Embiid initially applied to play for France before switching allegiance to the United States

Steve MarcusAP

 

Joel Embiid, the 30-year-old center for the Philadelphia 76ers, continues to face criticism over his spot on the USA Basketball Olympic roster.

Embiid holds citizenship in the USA, France, and his homeland, Cameroon. He initially requested French citizenship to play for the French basketball team but later obtained US citizenship to compete with the American team ahead of the Paris Olympics.

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The decision has not sat well with some, including American rapper Mase, who criticized Embiid‘s inclusion on the USA roster.

On the ‘It is What it is’ podcast, Mase suggested that Embiid was chosen because he offers the best chance for the USA to win.

He pointed out that Embiid is seen as a necessary counter to Serbian team member Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP who plays the same position.

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Embiid is considered crucial for the USA team to match Jokic’s presence.

At 7 feet tall, Embiid surpasses Jokic’s height of 6’11” and has a stronger scoring record, averaging 34.7 points last season compared to Jokic’s 26.4 points.

Mase also mentioned Anthony Davis, noting his height of 6’10” and his average of 24.7 points, suggesting that Davis alone is not enough to counter Jokic.

Mase also accused Embiid of betraying his home country by choosing to play for the USA. He argued that Embiid’s decision reflects disloyalty, a sentiment echoed in the NBA community, which often criticizes players perceived as disloyal.

“You’re not only, will you be helping the US. You’re gonna be selling your country out,” Mase told the ‘It Is What It Is’ Podcast

Mase drew parallels to Kevin Durant, who faced backlash for leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors in pursuit of a championship.