As Team USA gears up for the 2024 Olympics, the addition of reigning MVP Joel Embiid has become a significant highlight. Embiid, who is now a naturalized American citizen, was at the center of a fierce recruitment battle that included a surprising tug-of-war with France. In a dramatic twist earlier this year, a leaked letter allegedly penned by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron, requesting citizenship, added fuel to the rivalry.
However, as the dust settled, Embiid committed to Team USA, a decision that sparked mixed reactions. Frederic Weis went as far as to suggest that Embiid should be banned from entering France for the Olympics, emphasizing the level of disappointment among French basketball fans and officials.
Embiid’s initial performance for Team USA has been a rollercoaster. In his first exhibition game against Canada, he fouled out, setting the tone for a challenging transition. Over three exhibition games, Embiid managed 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting. His struggle to adapt became evident during the game against Serbia, where he posted the worst plus-minus of any American who logged at least 10 minutes. Opponents have targeted him in drop coverage with floaters, finding space around the towering center.
Despite these struggles, Team USA has a wealth of talent to lean on. Anthony Davis, serving as Embiid’s backup, has been a towering presence on the court. Davis recorded six blocks against Serbia and a total of 12 blocks through three games, benefiting from FIBA's lenient goaltending restrictions and the absence of a defensive three-second rule. On the offensive end, Davis has been efficient, shooting 13-of-24 from the floor over the same period.
Davis’s mobility and verticality provide a stark contrast to Embiid’s style, making him an advantageous option in pick-and-roll situations. Furthermore, Davis and LeBron James bring an added layer of chemistry to Team USA, having shared the longest tenure of any two players on the roster due to their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The bench groups of Team USA have thrived on speed and athleticism, with the frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo playing a central role in the bench unit’s success. Head Coach Steve Kerr has crafted a strategy that emphasizes adaptability, allowing the team to adjust seamlessly based on match-ups and in-game situations. This flexible approach ensures that no single player is the focal point, reducing reliance on any one individual and capitalizing on the squad's overall talent depth.
Anthony Davis, expressing his willingness to step up whenever needed, remarked, “I'd be happy to play if I'm asked." His readiness underscores a team dynamic built on mutual support and shared responsibility. This bodes well for Team USA as they prepare for the challenges ahead and aim to capture Olympic glory.
The road to the Olympics is fraught with competition, but with a roster brimming with talent and a strategy focused on adaptability, Team USA has positioned itself strongly. The journey of integrating Joel Embiid into the lineup while leveraging the strengths of seasoned players like Anthony Davis and LeBron James will be crucial. As the Olympics approach, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this assemblage of stars transforms potential into performance on the world stage.