The recruitment of Joel Embiid marks a significant boost for Team USA as they gear up for the 2024 Olympics. The addition of the reigning MVP, who recently became a naturalized American citizen, underscores the team's intent to dominate on the international stage. Embiid's journey to join Team USA was not without intrigue, as it included a competitive tug-of-war with France.
Reports surfaced in April of a letter allegedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron, requesting citizenship. The leak added to the drama, and Frederic Weis even suggested that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics after he committed to Team USA.
Early Struggles and Exhibition Performance
Despite his decorated NBA career, Embiid has faced challenges adapting to the international game. In his first exhibition game against Canada, he fouled out, an unusual occurrence for the MVP. Over the span of three exhibition games, he managed to score 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting. Notably, Embiid posted the worst plus-minus of any American who logged at least 10 minutes in the high-profile match against Serbia.
Team USA's coaching staff, led by Steve Kerr, is undoubtedly keeping a close watch on this early adjustment phase. The team's strategy does not revolve around any single player, which allows flexibility based on match-ups and in-game situations. However, the expectation from a star like Embiid is to quickly gel with the rest of the squad.
Defensive Prowess: Anthony Davis
Standing in contrast to Embiid’s rocky start is Anthony Davis, who has proven to be a reliable pillar for the team. Davis, Embiid’s backup, has been a force on both ends of the court. Against Serbia, Davis registered six blocks, contributing to a total of 12 blocks over three exhibition games. The absence of FIBA’s defensive three-second rule and more lenient goaltending restrictions have suited his style perfectly, allowing Davis to dominate defensively.
Davis has also shown efficiency on the offensive end, shooting 13-of-24 from the floor across three games. His mobility and verticality give Team USA a distinct advantage in pick-and-roll situations, a critical aspect of international basketball where the style and pace often differ from the NBA.
Team Chemistry and Versatility
Another edge for Team USA is the established chemistry between Davis and LeBron James. Having shared the longest tenure of any two players on the team with the Los Angeles Lakers, their on-court rapport can be a game-changer. Meanwhile, the frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo has been central to the success of Team USA’s bench group, which thrives on speed and athleticism.
Team USA’s bench has embraced a fast-paced style that capitalizes on their athleticism, a strategy that adds flexibility to Kerr's lineup options. The bench's success underscores the team's depth and overall talent advantage, giving them a significant margin for error. Davis expressed his readiness to contribute whenever needed, stating, “I'd be happy to play if I'm asked.”
Strategic Adjustments
Embiid's struggles have not gone unnoticed by opponents, who have targeted him in drop coverage with floaters that exploit the space around him. Adapting to the pace and style preferred by guards like Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards remains a work in progress for Embiid. The coaching staff will need to address these defensive vulnerabilities to optimize their lineup.
With form and chemistry still a work in progress, Embiid's role could evolve as the team adjusts its strategies. Kerr's adaptive approach ensures that Team USA can pivot based on in-game conditions, further leveraging their deep roster. The coming months will be crucial as Team USA fine-tunes its preparations, aiming for Olympic glory in 2024.
In conclusion, Joel Embiid's addition to Team USA elevates their potential, but early challenges highlight the need for ongoing adjustments. The interplay between established stars like Anthony Davis and new recruits like Embiid will be pivotal as the team navigates the quest for another Olympic title.