Victor Wembanyama Expresses Sadness After Joel Embiid Ditches France and Motherland Cameroon to Join LeBron James and Stephen Curry-Led Team USA

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid took the basketball world by storm after he committed to Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Team USA faced a lot of criticism after their disappointing performance in this year?s FIBA World Cup. 6-time World Champion Noah Lyles? controversial comments made the fans even angrier towards the NBA not sending their superstars for international tournaments. So, several NBA superstars, led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, took the responsibility of bringing glory back to the USA on their shoulders by committing to the 2024 Olympics. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid?s commitment was still in question as he held three different nationalities.

He eventually committed to Team USA this week, ditching France and his motherland, Cameroon. French Sensation Victor Wembanyama addressed Embiid?s decision and expressed his sadness for Cameroon.

Victor Wembanyama addresses Joel Embiid?s Team USA commitment

2 days after Joel Embiid’s decision to commit to Team USA for next year?s Paris Olympics, Wemby gave his thoughts on Embiid?s decision. “I don’t really have an opinion, I’m just sad for Cameroon,” Wembanyama said.

Joel Embiid was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, and holds the citizenship of the USA and France. So, the 76ers Center could have played for any of the three nations in the 2024 Olympics. Wembanyama expressed his sadness for Cameroon because they have never played in the Olympics or the World Cup, and Joel Embiid?s addition could have given them a solid chance at making a debut in the tournament.

Embiid could have also chosen to team up with Victor Wembanyama. He had the option to play for France in the 2024 Olympics and share the court with the 19-year-old prodigy.

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With the defensive presence of three 7 footers in Joel Embiid, Victor Wembanyama, and Rudy Gobert, France could have been a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately for Wemby, Embiid decided to team up with LeBron James and Co.

Why did Joel Embiid choose Team USA over France and Cameroon?

Joel Embiid revealed that the primary reason for his commitment to Team USA was his 3-year-old son, Arthur. ?I want to honor my son who was born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him,? the 7 footer said. Embiid could also have been motivated by the chance to share the court with some of the greats including, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.

Many NBA legends have already committed to Team USA for next year?s Olympics. Superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, are expected to join forces and bring the Olympic Gold Medal home. Fans are excited to see ?The Dream Team 2.0? in action.

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And Joel Embiid?s addition will provide some much-needed size to the already stacked Olympics squad. Hopefully, with this squad, Team USA will be able to bring glory back to American basketball.