The recruitment of Joel Embiid stands as a monumental addition to Team USA's roster for the 2024 Olympics. The reigning MVP, who recently became a naturalized American citizen, has been at the center of a competitive tussle between the United States and France, highlighting his immense value on the global basketball stage.
Embiid's journey to join Team USA was anything but straightforward. In a dramatic twist earlier this year, a letter allegedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron requesting citizenship leaked in April. This intensified the already heated rivalry for his allegiance. Amid the controversy, French basketball icon Frederic Weis went as far as suggesting that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics after the star center committed to Team USA.
On the court, Embiid's initial performances have been a mixed bag. In his first exhibition game against Canada, he fouled out, a challenging debut that perhaps fell short of expectations. Over the span of three exhibition games, Embiid managed to rack up 23 points, shooting a modest 7-of-19 from the field. His performance against Serbia didn't offer much solace, as he posted the worst plus-minus of any American who logged at least 10 minutes.
Anthony Davis: The Reliable Backup
While Embiid has navigated his early struggles, Team USA has found reassurance in Anthony Davis, who serves as Embiid's backup. Davis has been a defensive stalwart, notching six blocks against Serbia and totaling an impressive 12 blocks across three games. The FIBA’s more lenient rules regarding defensive three seconds and goaltending have played to Davis's strengths, allowing him to make an outsized impact in the paint.
On the offensive end, Davis has been precise and efficient, shooting 13-of-24 over the same three-game stretch. As a key component in both the starting lineup and the bench, Davis seamlessly fits into various tactical setups. His ability to adapt was emphasized in his own words, “I'd be happy to play if I'm asked.”
Team Dynamics and Strategies
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, Team USA is not reliant on any single player, enabling them to adjust based on match-ups and in-game scenarios. This strategic flexibility is crucial, given the depth and talent spread across the roster. For instance, the pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt has been pivotal for the bench's success, providing a blend of mobility, verticality, and defensive tenacity.
This approach has also enabled them to compensate for Embiid's adaptation period to the international style. Guards Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards have favored a pace and style that Embiid has struggled to keep up with, leading opponents to exploit his presence in drop coverage. Nevertheless, Davis's agility and defensive prowess offer a counterbalance, effectively covering pick-and-roll situations and mitigating potential weaknesses.
Established Chemistry
Davis and LeBron James's established chemistry, honed over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers, has translated well into their international play. Their long-standing partnership is the oldest tenure between any two players on Team USA in the NBA, providing them with an unspoken on-court synergy that elevates the team's overall performance.
Team USA's bench has also shone thanks to its emphasis on speed and athleticism. This focus has allowed the team to maintain a high tempo and relentless pace, wearing down opponents and maximizing their inherent talent advantage. Such advantages afford Team USA a significant margin for error, a luxury that not many other national teams can claim.
As they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, Team USA's strategy, depth, and versatility position them well for another potential Olympic triumph. With stars like Embiid and Davis ready to rise to the occasion, the team is equipped to navigate the complexities and rigors of international competition. As Davis succinctly put it, he is ready to step up whenever needed, encapsulating the readiness and resolve of a team with their sights set on Olympic glory.