Team U.S. has witnessed back-to-back World Cup tournaments without winning a medal, marking the first time this has happened since 1970. This has prompted NBA big-name players, including former league MVPs like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, to show interest in coming together to support Team USA in the next summer Olympics.
It now seems certain that Bam Adebayo has secured a spot on the roster. The news also came with a report that Joel Embiid has declared his allegiance to the USA Olympic Team ahead of France.
Bam Adebayo guaranteed for Team USA 2024 Olympics roster
Bam Adebayo is one of the NBA’s best defenders, as he has been the Miami Heat’s defensive anchor during both of their run to the Finals. His skill set is precious in the modern NBA, where it’s uncommon to effectively guard all five positions. At the international level, he had a significant impact on the USA Olympic team, which won the gold medal in the 2020 Olympic Games.
However, despite elite players showing interest in joining the 2024 squad and it seems nearly guaranteed that he will be a part of it. “Bam Adebayo will have a spot on Team USA’s 12-man Olympic roster,” as per Tim Reynolds.
Team USA clearly appreciates Adebayo’s defensive skills and intangible contributions. Although he doesn’t control the ball, which is a desirable trait when paired with other elite athletes. Adebayo averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for the Heat in the 2022/2023 NBA season.
Joel Embiid has reportedly committed to play for Team USA
Joel Embiid, the current NBA Most Valuable Player, has decided to play for Team USA in the Paris 2024 Olympics, according to sources from ESPN. He confirmed his decision to Team USA executive director Grant Hill on Thursday morning. This choice came shortly after the two had a private meeting lasting nearly an hour in Ft. Collins, Colorado, where the Sixers are conducting their training camp, according to Ramona Shelburne.
Embiid then tweeted, “I’m really proud and excited about this decision. It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, and the USA home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league. I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here. But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him.”
The reigning MVP, Joel Embiid was born in Cameroon and holds dual French and American citizenship. He had been at the center of a competitive recruitment effort by both countries to have him represent them at the Olympics. Several sources report that he picked the USA in place of France. Finally, he has decided to contribute to the United States’ efforts to regain its top position in international basketball after they failed to win a medal at the just concluded FIBA World Cup.
