76ers’ Nick Nurse, Joel Embiid Won’t Represent National Teams

Throughout the offseason last year, many were curious about Joel Embiid’s future outside of the Philadelphia 76ers. While the big man stars for the Sixers during the winter and the spring, the seven-footer has yet to show face on a basketball court during a summer setting.

Last summer, it became known that Embiid obtained a French passport. At that point, many wondered whether the Sixers star would represent France on a world stage. With the FIBA World Cup set to take place late in the summer, Embiid’s status with France remained in question.

However, the team’s head coach Vincent Collet confirmed that Embiid would not compete this summer. And as for future appearances, that remains unclear as well.

“We don’t know,” Collet told Telegraf. “It’s up to him to decide. We await his decision and are hopeful.”

If Embiid wants to play for a National team, it isn’t France or bust. As he also became an American citizen last year, Embiid will also have Team USA calling for his services when the time comes as well. Embiid has kept his future plans beyond the Sixers’ season in the dark, but it’s clear he won’t be risking any injuries before training camp at the World Cup.

Nick Nurse Steps Down

In other news, 76ers’ new head coach Nick Nurse has decided to step down from coaching Canada’s squad this summer. Nurse committed to coach Canada when he was employed by the Toronto Raptors.

After a disappointing end to the 2022-2023 NBA season, the Raptors parted ways with Nurse. When the Sixers called it quits with Doc Rivers after three seasons, they gave the veteran head coach a call. Nurse signed on to join the 76ers after a couple of weeks of searching for a new leader.

Although Nurse was initially expected to continue coaching Canada, he recently had a change of heart. According to the Toronto Sun, Nurse felt he needed to step away to dedicate his time and energy to the Sixers for their upcoming run.

With Nurse out of the picture, Sacramento Kings assistant coach Jordi Fernandez will replace Nurse as the head coach of Canada.