In a stunning turn of events, Team USA’s dominant win over Serbia in the Group Phase of the Paris Olympics has somehow shifted the focus onto the performance of Joel Embiid. Despite the team’s overall success, Embiid’s limited playing time and lackluster statistics have raised eyebrows and sparked criticism from fans and analysts alike.
With just 11 minutes on the court, Embiid managed to score only four points, grab two rebounds, and block one shot on 2-5 shooting from the field. His -8 plus-minus rating was the only negative on Team USA’s stat sheet. While other big men like Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis also struggled offensively and defensively against Serbia, it is Embiid who is bearing the brunt of the blame.
Drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Ray Allen’s role in Doc Rivers’ offense during their time with the Boston Celtics, Embiid’s positioning beyond the three-point line has raised questions about his utilization within Team USA’s system. While his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from deep is undeniable, critics argue that his offensive impact is being limited by his lack of involvement in the paint.
Despite shooting a respectable 36.4 percent from beyond the arc over the past four seasons, Embiid’s size and strength make him a formidable presence in the paint as well. Standing at 7-foot-0 and 280 pounds, he has the ability to dominate inside and score efficiently in the post. His success as a pick-and-roll roll man and a low-post scorer in the NBA highlight his versatility on offense, yet Team USA has failed to capitalize on his skills in the paint.
As the 2023 NBA MVP, Embiid’s talent and potential are undeniable. His ability to impact the game both inside and outside the paint make him a valuable asset for any team. Moving forward, Team USA must find a way to maximize Embiid’s strengths and integrate him more effectively into their offensive strategy in order to unlock his full potential and lead the team to victory in the Paris Olympics.
