Joel Embiid’s Impact on Team USA and the Road to 2024 Olympics
The recruitment of Joel Embiid has significantly bolstered Team USA’s ambitions as they set their sights on the 2024 Olympics. The reigning MVP, now a naturalized American citizen, has already had an eventful journey en route to joining one of the most storied teams in basketball history. However, his transition has not been without its challenges and controversies.
The tug-of-war for Embiid's talents between the United States and France was as intense as any on-court rivalry. Prior to his commitment, a letter allegedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron requesting citizenship leaked in April, stirring the pot in international hoops circles. Despite these diplomatic overtures, Embiid ultimately chose to don the red, white, and blue.
In the wake of his decision, former French basketball player Frederic Weis controversially suggested that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics. This sentiment underlined the high stakes and heated emotions surrounding Embiid's allegiance.
On the court, Embiid's initial outings for Team USA have been a mixed bag. He fouled out of his first exhibition game against Canada, and across three exhibition games, he managed just 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting. Notably, he posted the worst plus-minus rating of any American who logged at least 10 minutes in the game against Serbia, exposing some areas for improvement in his adaptation to international play.
Backing up Embiid is the ever-reliable Anthony Davis, whose defensive prowess has made him an asset for Team USA. Davis recorded an impressive six blocks against Serbia and accumulated a total of 12 blocks through three games. The FIBA's lack of a defensive three-second rule and more lenient goaltending restrictions have played to Davis's strengths, allowing him to excel in his natural defensive habitat.
Offensively, Davis has been efficient, shooting 13-of-24 from the floor over three games. The synergy between Davis and LeBron James, honed through five years with the Los Angeles Lakers, brings another layer of stability and experience to the squad. Together, they boast the longest tenure of any two players on Team USA, which could prove invaluable as the competition heats up.
Despite the early struggles, Team USA’s strategy under head coach Steve Kerr does not revolve around any single player. This flexibility has allowed the team to adapt based on match-ups and in-game situations. Embiid, struggling with the pace and style favored by guards Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards, has found himself targeted in drop coverage. Opponents have exploited the space around him, particularly with floaters — a common tactic in international play.
In contrast, Davis’s mobility and verticality offer significant advantages in pick-and-roll situations, making him a more versatile defensive anchor. The frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo has been central to the success of Team USA’s bench units, which thrive on speed and athleticism.
“I'd be happy to play if I'm asked,” Anthony Davis remarked, underscoring his readiness to step up whenever needed. His assurance reflects the overall depth and talent that Team USA enjoys, giving them a substantial margin for error as they prepare for the rigors of Olympic competition.
The bench groups of Team USA, buzzing with energy and athleticism, provide the spark needed to maintain their competitive edge. This dynamism, coupled with their strategic flexibility, positions Team USA well as they aim for potential Olympic glory. With Embiid and Davis anchoring the frontcourt, complemented by an array of skilled players, Team USA is poised to meet the challenges ahead with confidence and composure.