"He's managing expectations" - Stephen A. Smith claps back at Joel Embiid for age-related jab at LeBron James
During an interview with David Marchese for the New York Times' podcast, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid gave a controversial take. According to Embiid, Team USA isn't a lock to win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite the talent that the squad boasts of.
Embiid cited age as a factor for his take and named 39-year-old LeBron James as an example. This take from Embiid became the topic of the 'First Take' crew as they discussed whether it was "fair or foul."
Here is what First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith said about Embiid's controversial comment.
"I think it's fair," Stephen A. said. "It's like [Embiid is] managing expectations and I don't like it. LeBron James is sensational and LeBron James is so incredible for the game of basketball."
Smith then proceeded to talk about the greatness of LeBron James before moving on to dissing Joel Embiid for his take.
"I think Joel Embiid is in the conversation as one of the greatest talents as a big man we've ever seen in the history of basketball," Stephen A. added. "But he's 0-5 lifetime in Conference semifinals appearances, he's never been to a Conference finals, he's never been to a Finals.
"When he was in college at Kansas, he couldn't play in the Big-12 in the NCAA tournament because of a back injury. So here you are on the Olympic stage, all I'm saying is this. You're going for the GOAT, I don't wanna hear all that."
The Team USA roster features seven players who are 30 years or older. This includes both Embiid and LeBron James. The other five are Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
Regardless of the age of the stars on this team, they are still considered as one of the favorites to win the gold.
They've shown that they are capable of winning in international competition in the four exhibition games they've played so far. Joel Embiid and Team USA have already beaten Canada, Australia, Serbia and South Sudan but they haven't exactly been dominant in all these games despite being 4-0.
Also read: Joel Embiid reveals reason for ditching France basketball team ahead of playing in Paris Olympic: "Cameroon is first choice"
Comparing Joel Embiid's and LeBron James' scoring performances in the four pre-Olympic matches they've played
The first tune-up game that Team USA played was against the Canadians and neither Joel Embiid nor LeBron James shone in that. Despite both being in the starting lineup, they failed to score in double figures as Embiid scored five points and LeBron had seven.
In their next game against Australia, both players dropped 10 points but Embiid was more efficient as he went 3-for-6 while LeBron went 3-for-8.
After that game, they went on to face Serbia where LeBron scored 11 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting clip. Meanwhile, Embiid struggled as he went 2-for-8 for eight points (4-for-4 on free throws).
Their latest game against South Sudan was a tense one as Team USA trailed by double-figures but were able to pull off a huge comeback to win by one (101-100). LeBron James led the way for them by scoring 25 points including the game-winning lay-up.
Joel Embiid might not have had the honor of hitting the game-winner but he also had an efficient 5-for-6 shooting clip for 14 points to help USA with the comeback.
Team USA has one more tune-up game ahead of the Olympics against Germany which will be played today (Monday, July 22).