Joel Embiid, the current NBA MVP, has made a decision to play for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics, ending months of speculation about his national team choice.
The American squad is expected to feature a formidable roster, including basketball legends such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, among others.
Embiid’s motivation for choosing Team USA, as shared by basketball insider Ramona Shelburne, stems from the allure of joining a star-studded ensemble. Shelburne likened the team to an “Avengers” lineup, an opportunity too enticing for the MVP to pass up.
Notably, Shelburne emphasized that if Cameroon, Embiid’s home country, had qualified for the Olympics, he would have proudly represented them.
“If Cameroon were qualified for the Olympics, he’d be playing for Cameroon… It’s like an Avengers team that’s gonna go to Paris. You want to be a part of that,” she said on ESPN.
It’s worth noting that there remains a chance for Cameroon to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The team won the Pre-Qualifying Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Africa and is set to compete in one of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments next summer.
While the odds of qualification may be modest, having a player of Embiid’s caliber could significantly boost their chances on the international stage.
