‘Does Joel Embiid deserve to start for Team USA?‘ This is one of the most controversial questions from fans after head coach Steve Kerr decided to play Embiid as a starter for all five exhibition games, alongside LeBron James and Stephen Curry. What’s concerning is that the Cameroonian center has not been consistent or dominant on the court lately. While fans are puzzled by Kerr’s decision to start Embiid, a popular NBA analyst has unearthed a story about an “under the table deal” securing a spot for the Philadelphia 76ers center in the starting lineup. What is this suspected deal about? Let’s look into the details.

“Yeah, I like those three guys in the starting lineup“, said Kerr about James, Curry, and Embiid, despite a series of underwhelming performances from the latter. Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo have been better options for the role of center for Team USA, but Kerr is adamant about starting Embiid. According to analyst Jason Timpf, there might be an under-the-table deal not only to keep Embiid in the starting five but also to make him choose the USA over France.

Timpf said, “This most probably has to do with sort of under-the-table deal to try to get Embiid not to play for France instead. Right? That was the whole thing. Is he going to play for France?” In October 2023, Embiid had a chance to represent France alongside Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. The French basketball team also actively tried to recruit him. However, Embiid chose the USA over France. 

Timpf pointed out, “Team USA kind of needed a big and France had Wembanyama and Gobert,” as the reason behind the possible under-the-table deal. Embiid averaged 10.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes in the five exhibition games. Looking at Kerr aggressively endorsing the seven-footer, it is likely that he will remain a starter for the rest of the Olympics. Also, you would like to know why Embiid denied playing for France. So, here you go. 

Why did Embiid choose Team USA over Team France?

According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron texted Embiid to persuade him to play for France. Despite significant pressure from the French, USA’s managing director Grant Hill allowed Embiid to make the decision on his own. This might have been the turning point.

“Family played a big part of it. Obviously having built my family here and really being here for now, half of my life just made more sense,” said the 2023 MVP for choosing the USA. He faced a lot of backlash from the fans on social media for this decision. Anyhow, Embiid is not new to criticism. 

He is looking forward to embracing the trash talk and criticism in Paris. That’s bold of the Cameroonian center. However, the central issue remains Timpf’s surprising claims about Team USA and a possible deal. Do you think this could be true? Let’s wait and watch.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video: