Could Joel Embiid Join LeBron James in 2024 Olympics?

The Sixers' center is being targeted by Team USA.

LeBron James is ready to make a return to Team USA on the International stage. According to The Athletic, the NBA superstar “has a strong interest” in having a last dance in the Olympics, which is set to take place in Paris next summer.

Will Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid join The King? According to the report, the effort to recruit Embiid “remains in play.”

Although USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill did not comment on the recent report regarding LeBron and a handful of other NBA superstars’ interest in returning to the team for next summer, he did recently discuss the potential of landing Embiid for the Olympics next summer.

“He’s a young player, who has a choice,” Hill told reporters recently, discussing Embiid. “Everyone wants a player like him so why not you? Grant Hill: Of course. That’s a hell of a talent. But there’s also a chance that he won’t play, or decides not to play. It’s good to be young, to have talent and options. He’s a smart guy, and he’ll make the best decision for him.”

Embiid has options for next summer. After becoming a French and American citizen last year, the big man could take his talents to either squad, as they are both open to bringing on the Sixers’ big man for their eventual Olympic run.

While USA’s recent runs at the World Cup games haven’t been totally inspiring, USA would be eyeing its fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics next season. While LeBron’s presence in Paris would offer the team a significant boost, he isn’t alone in making plans to play beyond the 2023-2024 NBA season.

According to The Athletic, James has been recruiting Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green. Barring any changes in the meantime, they are described as “prepared to commit.” 

Where Embiid’s head is currently is unclear. On multiple occasions last season, Embiid wasn’t willing to discuss his future plans for International play. It’s apparent that Team USA is still very much interested in the MVP-winning center as the 2023-2024 NBA season approaches. Soon, we’ll see if major prospects like LeBron and Curry can influence the Sixers center to join forces with them next summer.