With or without Joel Embiid at the 2023 World Cup? It will probably be without. But that does not mean that the native of Yaoundé will not wear the colors of the French team at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Remember that Embiid, 29, could of course represent his native Cameroon on the international scene, but also France or the United States. “He still hasn’t made a decision,” said Vincent Collet on Saturday, in front of the press. I think I can tell you that it seems difficult that he can play with us this summer. However, that does not call into question the fact that he can play with us next year. He is going to get married this summer and it falls in the wrong period, during the preparation of all the teams. It makes it difficult for him to be there, whatever team he might choose.
And the coach of the Blues to add: “A cross for 2024? No. We listen to it. The last things he confided to Boris (Diaw) again very recently was that he is still hesitant in his thinking. A timing? I retained what he could say and we are moving forward for this summer for the moment. The timing would have been very important if he had been sure of being able to come this summer, which we hoped. But since he will probably not play this summer, there is less importance in terms of timing and therefore more time for him to make his decision. You will still have to take it because you have to take the Fiba steps. It takes time.” Joel Embiid is one of the best players on the planet, the big favorite for the title of NBA MVP after a season with 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds.
