On Joel Embiid representing Team USA, Gregg Popovich makes a statement.

Gregg Popovich, the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has been working hard to get Victor Wembanyama ready for his rookie season while keeping an eye on another NBA big man who is making news.

Joel Embiid, the star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, will represent Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, according to a report on ESPN published on Thursday morning.
When asked about the decision of the reigning MVP by Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express News, Popovich, who led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics (which were instead played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), responded as follows.

In its pursuit of a second gold medal, the United States will face stiff opposition.

The Slovenian team is captained by Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, while the defending silver medalist French team features NBA stars Evan Fournier and Nicolas Batum.

After the United States failed to win a medal at the 2022 World Cup, the first time in 52 years, Embiid, who holds dual citizenship in France and the United States, declared that he wanted to play for the country.

Regardless of Team USA’s performance, Popovich won’t be present to witness it live. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has taken over as Team USA’s head coach in his place.

When the competition kicks off in the French capital next summer, Embiid will represent Team USA alongside other NBA stars like Lebron James and Stephen Curry.