“I don’t care about Jokic!” Joel Embiid gets honest about facing NBA rival in Paris Olympics

Former MVP Joel Embiid will be a part of Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In their first game on the world stage, Team USA will go against the current and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Embiid and Jokic both have a great history with each other. Both have competed for the MVP trophy in recent years.

Team USA prepares for the Olympics later this month before heading out. During the Team USA press conference, Joel Embiid was asked if he was looking forward to playing against Team Serbia and Nikola Jokic. The answer from Embiid might raise eyebrows for some fans.

I don’t care about Jokic. I’m playing for my National Team.

Joel Embiid via Team USA media interview

The MVP race from 2020-23 featured two players: Embiid and Jokic. The Serbian superstar won it thrice, including last season, whereas Embiid won it during the 2022/23 NBA season. The two big men remain an important aspect of their respective teams and will meet up soon. Embiid will play for the first time for Team USA this Olympics and looks forward to winning the gold.

Although Embiid is from Cameroon, he was eligible to play for Cameroon, France, and USA. However, the Philadelphia 76ers star chose to play for Team USA. Embiid will join NBA veterans like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard. Once the Olympics are over, Embiid will rest and join up with the 76ers in the hopes of adding an NBA championship.

Udonis Haslem talks about Joel Embiid’s leadership

The Philadelphia 76ers had a great regular season up until their star player, Joel Embiid, suffered an injury. All the load came on Tyrese Maxey‘s shoulder as he carried the team through the second half of the season. Luckily, Embiid returned for the playoffs, but they lost to the New York Knicks as Jalen Brunson played the best series of his career.

After the loss to the New York Knicks, many people questioned Embiid’s credibility. Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem was one of the people who questioned the Sixer’s star leadership. Haslem talked about Embiid health being an issue as they contend for the title. He also stated that Embiid needs to be a better version of himself regarding leadership.

If you are talking about winning a championship and you want to bring guys to Philly, and you wanna be the leader of that organization. If you’re gonna lead, guys are gonna follow. And you can’t lead with bad habits. Somebody has to have those face-to-face authentic conversations with Joel Embiid.

Udonis Haslem via ESPN First Take

Now, with Paul George also in the lineup for the Sixers, the team has certainly improved from the previous season. However, health remains one of the main issues for both Embiid and George. Hopefully, they will make some noise in the Eastern Conference next season.

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