"I don't care about Nikola Jokic": Joel Embiid brushes off MVP clash at Paris, Jayson Tatum rejoins, Cooper Flagg shines - Team USA Day 3 exclusive
Just like in the NBA when they fight for regular-season MVP awards, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić appear set for a collision course.
This time it will take place in the Paris Olympics. Embiid chose to play for the U.S. over both his native country (Cameroon) and France where he has dual citizenship. With Team USA set to play Serbia as part of Group Play, Embiid’s presence against Jokić could become an X-factor.
“I don’t care about Jokić,” Embiid said. “I’m playing for my national team. It’s all about focusing on ourselves and trying to make sure everybody is on the same page. When you get there, we’re going to know what we got to focus on. But right now it’s about trying to find ways to get better.”
Embiid has participated in Team USA’s first three practices without any restrictions, a strong improvement from what he experienced in the 2023-24 season.
He stayed sidelined for two months while recovering from a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee. Though Embiid averaged 33 points on 44.4% shooting and 10.8 rebounds in the Sixers’ first-round playoff loss to New York, Embiid showed discomfort throughout the six-game series.
“I feel pretty good,” Embiid said. “I just have to ramp up slowly and not try to do too much.”
Team USA coach Steve Kerr has featured Embiid in different lineups throughout training camp.
On Sunday, Embiid scrimmaged with Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Kawhi Leonard. During that scrimmage, Embiid tried to hunt for a free-throw after shooting near the elbow.
On Monday, Kerr paired Embiid with Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards. During that scrimmage, Embiid played a facilitator role and also knocked down a 3. Yet, Kerr envisions Embiid playing a traditional big-man role to account both for the FIBA game’s physicality and for various teams featuring elite centers.
“He’s a great passer out of the low post. He’s a very dominant scorer down there,” Kerr said. “I think the difference for Joel will be we’re going to ask him to be down near the hoop more maybe than he is in the NBA. He spends a lot of time at the foul line, and he’s good there. He’ll get the ball there for us, too. But his physicality and his ability to score here in the FIBA game is going to be very important for us.”
Embiid downplayed the potential adjustment.
“Nothing changes,” Embiid said. “I’ll still be dominant, dominant as I always have.”
Cooper Flagg makes a strong impression in scrimmage
The Duke’s incoming freshman nearly led the U.S. Select team with a comeback win with some late-game plays, including a turnaround jumper over Jrue Holiday, a 3-pointer and an and-one on a putback.
The U.S. Men’s Olympic team only secured a 74-73 win after Anthony Davis made a game-saving block on Flagg’s shot.
“I’m confident in my ability and my skill,” Flagg said. “I’m confident in who I am and what I want to do. I’m just coming out to play basketball.”
Team USA has embraced him.
“They’ve all been pretty welcoming,” Cooper said. “They’re appreciative of the select team and us being here and getting them ready. It’s all just welcoming. They’re just telling me to keep working and stay grounded.”
Jayson Tatum returns from excused absence
The Celtics’ star practiced on Monday after missing the past two days with an excused absence for personal reasons. Tatum and Holiday experienced a short turnaround between winning an NBA championship and then preparing for the Paris Olympics.
“It’s been a whirlwind - winning a championship,” Tatum said. “Whatever I thought it would be like, ten times better. You work so hard to accomplish the goal. Us falling short a couple of times made it that much sweeter. Seriously, I’m still enjoying it. I am. It feels amazing.”
How does that compare to when Tatum helped Team USA finish on top in the 2021 Tokyo Games?
“Winning a gold medal a few years ago was an amazing accomplishment. But I think winning a championship is just different,” Tatum said. “You grew up wanting to play in the NBA your whole life. You grew up wanting to hoist that trophy up. When you make it into the league, you set these expectations and you get so close. You fail a couple of times. It makes you want it that much more. Winning a championship was an incredible feeling.”
Steph Curry and LeBron James playing together again
The Lakers quickly rebuffed the Warriors’ interest in acquiring James before the trade deadline, denying the chance for NBA fans to see the NBA’s best shooter (Stephen Curry) and all-time leading scorer (James) team up together.
After seeing the pair have fun in the 2021 NBA All-Star game together, Curry and James picked up right where they left off. James connected with Curry multiple times for open 3s.
“It’s fun to see them together. Their games complement each other perfectly,” Kerr said. “I think they’re really enjoying it. Just watching it, I know they like playing together. They have been such incredible competitors over the years. It’s nice to finally see them compete on the same side.”
How will Brandon Miller fare in his second season?
The Charlotte Hornets’ rookie had no interest in sharing much about his rookie season or how Team USA’s veterans have mentored him on the Select team. But after making the NBA’s Rookie All-First team for thriving as both a scorer and defender, Miller expects this latest experience will lead to significant improvement under first-year head coach Charles Lee.
“It definitely builds confidence,” Miller told Sportskeeda. “Going into the season with a new coaching staff, it’s different. You’re trying to go in there and build new bonds with new coaches all over again. But I think Charles has started this summer off to a great start. I’m really excited about this season.”
Mark Medina is an NBA insider for Sportskeeda. Follow him on X, Instagram, Facebook and Threads.