"Has not impressed in these Olympics": Chris Broussard believes Joel Embiid will endure more scrutiny in upcoming NBA season
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star big man Joel Embiid has had a pedestrian showing with Team USA at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics, facing scrutiny. It's something sports analyst Chris Broussard expects to continue well into the next NBA season.
The 30-year-old Embiid, the 2023 league MVP, has been practically nonexistent for the US squad in its Olympic campaign. He scored only four points on 2-of-5 shooting and had two rebounds in 12 minutes as a starter in their opener against Serbia on July 28. Against South Sudan on Aug. 1, he didn't play due to the coach's decision.
FOX Sports' Broussard highlighted that, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share his thoughts, including how things won't look well for the seven-time All-Star if he continues to underperform.
On the latest episode of the show First Things First, the analyst talked about Joel Embiid and captioned his post:
"Joel Embiid has not impressed in these Olympics, and the scrutiny on him is about to be turned up this upcoming season!"
Following his Olympics duty, Joel Embiid will return to a Sixers squad with more pieces to work with, boosted by the arrival of All-Star wing Paul George and a host of new quality role players like Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson.
That's apart from rising star Tyrese Maxey who's set to be back after signing a new five-year contract. Last season, the Sixers finished with a winning 47-35 record but were eliminated in the opening round by the New York Knicks in six games.
Coach Steve Kerr explains Joel Embiid's benching against South Sudan
Big man Joel Embiid was fit to play Team USA's Olympic group game against South Sudan on Aug, 1. But the coaching staff saw it fit not to field him to better match up with their African opponents.
The one-time NBA MVP was the lone player in the US squad who didn't see action in the 103-86 victory over South Sudan in their penultimate Group C game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It left many wondering why a player like Embiid's caliber was benched.
Following the contest, Team USA coach Steve Kerr explained the decision not to play the Philadelphia 76ers All-Star, pointing out that it was a strategic one. He said (as per CBS News):
"That's how we're going to do this. Whatever we need to do to win each game, that's what we're going to do."
Joel Embiid played in the opener against Serbia on July 28, which the US won 110-84. He logged 12 minutes as a starter and finished with four points, on 2-of-5 shooting, and two rebounds.
In that game, Boston's Jayson Tatum and Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton were not fielded. The next game for Team USA is a showdown against Puerto Rico on Saturday