Joel Embiid is switching teams! No, the MVP runner-up is not the newest star to request out of his franchise. However, Embiid is making amove that has been in the works for several months. The superstar has officially gained French citizenship which will open the door for him to compete internationally.
Joel Embiid has officially obtained a French passport! 🇫🇷
How long until Vincent Collet is on the phone ahead of #EuroBasket? 📞👀 pic.twitter.com/c1TNAP1gMu
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 13, 2022
While Embiid has maintained that the focus will be on the NBA season and he has not officially committed to playing for France, it certainly is a possibility. The French team most recently took home a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics, but the addition of Joel Embiid would certainly improve their chance.
It has been an interesting upbringing for Joel Embiid. The 28-year-old was born in Cameroon and moved to the NBA when he was 16. His impressive size and intriguing potential drew notice at a camp hosted by Luc Mbah a Moute which opened the door for his NBA career. Embiid speaks fluent French and has since he was a kid.
Adding this year's leading scorer om the NBA to the French national team will provide an interesting challenge to Team USA. The French national team has previously been led by three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Next year's projected number one overall pick Victor Wembanyama is also expected to play with France. Having three guys on the court over 7-foot would be interesting but has ridiculous defensive potential. Each player has impressive defensive characteristics although are a strange fit alongside each other. The Olympics are still a long way away, but this super-sized trio will be interesting to watch and provide a unique challenge to Team USA.
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