Steve Kerr explains tactical reason behind dropping Joel Embiid on the bench vs. South Sudan
During Team USA's 103-86 victory over South Sudan on Wednesday, Joel Embiid received a DNP-CD. He previously played 11 minutes against Serbia and logged four points (2-of-5 shooting). Following the win, USA Basketball coach Steve Kerr explained his decision to sit out the big man.
Kerr effectively utilized different lineups for the game as he ran with various rotations to get the best possible outcome each time. In the showcase game against South Sudan on July 20, Team USA had a one-point victory as they ran into some issues with the opponent's speed and length.
However, the outcome was much different this time and involved benching Embiid for the majority of the game.
"This is the fastest team in the tournament we're going to play, Kerr said (via The Washington Post's Ben Golliver). "We wanted to match up. They made 14 threes against us in London. The whole game today was going to be about switching and staying in front of people."
The defensive game plan involved continuous switching as South Sudan thrived in quick offensive possessions off constant motion. They also utilized their length well, so Steve Kerr ran with lineups that involved three forwards present each time.
Joel Embiid is recognized as one of the most dominant big men in the NBA today. However, he isn't necessarily a quick center like Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo, who have no problems defending the rim and being in space.
Kevin Durant talked about the DNP-CDs that Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid received in the 2024 Paris Olympic
Kevin Durant was the second-leading scorer for USA Basketball as he poured 14 points (2-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc) against South Sudan. He also added three steals and three assists.
Following his performance, Durant spoke about the DNP-CDs that Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum and 76ers big man Joel Embiid received.
"Last game, we had a champion and an All-NBA guy not play any minutes, and tonight we had an MVP not play any minutes," Durant said (via The Washington Post's Ben Golliver). "They didn't complain. We had guys who stepped up and filled those roles perfectly."
This year's Olympic roster features one of the most talented and stacked versions of Team USA in history. With several superstars present left and right alongside premier two-way athletes, the roster gives the coaching staff a lot of room for flexibility when it comes to certain matchups.
With how talented the team is, there will be games when certain players won't be able to set foot on the court. This is the mindset that coach Steve Kerr is running with as 2024 NBA champion Jayson Tatum remained on the bench against Serbia, and it was Joel Embiid's turn on Wednesday.