Joel Embiid discussed Team USA’s seeding in the same group as Serbia, which means they will get a chance to defeat reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic. Embiid and Jokic have had a heated rivalry in recent seasons, particularly over league MVP awards, but Embiid isn’t putting any extra emphasis on the game versus Jokic and Serbia.

“I do not care about Jokic. I play for my national team. That is exactly what it is all about. We’re focused on ourselves and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. When we get there, we’ll all know what to focus on.”

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Embiid sat out last season as Jokic won his third MVP trophy in four seasons, defeating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic. The season began with Embiid leading the MVP race by a wide margin, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while leading the team to a 31-8 record.

Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, securing the honour through a mix of club record, advanced numbers, and palpable influence. The Serbian centre did not play for the national team last year when they won gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, thus this is a dangerous team made even more dangerous by Jokic’s arrival.

squad USA will be the clear favourites, but Serbia is a national squad capable of pushing Team USA to its limits.

Joel Embiid Shared His True Thoughts About Representing Team USA

Joel Embiid chose to choose Team USA over France, which sparked criticism from French legends. He is more American than French, having spent his whole educational and professional career in the United States.

Embiid is proud to represent Team USA and be an Olympian for his country, as he stated in an interview following the first day of scrimmages.

“It means a lot. I’ve had this dream for a long time. It’s an electrifying group of guys, especially when you have such excellent players and talent. It’s enjoyable to be a part of… Simply enjoying it. I play against them, so I feel like I know a lot about them, but it’s really just being with them and learning how to play together.”

It is a tremendous honour to represent the finest basketball nation on the planet at the world’s largest international sporting event. Embiid recognises the unique chance to serve as Team USA’s starting centre throughout the Olympics.

The USA has struggled in recent tournaments owing to a lack of interior size, relying on the 6’9″ Bam Adebayo to marshal the paint against true seven-footers under the FIBA rule set, making it impossible for him to be as efficient as he can be in the NBA.