Just like in the NBA when they fight for regular-season MVP awards, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić appear set for a collision course.
This time it will take place in the Paris Olympics. Embiid chose to play for the U.S. over both his native country (Cameroon) and France where he has dual citizenship. With Team USA set to play Serbia as part of Group Play, Embiid’s presence against Jokić could become an X-factor.
“I don’t care about Jokić,” Embiid said. “I’m playing for my national team. It’s all about focusing on ourselves and trying to make sure everybody is on the same page. When you get there, we’re going to know what we got to focus on. But right now it’s about trying to find ways to get better.”
Embiid has participated in Team USA’s first three practices without any restrictions, a strong improvement from what he experienced in the 2023-24 season.
