Joel Embiid reveals when he'll make decision to play for France or USA

2023-01-26 13:17

Joel Embiid will decide whether to play for France or USA after the season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Credit: AP-Scanpix
Credit AP-Scanpix

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has an important decision to make, as France and Team USA want to see him on their national team roster.

However, the 28-year-old forward doesn't rush and focuses on the season with the 76ers.

"I've been asked this question a lot before," Embiid told L'Equipe. "Here I am focused on the NBA season because we have a good opportunity to be champion with the Sixers. I want my head to be 100% here. Afterward, at the international level, it's a good thing that I acquired French nationality."

Joel Embiid

Joel  Embiid
Joel  Embiid
MIN: 34.78
PTS: 33.37 (65%)
REB: 9.77
As: 4.14
ST: 1.06
BL: 1.66
TO: 3.6
GM: 35

However, Embiid admits that becoming a World Cup or Olympic champion would be a nice thing to achieve.

"Yes, it would be a nice sequence if I win the title with the Sixers before," Embiid continued. "A World Cup title this summer or Olympic gold next year would be really good. But I don't know what will happen by then because if I win in the NBA, I can be very tired. So, it will depend on my body too."

Finally, Embiid refused to confirm which country he will choose.

"I'm only focused on the NBA. We will make the decision after the end of the season," the 76ers star concluded.

Last year In July, Embiid obtained French nationality, but in September, it was announced that he also received an American passport.

In a recent interview, Evan Fournier admitted that France would welcome Embiid with open hands.

"Joel Embiid with us? We'll see," Fournier told Mundo Deportivo. "He got US citizenship, but I don't think he'll play for the US. If he chooses France, he will be welcomed. We will welcome him with open arms. We will be very competitive with another big man coming. We have something special that is being built."

This season Embiid averages 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in 35 contests.

FIBA World Cup 2023 will take place in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines on August 25-September 10.



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