Joel Embiid explains his decision to choose Team USA / News - Basketnews.com

Joel Embiid said choosing the USA over France and Cameroon was tough but explained that he wants to play in the Olympics, his son was born in the US, and he has lived here for a long time.

Credit: AP – Scanpix Credit AP – Scanpix

The Philadelphia 76ers star and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid admitted that choosing to represent Team USA was a tough decision.

Joel Embiid

Position:CAge:29Height:213 cmWeight:113 kgBirth place:Yaounde, CameroonProfileNewsStatistics

However, Embiid explained that the biggest factor was his and his family's settlement in the States.

"It was tough. Obviously, I love all three options. With my home country, which I love a lot, but I really want to participate in the Olympics," Embiid told the reporters. "That's been my goal and my dream."

"You add that with the fact that my son is American, I've been here for such a long time, I feel that for the past few years, this has been bought every decision has been made just based just family.

My family, my son, and having the chance to represent a country like the U.S. and my son being born here. Like I said, I love my home country, but ultimately, I really want to play in the Olympics.

I love all three options. I'm really thankful for the opportunity. France made the commitment that they were willing to make, I really appreciate it. It was a tough decision. I was trying to take my time as much as possible, but it was kinda made hard by the deadline that was put, but I'm happy with it," Embiid added.

Embiid was also asked whether the commitments from stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry had an influence on his decision. However, the latest Team USA star claims it wasn't the case.

"You want to play with great players, but I didn't think about that at all. It's great. I think that's a huge sacrifice," Embiid said. "Especially after a long NBA season. So when we have guys committing like this, I think it's great."

"Not just for them, but also for the game of basketball and the Olympics because basketball is such a huge sport at this point. Like I said, going back to family, that's really what it came down to," Embiid continued.

Embiid also revealed that he had one final meeting with all parties before making the final decision to choose Team USA.

"I needed to have one last conversation. I kinda of knew a little bit of what was going on. I didn't have just that last conversation with him [Grant Hill]. I talked to the boss and the French people. I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision. It just took one last meeting with all parties involved, then went ahead," Embiid concluded.

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