The recruitment of Joel Embiid stands as a landmark moment for Team USA, significantly strengthening their roster for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Embiid, the reigning MVP and a newly naturalized American citizen, made headlines when he committed to Team USA, marking the culmination of a competitive tug-of-war with France for his allegiance.
Earlier in the year, a letter reportedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking French citizenship, leaked in April. This revelation sparked controversy and led to former French basketball star Frederic Weis suggesting that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics after committing to Team USA.
Challenges and Adjustments
Embiid’s transition to Team USA hasn’t been entirely smooth. He fouled out of his first exhibition game against Canada and has shown inconsistencies over three exhibition games, scoring 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting. Moreover, Embiid recorded the worst plus-minus of any American who played at least 10 minutes in a game against Serbia. His struggles have been partly attributed to the pace and style preferred by guards Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards, as well as opponents targeting him in drop coverage with floaters to exploit the space around him.
Supporting Cast and Strategic Flexibility
Amid Embiid’s challenges, Anthony Davis has emerged as a pivotal player for Team USA. Slated as Embiid’s backup, Davis has excelled in the FIBA competition, suited by the lack of a defensive three-second rule and lenient goaltending restrictions. Davis recorded six blocks against Serbia and accumulated a total of 12 blocks over three games, demonstrating his defensive prowess.
Offensively, Davis has been efficient, shooting 13-of-24 from the floor over the three games. His mobility and verticality have offered a crucial advantage in pick-and-roll situations, a stark contrast to Embiid’s struggles in this area. Notably, Davis shares an established chemistry with LeBron James, honed over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers. This duo boasts the longest tenure of any two players on Team USA, an asset enhancing the team's cohesion.
“I’d be happy to play if I’m asked,” said Davis, expressing his readiness to step up whenever Team USA requires his contributions.
Bench Contribution and Coaching Strategy
Beyond the star players, Team USA’s bench has thrived on speed and athleticism, with the frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo central to the bench’s success. This depth and versatility have been a cornerstone of Coach Steve Kerr’s strategy, which eschews reliance on any single player. Instead, Kerr’s approach allows Team USA to adapt based on match-ups and in-game situations, ensuring they leverage their significant overall talent advantage.
As Team USA prepares for the Olympic challenges ahead, their strategic depth and the readiness of players like Davis could prove decisive in their quest for Olympic glory. With a roster fortified by the addition of Embiid and the defensive anchor of Davis, the team is poised to navigate the upcoming competitions with a significant margin for error, powered by their collective talent and adaptability.