Joel Embiid is a free agent, but not in the way you think.
During the Philadelphia 76ers’ media day on Monday, the 29-year-old confirmed that he wants to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, who he will play for is yet to be determined.
Embiid could, technically, suit up for three different countries — Cameroon, France or the United States. He was born in the former, and became a citizen of the latter two last year.
The reigning league MVP, who does not have any international basketball experience, told reporters he would make his decision “in the next few days.”
“My goal is to play in the Olympics,” Embiid told reporters. “I love all three options.”
If he were to compete for the U.S., Embiid could be part of a roster filled with future Hall of Famers. According to a report from The Athletic last month, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is interested in competing for Team USA in Paris, and is recruiting the likes of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum.
Cameroon, on the other hand, has not qualified for the last two FIBA World Cups. However, the national team will compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in early 2024, with four spots for Paris up for grabs.
As for France, Embiid would be joining the reigning Olympic silver medalists and hosts, but a group that also failed to get out of the group stage (and finished 18th out of 32 countries) at the World Cup this past summer.
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