Joel Embiid explains choosing USA over Cameroon for 2024 Olympics

The current NBA MVP and star for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid, has promised to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, according to ESPN.

Embiid informed Team USA executive director Grant Hill of his decision just days after their brief, one-hour meeting in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the Sixers are holding their training camp.

There has been a contentious recruitment effort to determine which country Embiid will represent at the Olympics.

He was born in Cameroon and holds both French and American citizenship.

After failing to win a medal at the FIBA World Cup in Manila this summer, according to ESPN, Embiid ultimately decided to play for the United States out of a desire to see his country rise to the top of the international basketball scene.

The desire to compete for the United States in the Summer Games and the chance to earn a gold medal in front of his 3-year-old son, Arthur, who was born an American citizen in 2020, motivated Embiid, the current MVP.

Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, then posted detailed information on his decision to switch international allegiances.

He said, "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 been incredible since the day I came here.

"But most of all, 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."

Cameroon was an option as they picked up a pre-qualifying ticket in Lagos, Nigeria but now their hopes are dashed.

Embiid who got Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido to perform at his wedding will now start off the season with a decision about his international allegiance settled.