Sixers center Joel Embiid against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, March 7, 2022 in Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid has finally switched his nationality as he recently became an US citizen. Joel Embiid has confirmed a switch to an American nationality recently.
The Philadelphia 76ers superstar who is a Cameroonian native has only just revealed that he was sworn in as an American citizen at a recent ceremony in the city of Philadelphia. The five-time NBA All-Star who also holds French citizenship is now an American citizen according to Associated Press.
Being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014 after playing college basketball in Kansas, Embiid has played for the 76ers for the entirety of his career. Embiid’s performances for the 76ers has seen improvement with every passing season, as he was the highest scoring player in the league last season – and looks to be in good form ahead of the upcoming season as well.
Embiid is following in the footsteps of other NBA athletes who have completed a switch in their nationality by obtaining US citizenship as well, such as the likes of free agent Enes Kanter Freedom who switched to an American citizenship from a Turkish nationality recently.
Embiid spoke to Associated Press about the factors that helped his decision to switch to the United States of American citizenship.
Embiid told Associated Press on Thursday that his wife Sports Illustrated model Anna de Paula, as well as their young son factored into the decision to switch to an American nationality. “I’ve been here for a long time”, Embiid told the outlet – the Cameroonian-French basketball player added: “My son is American. I felt like I’m living here, and it’s a blessing to be an American.”
It is yet to be known what Embiid’s nationality switch means in terms of him playing for the United States of basketball team, but for now – Embiid’s focus is to win the NBA Championship for the 76ers and winning his first ever ring.
“I just want to be healthy and win a championship and go from there,” Embiid told AP as the 76ers begin their campaign against the Brooklyn Nets on 4th October.
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