The race to secure Joel Embiid for the 2024 Olympics was one of the most intense recruitment battles in international basketball history. The reigning NBA MVP had the option to play for either Team USA or France, and after much anticipation, Embiid ultimately chose to represent the United States. However, his decision hasn’t been without controversy. French fans have made their displeasure known, booing Embiid during every game he’s played in the Paris-based tournament. With a highly anticipated gold medal matchup between Team USA and France on the horizon, the atmosphere is set to reach a fever pitch.
In reflecting on his Olympic experience, Embiid hinted that his future in international basketball might take a different path. “It’s been a good experience. It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks,” Embiid said. “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.”
This statement has sparked curiosity and debate among basketball fans. Embiid was born and raised in Cameroon before moving to the United States to pursue his basketball career. While he was eligible to represent Cameroon in the past, his recent commitment to Team USA complicates his ability to do so in the future. According to FIBA rules, once a player has represented a country in a senior men’s tournament, switching national teams requires a waiver from both the initial country’s basketball federation and FIBA itself.
This rule is designed to maintain competitive integrity and prevent players from jumping between national teams. Given that Team USA would likely be hesitant to grant a waiver, especially for a player of Embiid’s caliber, the path for him to represent Cameroon in the 2028 Olympics is far from straightforward.
There is a precedent that highlights this challenge. Klay Thompson, who was reportedly involved in training camp with Team Bahamas as they attempted to qualify for the Olympics, ultimately did not participate. Although no official reason was given, his past participation with Team USA might have played a role in preventing him from switching allegiances.
Joel Embiid also expressed that had Cameroon qualified for the 2024 Olympics, his decision might have been different. “Having lived half of my life in the U.S. and the other half in my country, Cameroon, it just looked like it was, you could go two ways and I always said from the beginning, everybody knew that if Cameroon would’ve qualified [for the Olympics], that would’ve never been a choice [to play for anyone but Cameroon].”
At 34 years old in 2028, Embiid will be entering the latter stages of his career, and given his history of injuries, his availability and desire to compete in another Olympic cycle could be in question. For now, his focus remains on finishing the job in 2024. With the gold medal game against France looming, Embiid is determined to help Team USA secure victory. Any decisions about his international future will have to wait until the dust settles.
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