Basketball is Not Ready For a Joel Embiid-Rudy Gobert vs Luka Doncic Clash in Major FIBA Tournament
Back in May, news broke that Joel Embiid had started the formalities necessary to become a French citizen in order to represent his country at international competitions. Moving ahead, Embiid’s situation has turned out as expected. And now that All-Star center and MVP contender Joel Embiid is reportedly a French citizen, USA Basketball has a whole new challenge when the 2024 Summer Olympics are held in Paris.
A berth is available for Embiid, who has a family in France, although FIBA only permits one naturalized player per side in international competition. It appears that finding out when Embiid will make his professional debut is only a matter of time now that he can legally represent France.
The basketball star from Cameroon first told the media that he would consider Cameroon’s best interests. Instead, he has made the decision to join one of the world’s top basketball countries. He could have been attracted by the prospect of joining forces with fellow big Rudy Gobert.
Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert to team up for France?
One of the top NBA players is Joel Embiid. To the national team of Cameroon, it will be a significant setback, but for France, it may strengthen their squad. Embiid has already turned down the chance to represent his country’s team at the 2017 AfroBasket Championships.
Joel Embiid has officially obtained a French passport! 🇫🇷
How long until Vincent Collet is on the phone ahead of #EuroBasket? 📞👀 pic.twitter.com/c1TNAP1gMu
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 13, 2022
The French could have a lineup that even Team USA can’t handle after adding a player of Embiid’s level to their squad. Embiid and Rudy Gobert are unstoppable enough, especially when Gobert is playing for the French National Team.
Name an international combo that can stop this French frontcourt:
Rudy Gobert
Joel Embiid
Victor WembanyamaICYMI, Joel Embiid is now officially a naturalized French citizen, making him eligible for Les Bleus 💯 pic.twitter.com/zDZkTVRyJz
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) July 13, 2022
France possesses a colossal three-man frontcourt that will be unrivaled by any nation in the world when you include superstar prospect Victor Wembanyama, a 7’3″ big man with a unique combination of excellent shot blocking, wing talents, and outside shooting.
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