incredible player.
via BasketNews:
“He’s an incredible player. There are lots of things to think about. Joel is a unique player and we have a team that is already well-knit. A group that lives well together. You have to see how it might work for the group.”
Some weeks ago, Gobert said, “there’s no player in the world like Joel Embiid. So yes, I would like to see him one day with the jersey of the French team. It is up to the coach (Vincent Collet) to make this decision.
But no one can really say no to a talent like him. As long as it sticks to our team, our chemistry and our principles of play, and he is ready to adapt to it, he can be a very nice weapon for us,” the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year said.
It is a different way of playing the game as opposed to in the NBA, which is why Gobert talks about Embiid having to adapt to their principles with the national team. He should be able to figure out a way to do that, and France will be a major headache for teams to deal with moving forward.
It would have been great to see them get some time together on the court with the Olympics coming up in Paris in 2024, but it is what it is. Victor Wembanyama, who could be the first pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, is also missing EuroBasket like Embiid as he, too, is recovering from an injury. The three of them will hopefully be healthy when the Olympics come around, as France will be aiming for the Gold medal after having to settle for Silver in Tokyo.
