By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist
After long negotiations and numerous debates, Joel Embiid has decided to wear the Team USA jersey for the next Olympic Games. A decision which caused a lot of talk in France, and Joakim Noah was the last to give his opinion.
Next summer, Joel Embiid should logically participate in the Paris Olympic Games, and he risks receiving a fairly hostile reception in the different tournament venues. Not because he is not a good player or because he is not liked, but rather because of the endless soap opera that preceded his choice to join Team USA.
Born in Cameroon, the reigning MVP has long been in discussions with the FFBB and the government in the hope of obtaining a passport which would open the doors of the Blues to him. The problem is that he quickly changed his mind when the Americans entered the negotiations, and that the supporters will not forget. Neither do players like Evan Fournier.…
Joakim Noah respects Joel Embiid’s choice
Guest on Vincent Moscato’s show on RMC on the sidelines of the Paris Game, Joakim Noah was asked to give his opinion on the question. He also has a special history with the French team, his position is therefore necessarily very relevant. As usual, he was very honest and frank in his response.
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If I regret Joel Embiid’s choice not to represent Cameroon or France? For me it’s his choice, he’s the one who worked his whole career to get there, he’s the one who wets the jersey. He chooses where he wants to play. I know that some will be sad following his decision, but if we talk about the origins of the players, the French team would be different if the Blues all played in their country of origin.
I agree that a team with Embiid and Siakam would have a huge impact internationally. But you have to understand that it’s your choice, even if it doesn’t please everyone. And then I know that the real work that needs to be done in Africa, he will be able to do once his career is over. It’s difficult when you’re playing trying to change a culture in an entire country.
Joakim Noah recognizes that a Cameroonian selection with Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam could have shaken things up in Africa and inspired many young people. But for the former Bulls, the real work to be done on the continent is structural, we have to change mentalities, and that is an almost impossible mission during a career. He prefers that Process win his titles with Team USA and tackle the big problem when he can devote all his energy to it.
Joakim Noah does not want to burden Joel Embiid, he totally respects his decision. On the other hand, he will be more attentive to the end of his career and how he will help his country of origin develop in basketball.
2024-01-12 12:50:00
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