Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is recovering from meniscus surgery on Feb. 6. The Sixers, who are 7-17 in games he doesn’t play, still hope the big fella can return during the regular season — most likely some time in late March.
While that would be wonderful for the Sixers, there is also the question of his Olympic status for the 2024 Paris Games. Embiid announced at training camp in October that he would play for Team USA, joining stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant to represent the Americans in the Games.
Per The Athletic, that plan is still on track as Team USA begins to get its ducks in order:
USA officials — led by managing director Grant Hill and Sean Ford, who oversees day-to-day operations for the men’s national team, and coach Steve Kerr — are still counting on Embiid, who underwent surgery to repair a meniscus tear earlier this month but could return to the 76ers’ lineup before the end of the regular season. Embiid’s plans to represent Team USA in the Olympics remain intact, a source said.
Embiid was in the midst of another phenomenal season, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists before being injured. He was likely going to win another MVP award at that rate.
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