In an impressive and strategic move, Team USA bolstered their 2024 Olympics roster with the recruitment of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who recently became a naturalized American citizen. This significant addition, however, was not without its intrigue and drama.
Embiid's journey to don the red, white, and blue was fraught with geopolitical twists. Embiid was courted heavily by France, engaging in a competitive tug-of-war over his allegiance. In a surprising development, a letter reportedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking French citizenship, surfaced in April. The incident underscored the high stakes and intense competition for top-tier talent among national teams.
The fallout from Embiid’s decision to join Team USA reverberated quickly. Frederic Weis, a revered figure in French basketball, suggested that Embiid should be banned from entering France during the Olympics, manifesting the palpable tension between the camps. Despite this controversy, Embiid committed to Team USA, aiming to contribute significantly to their quest for Olympic glory.
Challenges and Performance
However, Embiid's transition into the Team USA lineup encountered early hurdles. In his debut exhibition game against Canada, he fouled out, a performance that hinted at the adjustments he would need to make. Across three exhibition games, Embiid managed 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting, a respectable but not outstanding stat line for a player of his caliber.
In the game against Serbia, Embiid posted the worst plus-minus rating of any American who logged at least 10 minutes, pointing to some struggles with the team's pace and style, particularly favored by guards like Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards. Opponents targeted Embiid in drop coverage, exploiting space around him with floaters, showcasing the challenges he faced in adapting to Team USA's defensive schemes.
Anthony Davis: The Reliable Backup
As Embiid navigated these growing pains, Anthony Davis emerged as a critical backup. Davis's defensive presence was formidable, tallying six blocks against Serbia and a total of 12 blocks over three games, benefiting from FIBA's lack of a defensive three-second rule and lenient goaltending restrictions. Offensively, Davis shot an efficient 13-of-24 from the floor, demonstrating his prowess and adaptability.
Davis’s ability to move seamlessly between defensive and offensive roles has provided Team USA with a strategic advantage, particularly in pick-and-roll situations where his mobility and verticality are invaluable. This versatility is further enhanced by the chemistry Davis shares with LeBron James, a partnership honed over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers. The duo’s synergy is unmatched, forming the longest-tenured pairing on Team USA in the NBA.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
Under the direction of head coach Steve Kerr, Team USA's strategy emphasizes collective strength over individual stardom. This approach allows for tactical flexibility, adjusting to matchups and in-game scenarios without over-reliance on any single player. The bench has thrived on this system, leveraging speed and athleticism to dominate opponents. Integral to this success has been the dynamic frontcourt duo of Davis and Bam Adebayo, who have anchored the bench’s performance.
The team's depth and overall talent provide a significant margin for error, a luxury that allows them to adapt and experiment with different lineups and strategies. This adaptability will be crucial as they prepare for the fierce competition that awaits in the Olympics.
Amid these calibrations, Davis remains poised and ready to step up whenever needed. "I'd be happy to play if I'm asked," he said, embodying the selfless and prepared mentality that Coach Kerr instills in his players.
As Team USA girds itself for the challenges ahead, the inclusion of Joel Embiid adds an intriguing layer to their pursuit of Olympic success. Embiid's integration into the team, alongside stalwarts like Davis and LeBron James, will be a storyline to watch. With their blend of talent, experience, and strategic flexibility, Team USA stands as a formidable contender on the journey to potential Olympic glory.