The recruitment of Joel Embiid marked a significant milestone for Team USA as they strategically strengthened their squad ahead of the 2024 Olympics. As a reigning MVP and a recently naturalized American citizen, Embiid’s addition was much anticipated, albeit not without a competitive tug-of-war with France. Reports even surfaced of a leaked letter allegedly written by Embiid to French President Emmanuel Macron requesting French citizenship.
Despite the initial hype and expectations, Embiid's early performances have been met with challenges. His first exhibition game against Canada saw him foul out, managing only 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting over three games. The game against Serbia particularly highlighted his struggles, as Embiid posted the worst plus-minus of any American who logged significant minutes. His adaptation to the pace and style of Team USA, especially favored by guards like Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards, has also been less than seamless. Opponents have taken advantage of his drop coverage with floaters, exploiting the space around him.
In contrast, Anthony Davis has flourished, proving to be a crucial asset for Team USA. Coming off the bench, Davis not only filled in as Embiid’s backup but also shone defensively. His performance against Serbia, where he recorded six blocks, exemplified his dominance in the paint. Over three games, Davis amassed a total of 12 blocks, benefiting significantly from FIBA’s lack of a defensive three-second rule and more lenient goaltending restrictions. Consistently efficient, Davis shot 13-of-24 from the floor across these games.
The synergy between Davis and LeBron James, forged over five years with the Los Angeles Lakers, has further bolstered Team USA's dynamic. Their established chemistry is evident, offering a stability that few teams can match. This duo, the longest-tenured amongst any two players on Team USA in the NBA, has provided a solid foundation for the team.
Steve Kerr's leadership as the head coach has permitted an adaptable strategy, one that doesn’t revolve around a single player but rather adjusts based on match-ups and in-game situations. This approach has allowed Team USA to capitalize on their overall talent advantage, featuring bench groups that thrive on speed and athleticism. Central to this is the frontcourt pairing of Davis and Bam Adebayo, which has been pivotal to the success of the team’s bench unit.
Emphasizing Team USA's flexibility, Anthony Davis expressed his readiness to step up whenever necessary. “I'd be happy to play if I'm asked,” Davis commented, underlining his commitment to the team's objectives.
As Team USA prepares for the upcoming challenges, the strategic incorporation of talents like Embiid and Davis illustrates their depth and foresight. While Embiid continues to find his footing within the team's dynamics, the overall talent pool and strategic adaptability advocate a strong case for potential Olympic glory.