76ers: How Victor Wembanyama’s Decision Could Impact Joel Embiid

Next summer, NBA superstars have plans to team up and battle in the 2024 Olympic Games. Recently, a report indicated that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James intends to participate in his final run on an international stage, and he’s done some recruiting.

As James and several other stars are on pace to compete for Team USA in the Olympics, it raised a burning question again: What are Joel Embiid’s plans?

The Philadelphia 76ers center took steps to join a team on the international stage last summer by obtaining not one but two citizenships. Embiid confirmed to the media that he could play for France or USA based on his eligibility.

However, the MVP has left everybody in the dark regarding his plans. And since Embiid stayed away from the World Cup last month, everybody’s still trying to guess which route he’ll take.

A Decision That Could Have an Impact…

Embiid isn’t the only NBA big man who could represent France next summer. Considering Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has competed on an international stage with his country, he’s bound to be on the team in the Olympics next season.

So will the NBA’s most intriguing rookie, Victor Wembanyama.

Months after going No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama confirmed that he would compete for France next summer.

"Performing well at the Olympics would be a great story," Wembanyama told French media, according to ESPN. "I'll be present at the Olympics, and there's no other goal than gold."

Wembanyama isn’t limited to the five spot, as he’s expected to run at power forward with the Spurs. However, the addition of the seven-foot Embiid would surely make France’s front court quite overcrowded.

Perhaps the commitment from Wembanyama and Gobert could sway Embiid in a different direction. While France’s team officials have expressed an interest in having Embiid join the team in the past, they aren’t begging for his services at the moment.

Where Does USA Stand on Embiid?

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported two weeks back that “the prospect of persuading” Embiid to play for USA next year “remains in play.”

So far, there haven’t been any hints of which direction Embiid is leaning. Recently, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps revealed that he’s skeptical of France’s chances of landing the MVP.

“I don’t see any scenario he plays for France,” Bontemps said on The Hoop Collective podcast. “I would be stunned if he did.”

Recently, it's been revealed that France put a soft deadline in place for Embiid's decision. That could help offer more clarity in due time.

While Bontemps remains skeptical of Embiid’s Olympic status altogether at this time, he seems to believe that the USA has the upper hand in recruitment. The latest coming from Wembanyama strengthens the United State’s case.