Joel Embiid Criticized by French Basketball Federation for Decision

The French men’s basketball team had a chance to have one of the most incredible front lines that we have ever seen for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games. It looked as though the dream was going to come to fruition, but Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid changed his mind at the last minute, spurning the French team in order to play for Team USA.

French Team Criticize Joel Embiid’s Decision

“Team USA, with him, who can beat you? Come on, nobody. This is an easy way for him to get an Olympic medal.”

Jean Pierre Siutat, President of the French Basketball Federation, on Sixers star Joel Embiid playing for Team USA over Team France in the Paris Olympics this summer 👀… pic.twitter.com/qJINyCNX1M

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 20, 2024

Predictably, the people involved with international basketball in France were not happy.

Embiid never lived in France and doesn’t have citizenship, but speaks the language fluently, having grown up in Cameroon. When speaking about playing for an international team in the past, Embiid expressed his desire to play for France, but said that he would have to make a decision between them and Team USA when the time came.

It looked like he was on the right track to be the center for the French team. Team officials helped him in the long process of obtaining a passport for him, and claim that Embiid told them directly, “I want to play for the national team of France.” The process was eventually completed, and the passport was the first major step in getting him on the floor and in their uniform.

“Easy Way For Him To Get A Medal”

France had planned to start Victor Wembanyama at small forward alongside Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert before Embiid joined Team USA, per @TheAthletic

Imagine this frontline 🤯

(Via https://t.co/94q6lxbOID) pic.twitter.com/c76I1CL5f4

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 20, 2024

That is, until Embiid changed his mind. In early October, the reigning NBA MVP winner…

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Author : Anthony R. Cardenas

Publish date : 2024-03-20 16:43:30

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