When Team USA secured Joel Embiid for the 2024 Olympics, it was a significant boost to their roster, adding the reigning MVP and newly naturalized American citizen. Embiid's decision to join Team USA came after a fiercely competitive tug-of-war with France, a journey marked by a leaked letter in April, wherein Embiid allegedly requested French citizenship from President Emmanuel Macron. The recruitment has, however, not been without controversy and performance challenges.
Frederic Weis, a notable French figure, has suggested that Embiid should be barred from entering France for the Olympics following his commitment to Team USA. Embiid's early outings have not entirely dispelled such tensions. In his first exhibition game against Canada, he fouled out and across three exhibition games, Embiid has accumulated 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting. More concerning, perhaps, was his performance against Serbia, where he registered the worst plus-minus of any American who played at least 10 minutes.
Embiid's Struggles and System Adjustment
The transition has not been seamless for Embiid, who has struggled to adapt to the fast-paced style favored by guards Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards. Defensively, opponents have exploited his vulnerabilities in drop coverage, often targeting him with floaters and creating space around him. This has led to questions about how best to utilize Embiid within Team USA's dynamic system, which does not rely on any single player but rather adapts based on match-ups and in-game situations.
The Davis Impact
In contrast, Anthony Davis has thrived. As Embiid's backup, Davis has showcased his defensive prowess with six blocks against Serbia and a total of 12 through three games. The FIBA's absence of a defensive three-second rule and more lenient goaltending restrictions have allowed Davis's style to flourish. Offensively, Davis is shooting an impressive 13-of-24 from the floor over the same span. His mobility and verticality have provided an advantage in pick-and-roll situations that Embiid has struggled to master.
Furthermore, Davis and LeBron James bring an established chemistry to the team, having built a strong partnership over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers. This shared experience is the longest tenure of any two players on Team USA in the NBA, adding a layer of familiarity and cohesion to the lineup.
Strength in Depth
Team USA's depth, particularly on the bench, has been a hallmark of their preparation. The bench units, thriving on speed and athleticism, have been pivotal. Central to this success is the frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo, whose synergy has bolstered the team's performance. Steve Kerr, the head coach, has adeptly managed this deep talent pool, ensuring the team's strategy remains flexible and adaptable.
Anthony Davis, acknowledging his role and readiness, has said, “I'd be happy to play if I'm asked.” His willingness to step up whenever needed underscores the depth and solidarity within the squad. This collective mindset, supported by an overall talent advantage, provides Team USA with a significant margin for error, allowing them to navigate the challenges ahead with confidence.
Preparing for Olympic Glory
As Team USA sharpens its focus on potential Olympic glory, the contributions from both stars and supporting players will be crucial. While Joel Embiid continues to find his footing, the team's overall depth and the emerging dominance of players like Anthony Davis offer a promising outlook. With strategic flexibility and a collective resolve, Team USA is gearing up to face the forthcoming challenges on the road to the 2024 Olympics.