Fournier talks on Embiid in France NT, doesn't see him play for USA / News - Basketnews.com

Evan Fournier doesn't think that Joel Embiid will play for Team USA, and adds that Victor Wembanyama will be a big part of the French national team.

Credit: AP-Scanpix, FIBA Credit AP-Scanpix, FIBA

The New York Knicks and France national team guard Evan Fournier doesn't think Joel Embiid will play for Team USA, despite obtaining American citizenship.

Victor Wembanyama

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In a conversation with Toni Canyameras, the 30-year-old French also said he would welcome the Philadelphia 76ers star with open arms.

"Joel Embiid with us? We'll see," Fournier told Mundo Deportivo. "He got US citizenship, but I don't think he'll play for the US. If he chooses France, he will be welcome. We will welcome him with open arms. We will be very competitive with another big man coming. We have something special that is being built."

Last year In July, Embiid obtained French nationality, but in September, it was announced that he also received an American passport.

However, in an interview in November, French national team general manager Boris Diaw said he's confident Embiid will choose France.

"There is no development since the last time we spoke," Diaw said before the upcoming FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. "The American nationality was something we knew for quite some time. It's more to make his living in the United States easier."

Asked whether he remains confident that Embiid will play for France in the future, Diaw gave a short and clear answer.

"Yes," Diaw claimed.

To be eligible to play for France, Embiid only needs a clearance from FIBA, which is considered to be a formality.

"He [Embiid] doesn't have the FIBA license yet. But it would be nice if he could have it and play for the French national team," Diaw told RMC Sport in September.

"We know that he has become a French citizen. We try to have as many good players as possible and then make a team that plays well together," he added.

Embiid averages 33.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in 34 contests this season.

Fournier also talked about Victor Wembanyama's presence in the national team, admitting that he will be a big part of the team.

"The goal is always to win, and we are going to take it [that goal] home too," Fournier said."Wembanyama is going to be a big part of the team. Last year he was injured and couldn't play, but he's going to be a big part of the team."

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