Joel Embiid breaks down feeling of giving up status as No. 1 option on Team USA
Joel Embiid opened up about having an unknown role on Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Embiid has been the go-to guy for the Philadelphia 76ers for many years now, even winning the MVP award lin 2022-23 as the cornerstone of a team with high expectations every season.
The reality has changed for the Cameroonian-born player as a member of Team USA. He's not the No. 1 option=, something that can be hard to accept for many players. Embiid talked about his new situation, admitting that he's 'loving' the process of taking a back seat.
“In the NBA, I’m used to being the guy. Now, you gotta give it up, so I’m loving it," Embiid said, via BasketNews (h/t @legionhoops).
Joel Embiid had a discreet Olympic debut against Serbia, scoring only four points and grabbing two rebounds for Team USA. He shot 2-for-5 from the field, 0-for-1 from deep and 0-for-3 from the free-throw line. It wasn't necessary for him to put on the cape and become the hero of the team.
Team USA was led by Kevin Durant and LeBron James' 23 and 21 points, respectively. They easily beat Serbia 110-84 to start the Olympic tournament on a strong note.
Kendrick Perkins says Joel Embiid should copy Anthony Edwards while on Team USA
Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins sent a message to Joel Embiid amid his Olympic run. The former center urged Embiid to take advantage of his situation and learn as much as possible from the great players he's sharing touches with:
"So, now he's around greatness. He's around Kevin Durant, he's around Steph Curry, he's around LeBron James, and now he's able to be around greatness and see how those guys, who are the ultimate professionals, do it on a day-to-day basis."
Perkins added that Embiid should emulate Anthony Edwards and embrace being around so many great players:
"At the end of the day, he needs to take a page out of Anthony Edwards' book and see how Anthony Edwards is embracing that role of being around greatness, and Joel Embiid needs to follow."
As great as he is, Joel Embiid is yet to make it to an Eastern Conference finals with the Philadelphia 76ers. He will share touches with Paul George next season and a lot of eyes will be on him. If he learns a couple of things from playing with NBA legends, he could unlock another level of his game.