Joel Embiid Talks Possibility of Playing for Cameroon at 2028 Olympics After USA Run

Joel Embiid suggested he could be sporting new colors when he takes the court in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The Cameroon native is currently playing for the U.S. team as it hopes to earn a fifth consecutive gold medal on Saturday against France. Following Thursday's semifinal win over Serbia, Embiid suggested that he could choose to go for a medal with his home country in 2028 instead of running it back with the U.S.

"It's been a good experience," he told reporters. "It's been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is L.A. It might not be with Team USA; it might be with Cameroon."

While Embiid may wish to switch his allegiance in 2028, that is easier said than done.

Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that due to his participation for the U.S. in a "sanctioned international competition," Embiid would require a waiver from both FIBA and USA Basketball to make the switch.

With how Embiid has played in 2024, it would be hard to picture the U.S. granting that waiver. He is averaging 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 18.2 minutes per game in the Olympics and has proved to be a matchup nightmare at times for opposing frontcourts.

While the U.S. has the most top-end talent in the tournament, the gap with other countries is shrinking, and losing Embiid to a potential competitor could be detrimental to the team's chances in four years.

Before Embiid considers the switch, he will look to earn the gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The gold-medal game against France is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.