Boris Diaw, the GM of the national team of France, addressed the status of Joel Embiid and his participation in the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket (September 1-18).
Diaw, the former captain of France, revealed that the superstar of the Philadelphia 76ers was considering playing for the national in the EuroBasket. However, the finger surgery he had in offseason ruled him out for the tournament.
Embiid has obtained a French nationality and is set to apply for a FIBA license to officially join the national team, once he gets his passport.
“His [Joel Embiid’s] request for naturalization has been accepted. We know that he’s still waiting for the French passport. When he obtains it, then he can start the process and apply for a FIBA license for the national team.
He would’ve liked to play this summer if he hadn’t been injured. But he underwent hand surgery and didn’t return to basketball. It would’ve been too close, for him and Victor Wembanyama,” Boris Diaw told L’Equipe.
Joel Embiid could make his debut in the 2023 Basketball World Cup next summer, given that France will have clinched its spot in the tournament via the Qualifiers.
The superstar of the Sixers was unstoppable last season and an NBA MVP candidate, averaging a league-leading 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
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