DALLAS — Joel Embiid was on the NBA Finals on Friday night time and stated his subsequent cease is the Olympics.
The Philadelphia 76ers heart, who missed greater than half of the common season after which was hobbled within the playoffs due to a knee harm, stated in a televised interview that his restoration goes nicely and he believes he’ll be able to play for the U.S. on the Paris Video games beginning subsequent month.
“I am doing nice. Simply preparing for the Olympics,” Embiid stated in an look on ABC’s pregame present earlier than Recreation 4 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. “It should be massive for me as a result of I have been dreaming about it since I used to be a child.”
Embiid’s well being has been one of many questions surrounding the U.S. roster because it was revealed earlier this spring. He is certainly one of three facilities on the roster, together with Miami Warmth’s Bam Adebayo and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis.
Different harm questions in current weeks have revolved across the standing of Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, each of whom had been both hobbled or sidelined throughout the playoffs. The Pacers anticipate that Haliburton, who handled a hamstring downside, can be prepared for the beginning of USA camp in Las Vegas on July 5; Leonard missed 12 of the Clippers’ closing 14 video games this season with proper knee irritation.
Embiid had choices on which staff to play for this summer season. He may have performed for France, and even his native Cameroon, which nonetheless has an opportunity to qualify for the 12-team area. However in October, he selected to play for the U.S., partly as a result of his son is American.
“For the previous few years, each determination I’ve made has been primarily based on simply household,” Embiid stated final 12 months when revealing his determination. “My household, my son, and having the possibility to symbolize a rustic just like the U.S., with my son being born right here. … I really like my dwelling nation, however I actually wished to play within the Olympics.”