Steve Kerr told Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World that he would continue to rotate the squad for Team USA when asked about Joel Embiid being benched. While Kerr praised Embiid, he did note that the entire team is going to get the chance to showcase their talent, before he determines the optimal team for the Olympics.
“These next few games, I’m going to continue experimenting with the lineup. Joel is getting better and better every day. It usually takes big guys longer to get rhythm and flow. I love Joel, he’s a dominant player. I think it’s going to be important for us to figure out the best combinations.”
Steve Kerr on possibly benching Joel Embiid: "These next few games, I'm going to continue experimenting with the lineup. Joel is getting better and better everyday… I love Joel, he's a dominant player. I think it's going to be important for us to figure out the best… pic.twitter.com/FtQZA8SzoN
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) July 15, 2024
Kerr clearly wants to give Embiid a chance to recover and gain his rhythm back on the court. But he may have to make some tough decisions if that comes at the cost of the team’s performance. Players like Anthony Davis seemed to have a much better performance in Team USA’s showcase game against Australia in Abu Dhabi.
Anthony Davis put up 17 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 18 minutes for Team USA, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. As for Joel Embiid, he put up 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 turnovers in 16 minutes for Team USA. He didn’t appear to be at his sharpest against Australia.
Perhaps Embiid will get better with more minutes in these warm-up games. But as things stand, Anthony Davis really made a case for himself to be the starting big for Team USA at the Olympics. Davis even posterized Embiid during Team USA’s warm-up practice, which probably helped AD’s confidence massively.
Team USA Looking To Get Their Revenge This Year
Team USA assembled this strong roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics after their humiliating loss to Canada in last year’s FIBA World Cup semi-final. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are leading the charge for the roster as they look to win Team USA their fifth consecutive gold medal.
In an interview with The Athletic, Team USA’s big men like Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid spoke about what they want to prove in Paris. They all echoed sentiments that they want to make a statement and show that at their best, they cannot be bullied or pushed around on the court.
Right now, Davis is set to start alongside Joel Embiid, as Kevin Durant is hurt. As of the writing of this article, Steve Kerr is said to be unconcerned about Durant’s absence, as he believes Durant will be back on the court as soon as possible. But Durant’s return to the squad will cause him some selection headaches.
With Durant coming back, it could force Kerr to pick him and LeBron James as forwards, which would mean that either Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, or even Bam Adebayo would be starting, and leaving the other two players on the bench. Steve Kerr could have to make some tough decisions at the start of the Olympics.
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