Joel Embiid did not do his reputation any favors with his decision concerning the French national team.
Joel Embiid is one of the best international superstars in the NBA today. The Philadelphia 76ers’ cornerstone has made a huge impact on the league,
Embiid helped continue the trend of non-American MVPs in the NBA in 2023, when he beat out fellow international stars Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo to win the award.
Embiid is from Cameroon. However, he did grow up in the United States. But when it came time for the 2024 Olympics, the big man had the choice to represent either the US or France at the tournament.
After looking like he would represent France, given his ability to speak the language, Embiid shocked everyone and committed to Team USA.
Now, a year after Embiid helped Team USA beat France to win the Olympic gold medal, the French national team head coach had some choice words for the All-Star center.
Photo by Aytac Unal/Anadolu via Getty ImagesFrance head coach happy that Joel Embiid didn’t join them at 2024 Olympics
The head coach of the France basketball team, Vincent Collet, spoke to BasketNews recently. When talking about Joel Embiid snubbing the team, Collet was actually glad he didn’t join the side.
Collet then took aim at the system that allows non-French and non-European players to bend the rules and represent these countries.
But he did add that it was a call from French government officials to try and secure Embiid for the Olympics in their country.
“I was happy Embiid didn’t come last year, I think we don’t need that.
“I can understand why teams are doing it, but for me, it’s not fair. Most often, it’s point guards, because it’s a weakness of European countries.
“I couldn’t really do that because it was coming from even higher—like the Minister. It was something big. The Olympic Games were in France, and they thought it was, for us, insurance to be better. But for me, it wasn’t that clear.”
Team USA dominated at the 2024 Olympics
Joel Embiid’s decision to snub France despite originally committing to them was quite controversial. However, it’s hard to argue it wasn’t the right one.
For starters, Embiid’s fit with France would have been odd given their two best players – Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert – occupied the same positions he does.
Secondly, Team USA needed a center, and Embiid filled that role perfectly. Embiid proved to be the missing piece for Team USA, as they went on to steamroll the competition en route to their fifth straight Olympic gold medal.
Embiid didn’t feature in every game for Team USA. But when he did, his presence was felt. Naturally, he faced a lot of jeering from the French fans in attendance.
But that didn’t stop Embiid or Team USA from going on a brilliant run that ended with them defeating the hometown favorites, France, to win the gold medal.