Philadelphia 76ers standout Joel Embiid is set to mark his Olympic debut by joining Team USA for the 2024 Paris Games, as reported by multiple sources.

Joel Embiid, the current reigning NBA MVP, faced a significant decision-making process, considering his unique background. Born in Cameroon, he holds dual citizenship in France and the United States, which led to a competitive recruitment battle.

France even imposed an October 10 deadline in September to secure his commitment, but it seems that Embiid reached a decision well before that date.

While Cameroon initially appeared to be in contention for Embiid’s services, recent developments suggest that he is leaning toward representing Team USA this summer, showcasing his dedication to the international stage.

“My goal is to play in the Olympics. I love all three options. Cameroon, I’m born there, I’m from there and I always want to represent my country. But the goal is also to play in the Olympics,” he said. “If we had a chance, or if we would qualify for the Olympics, that will be an easy decision. But that’s still up in the air [because Cameroon still has to qualify for the 12-team Paris field next July]. And I really do want to play in the Olympics.”

During media day, Joel Embiid expressed his commitment to Team USA, aligning with several other prominent NBA players who have pledged their support. This impressive roster of potential Olympians includes luminaries like Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, among numerous other highly talented American athletes.

This surge of interest in the Olympics follows Team USA’s recent failure to secure a medal at the FIBA World Cup. This disappointing outcome marked the second consecutive time that Team USA returned home without hardware from the tournament, despite entering with aspirations of claiming the gold.

Stephen Curry, for instance, emphasized his desire to assist the United States in regaining its dominance on the global stage as one of his motivations for participating in the Olympics. Reports indicate that Joel Embiid shares this sentiment, and he also harbors a personal aspiration—to win a gold medal with Team USA in front of his son, Arthur, who obtained U.S. citizenship three years ago.