The center explained the reasons for choosing the All-Star team over France in the Olympic Games: “I wanted to play with my brother from the NBA. I’m proud and excited, it’s an easy decision for him.” On Harden’s joining the Philadelphia training: “It’s not a distraction”
After a number of NBA stars declared during Media Day that they would like to represent the United States team, yesterday (Thursday) the Americans received significant news. After debating between the USA and France, reigning MVP Joel Embiid decided that he would join the all-star team that is being formed at the Olympic Games in Paris next summer. The center of Philadelphia, who grew up in Cameroon, commented on the social media about the decision he made: “I am very proud and excited about the decision. It was not easy,I am blessed to be able to call Cameroon, France and the USA home. After talking with the family, I knew I had to play for the USA team. I wanted to play with my brothers from the NBA, I wanted to play for my fans who were great from the day I got here. Most of all, I’m doing this for my son who was born here, I want him to know that in my first Olympics I played for him.” Embiid is the latest big name to express his desire to take part in Paris 2024. Kevin Durant preceded him, with LeBron James also hinting at his intentions to return to the squad Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard have also expressed interest in what will be a star-studded roster. Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum and AnthonyDavies is expected to be a part of it, so any result other than a gallop to the gold medal will be considered a colossal failure.
Beyond the team issue, Embiid and the Sixers are going through a complex period following James Harden’s trade request. The bearded guard boycotted Media Day but showed up for the team’s training camp in Colorado, with his insistence on leaving – with a preference for the Los Angeles Clippers in the background. to an ugly relationship with the club. “We are a slightly different team from two years ago, there is a new team and it is easy to concentrate,” Embiid said, “I don’tThink someone’s attention is distracted. Harden is training with us and that’s all I know right now.” According to a report by journalist Shams Charania from “The Athletic”, the differences between the Clippers and Sixers regarding Harden are large. The Clippers offered a first-round pick in the draft and an exchange of another pick, but Philadelphia wants Terence Mann along with several first round picks.