Report: Joel Embiid to play for U.S. at Paris Olympics

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th October, 13:28 2023

Dec 31, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) gestures after a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Philadelphia won 115-96. credits: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will play for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ESPN reported.

The two-time NBA scoring champion and reigning league MVP informed Team USA executive director Grant Hill of his decision on Thursday morning.

Embiid and Hill met earlier this week in Fort Collins, Colo., where the Sixers are holding training camp at Colorado State.

Embiid, 29, was born in Cameroon and holds French and American citizenships. The 7-footer told reporters at Philadelphia's media day Monday that he was torn between his three options.

A source told ESPN that Embiid decided on Team USA because he wants to help restore the squad to prominence after the United States failed to medal at this summer's FIBA World Cup.

Embiid joins Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant among the former league MVPs who have expressed interest in playing for the U.S. squad in Paris.

A six-time All-Star, Embiid averaged a career-high 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 66 games last season.

—Field Level Media