Embiid's Addition to Team USA Brings Both Challenges and Benefits
Team USA has fortified its roster for the 2024 Olympics with a key addition: reigning MVP Joel Embiid. His recruitment marks a pivotal moment for the team, reflecting their commitment to retaining dominance on the global stage. Embiid, who recently became a naturalized American citizen, was at the center of a competitive tug-of-war with France, punctuated by a leaked letter allegedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron in April, requesting French citizenship.
As the dust settled and Embiid chose to don the red, white, and blue, his decision did not sit well with everyone. French basketball legend Frederic Weis suggested that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics—a testament to the weight of his choice.
Early Struggles and Adjustments
Despite the fanfare surrounding his recruitment, Embiid's transition to the international game has not been seamless. Fouling out of his first exhibition game against Canada was an inauspicious start. Over the course of three exhibition games, he managed to score only 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting, logging the worst plus-minus of any American who logged at least 10 minutes in the matchup against Serbia.
The pace and style of play favored by guards Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards have posed challenges for Embiid. Opponents have been quick to exploit his positioning, targeting him in drop coverage with floaters that capitalize on the space around him. This adjustment period underscores the differences between NBA and FIBA play, where the lack of a defensive three-second rule and lenient goaltending restrictions require players to adapt quickly.
Davis Steps Up
In contrast, Anthony Davis has thrived under these international rules. Serving as Embiid's backup, Davis has displayed his defensive prowess, notching six blocks against Serbia and totaling 12 blocks through three games. Additionally, his efficient shooting—13-of-24 from the floor—has been a bright spot for Team USA.
The mobility and verticality that Davis offers make him particularly effective in pick-and-roll situations, a significant advantage given the team's stylistic preferences. Moreover, Davis and LeBron James bring an added layer of chemistry to the team, developed over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers—the longest tenure of any two players currently on Team USA.
The success of Team USA’s bench units underscores the importance of speed and athleticism. The frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo has been central to the bench's effectiveness, providing a strategic counterbalance to the starting lineup. Davis, ever the team player, expressed his readiness to contribute in any capacity, saying, “I'd be happy to play if I'm asked.”
Strategic Depth and Coaching
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, Team USA's strategy thrives on flexibility rather than reliance on a single superstar. This approach allows the team to adapt to various match-ups and in-game situations seamlessly. With a significant margin for error afforded by their overall talent, Team USA remains well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
While Embiid's initial struggles highlight areas for improvement, his presence still adds a formidable dimension to the team. The combination of his potential dominance and the assured performance of Davis provides a dual-threat in the frontcourt, enhancing Team USA's quest for Olympic glory.