The recruitment of Joel Embiid to Team USA has marked a significant boost for the team as they set their sights on the 2024 Olympics. Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, has recently become a naturalized American citizen, adding an intriguing subplot to his journey onto the American squad.
Embiid's decision to join Team USA wasn't without drama. His recruitment saw a competitive tug-of-war with France, punctuated by the leak of a letter allegedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron, requesting French citizenship. The tension escalated when former French basketball player Frederic Weis suggested that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics after committing to Team USA.
On the court, Embiid's transition has been a mix of highs and lows. He fouled out in his first exhibition game against Canada and has struggled at times, managing just 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting over three exhibition games. In a game against Serbia, Embiid posted the worst plus-minus of any American who logged at least 10 minutes, drawing attention to potential weaknesses in his adaptation to the team's pace and style.
Embiid's struggles have been particularly evident in his interactions with the guards. Players like Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards favor a fast-paced style, which has occasionally left Embiid out of sync. Opponents have targeted him in drop coverage, exploiting the space around him with floaters.
In contrast, Anthony Davis, who serves as Embiid's backup, has thrived under the international rules, which lack a defensive three-second restriction and have lenient goaltending restrictions. Davis's mobility and verticality have made him a defensive stalwart, as evidenced by his 12 blocks over three games, six of which came against Serbia. Davis is also shooting efficiently, hitting 13-of-24 from the floor over the same span.
Davis's advantage extends beyond individual stats. His chemistry with LeBron James, honed over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers, adds a layer of cohesion to the team's dynamic. This duo has the longest tenure of any two players on Team USA in the NBA, providing a foundational stability as the team navigates the Olympics.
The synergy between Davis and Bam Adebayo has been a cornerstone of the success of Team USA's bench. The frontcourt pairing, known for its speed and athleticism, has complemented a bench group that's thrived on those very attributes.
Team USA's strategy under head coach Steve Kerr has been one of adaptability and depth. Without relying on any single player, Kerr has crafted a squad capable of adjusting to various matchups and in-game situations. This strategy has allowed the team to leverage its overall talent advantage, giving them a significant margin for error as they prepare for the Olympic challenges ahead.
Anthony Davis has expressed his willingness to step up whenever needed, stating, “I’d be happy to play if I'm asked.” His readiness to rise to the occasion epitomizes the team's collective mindset as they gear up for potential Olympic glory.
In summary, while Joel Embiid's recruitment has added formidable firepower to Team USA, his adaptation to the team's style of play remains a work in progress. On the flip side, Anthony Davis's stellar performance and his chemistry with LeBron James fortify Team USA's frontcourt. With Steve Kerr's flexible strategy and the bench's dynamic contributions, Team USA remains well-prepared to face the hurdles on their path to Olympic success.