Joel Embiid opened up on Team USA being seeded in the same group as Serbia, which means they’ll get a crack at taking down reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic. Embiid and Jokic have had a fierce rivalry in recent seasons, especially over league MVP trophies, but Embiid isn’t adding any extra importance to the game against Jokic and Serbia.
“I don’t care about Jokic. I’m playing for my national team. That’s what it’s all about. We’re focusing on ourselves and trying to make sure everyone’s on the same page. When we get there, we all know what we got to focus on.”
Joel Embiid on going head-to-head against Nikola Jokic in group play when USA and Serbia meet at the Olympics: “I don’t care about Jokic. I’m playing for my national team.” pic.twitter.com/170FJFbqcs
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) July 8, 2024
Embiid sat on the sidelines last season as Jokic picked up his third MVP trophy in four seasons, outlasting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic for the honor. The season started with Embiid having a runaway lead when it came to the MVP race, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists with a 31-8 win-loss record when he was in the lineup.
Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists to ultimately seal the award with a combination of team record, advanced stats, and tangible impact. The Serbian center didn’t play for the national team last year when they won Gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, so it’s a dangerous team made all the more dangerous with Jokic’s inclusion.
Team USA will be the runaway favorites, but if there’s a national team that could push the limits on Team USA, it’s Serbia.
Joel Embiid Shared His True Thoughts On Representing Team USA
Joel Embiid made a controversial decision to represent Team USA over France, with French legends even trashing Embiid for his decision. He’s more American than he is French, given his schooling and entire professional career has been spent in the USA.
Embiid takes pride in representing Team USA and being an Olympian for the country, reflecting on the same in an interview after the first day of scrimmages.
“It means so much. It’s been a dream for a long time. It’s an electric group of guys, especially with such great players and the type of talent that you have. It’s fun to be a part of… Just enjoying it. I play against them so I feel like I know a lot about them, but just being around them, and learning how to play with each other.”
Representing the greatest basketball nation on earth at the biggest international event for sports is a huge honor. Embiid understands the unique opportunity he has to serve as Team USA’s starting center throughout the Olympics.
The USA has been in tough spots in previous tournaments due to their lack of size on the interior, relying on the 6’9″ Bam Adebayo to marshall the paint against legitimate seven-footers in the FIBA rule-set, which made it impossible for him to be as effective as he can be in the NBA.
Embiid will step into that role and provide electric scoring with sensational defense.
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