Philadelphia 76ers' center Joel Embiid's timeline for returning to the court remains uncertain following his recent knee surgery. This has raised questions about his availability for the U.S. Olympic team this summer. Embiid, who underwent a procedure to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee, is expected to be out of action for at least four weeks, potentially much longer.
Despite the setback, U.S. coach Steve Kerr reached out to Embiid this week to offer his well wishes for a speedy recovery. Kerr even expressed his desire to meet up with the NBA MVP before the Warriors faced off against the 76ers. While Kerr hoped to see Embiid, the situation remains unpredictable due to the surgery, rehabilitation process, and the 76ers' plans, all of which play significant roles in determining Embiid's chances of representing the U.S. in the Olympics.
Kerr acknowledged that there isn't much that can be done at this point and expressed his hope that Embiid will fully heal and be ready to compete this summer. The Philadelphia star had previously committed to playing for the United States in the Paris Olympics over his native country, Cameroon, or even France. The final roster for the U.S. Olympic team won't be announced until the spring of 2024, but if Embiid's health permits, he seemed like a surefire selection for the 12-man squad. The team will be led by Kerr, with assistance from Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, and Mark Few.
Embiid, who became a U.S. citizen last year, cited his desire to represent his new home country as the primary reason for his decision. He expressed his love for his homeland but stressed the significance of family and the opportunity to play for the U.S. in the Olympics. The U.S. team, composed of top NBA players such as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, will aim for its fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris next summer.
The Paris Olympics could potentially mark Durant's last appearance for the U.S. national team, as he would become the first male basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals. Kerr acknowledged that it might be a 'last hurrah' for some of the veterans on the team and mentioned the possibility of younger players stepping into leadership roles. He praised the talents of Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson, who stood out during last summer's World Cup.
Kerr expressed his excitement at having Embiid join the mix of exceptional players vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Embiid's recent performance, in which he scored a franchise-record 70 points, highlighted his abilities before the unfortunate knee injury occurred. The Philadelphia big man's absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team is hopeful for a full recovery soon.
The 76ers have not provided a specific timeline for Embiid's return, opting to evaluate his progress after four weeks. The league-leading scorer this season at 35.3 points per game, Embiid's health is crucial not only for the 76ers but also for the overall entertainment value of the NBA.
As the uncertainty surrounding Embiid's availability for the U.S. Olympic team lingers, fans will have to wait and see how his recovery progresses. The hope is that the 7-footer will be able to represent his adopted country on the international stage and contribute to the U.S. team's pursuit of another Olympic gold medal.
