Team USA has been lighting up the basketball court in the 2024 Olympics, dominating every game they have played so far. Led by the veteran prowess of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant’s lethal shooting, along with the jaw-dropping highlights from Anthony Edwards, the team has been on an absolute tear. However, amidst all the shining stars, one player has been struggling to find his footing – Joel Embiid.
Embiid, who was expected to be the anchor in the paint for the US team, swatting shots and overpowering opposing centers, has failed to live up to expectations. Despite his impressive resume, the towering 7’1″ center has been overshadowed by Anthony Davis in the Olympic games. Embiid has been plagued by foul trouble and difficulties in matching up against his opponents, leading to him being benched in some crucial moments.
The lackluster performance by Embiid has not gone unnoticed, with NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley expressing his disappointment in the big man’s play in the Olympics. Barkley criticized Embiid’s subpar performance, particularly highlighting his underwhelming stat lines in some of the games.
In a scathing interview on Paul George’s podcast, Podcast P, Barkley did not mince his words when discussing Embiid’s performance. He emphasized that Embiid needs to take more responsibility for his game and his fitness, especially if he wants to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to success in the playoffs.
Barkley’s criticism, while harsh, does hold some weight. Embiid has been surrounded by talented teammates throughout his career with the 76ers, yet the team has struggled to make a deep playoff run. Despite playing alongside stars like Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, and James Harden, Embiid has not been able to guide his team past the first round of the playoffs.
Furthermore, Barkley pointed out how the NBA has evolved over the years, becoming more guard-centric and reliant on perimeter shooting. While traditional centers like Embiid can still dominate the game, they need to adapt to the changing landscape of the league. Embiid’s inside presence should ideally thrive in the slower pace of playoff basketball, yet he has not been able to capitalize on this.
As the Olympic games progress, all eyes will be on Embiid to step up his performance and prove his critics wrong. With the talent and potential he possesses, there is no doubt that Embiid has the ability to make a significant impact on the court. It remains to be seen whether he can rise to the occasion and lead Team USA to gold in the 2024 Olympics.
