Joel Embiid was a rare free agent for international basketball prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he could find himself in that position again in 2028.
The former NBA MVP was born in Cameroon and obtained citizenship in both the United States and France, but he never suited up for any of the country's national teams. He chose to don the red, white, and blue in 2024, but he may switch sides when the Olympics return to Los Angeles in 2028.
The initial decision to join Team USA was a controversial one given the sheer talent that the United States possesses and Embiid's birthplace being in Cameroon. He also could have joined forces with Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert to form a scary three-headed frontcourt in France.
I’m really proud and excited about this decision. It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, and the USA home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league. I want to play for my fans because they’ve… pic.twitter.com/6VHSQTKVl3
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) October 5, 2023
Fans have booed Embiid during the Olympics, and he'll have to face France in the gold medal match on Saturday, Aug. 10. He's at least secured a silver medal, and that may be enough for him to join Cameroon in 2028.
Here's what Embiid said about the 2028 Olympics, including his options for leaving Team USA for Cameroon.
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Will Joel Embiid play for USA in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
Embiid was in rare territory being able to choose which country he wanted to compete for during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Most athletes have citizenship in just one country, but Embiid has three.
He chose the United States, but he may switch sides after winning a medal in 2024. Team USA has earned at least a silver medal and will play France for the gold medal on Saturday, Aug. 10.
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Embiid commented on the possibility of joining the Cameroon national team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, leaving behind Team USA after one set of Games.
"It's been a good experience," Embiid said. "It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon."
Joel Embiid on Olympics: "It's been a good experience. It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon."
— Ron Kroichick (@ronkroichick) August 9, 2024
Although Embiid has citizenship in France and Cameroon, it's not a straightforward change. FIBA rules restrict players from changing national teams if they've played for one team after the age of 17.
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There's one exception, however. If a player changing teams is "in the interest of the development of basketball in the country," then FIBA may allow the switch. Embiid's potential swap would fit under those parameters.
Cameroon men's basketball has never been to the Olympics, so it would be of great interest to allow Embiid to join the national team. Cameroon doesn't automatically qualify for the Olympics, but it gives the country a much better shot with Embiid in the lineup.
If Embiid were already on Cameroon and wanted to join the United States, FIBA wouldn't allow the move since the U.S. is a dominant force in basketball already.
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How old is Joel Embiid?
Embiid is 30 and will turn 31 in March 2025.
The Philadelphia 76ers drafted the 7-footer out of Kansas with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He sat out two years battling injuries before playing just 31 games in his rookie year. He's been an All-Star in every season after his rookie campaign.
Embiid will be 34 when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics roll around. By no means is Embiid too old to compete, as there are a number of older players on Team USA and other national teams.
The key question will be Embiid's health in four years. He's been extremely injury prone throughout his career with the 76ers and another extended summer at age 34 could be problematic for his longevity.
That said, he may prioritize playing for Cameroon since he was born there.