Photo Credit: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Joel Embiid Is About To Obtain French Nationality And Play For The French National Team

This season, Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid has made another step and has become a legitimate MVP candidate.

Embiid is a 7-foot-two, 280-pound big, who has no trouble racing down the court and finish at the rim with ease. He can knock down long range jumpers, shoot fadeaway jumpers like a guard, and dismantle defenders with smooth footwork and soft touch. To make things even better, he’s equally talented on the defensive end.

The self-proclaimed Process, who was born and raised in Cameroon, could soon be wearing the infamous blue jersey of the French national team. Embiid has never worn a Cameroon jersey in an official competition, which would make the transition a lot easier.

FIBA ​​regulations allow one naturalized player per national team, something Embiid is looking forward to be for Les Bleus. According to a report by French outlet RMC Sports, Embiid, who has already tried to become French a couple of years ago, has initiated necessary administrative procedures. 

If cleared, Embiid could join Rudy Gobert and form an impressive front court duo for the French National Team at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Via RMC Sports, translated by OpenCourt-Basketball’s Len Werle:

“The shadow of Joel Embiid hovers over Team France once again. Four years after a controversy caused by a declaration by the Cameroonian star about his interest in the French Team, it seems that the NBA superstar has never been so close to actually wearing the tricolor jersey.

[Embiid] has even initiated administrative procedures in France, according to our information. A stay in France, to personally finalize the filing, is planned by the end of June.”