Steve Kerr stands firm on throwing Joel Embiid into the Big 3 mix of Team USA starting lineup: "I like those three guys together"

Team USA coach Steve Kerr is sticking to playing Joel Embiid in the starting lineup despite fans asking him to change the rotation. This is Embiid's first outing with the national team after being granted US citizenship back in September 2022. The Cameroonian-American big man is gradually picking up the pace with the national team.

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In his first exhibition game against Canada, Embiid had trouble with the physicality that the FIBA rules allow. This resulted in him getting kicked out of the game during the third period for accumulating five fouls. In the succeeding games, however, the Philadelphia 76ers center has slowly gotten the hang of it.

However, fans still want Kerr to consider putting Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo in the starting lineup as they have more experience with the national setup. The Golden State Warriors coach said he still prefers to have Embiid play alongside Steph Curry and LeBron James. According to him, those three players are usually the focal point of the offense, making them a Big 3 for Team USA:

"I like those three guys in our starting lineup," Kerr said. "We've been looking at other guys around them and we obviously do have great options, but I like those three guys together."

Having Embiid as the focal point of the offense might be a temporary thing for Team USA. After all, they still have Kevin Durant on the roster. Currently, the All-Star forward is dealing with an injury and has not played a game for the national team this year.

The coaching staff will expect that "KD" can suit up when needed, which could change the rotation of the team.

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Former NBA player wants Anthony Davis over Joel Embiid in Team USA's starting lineup

Team USA has a ton of options offensively as they have some of the best NBA players in one team. Joel Embiid is one of those players who has what it takes to generate points for the team. However, not everyone is pleased with him being a starter for the national team.

Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins wants to see "AD" in the starting lineup over Embiid. "Perk" pointed out how he sees the Sixers star being out of shape and not as reliable an option for Team USA:

"I'm wondering when is he gonna put Anthony Davis is the starting lineup and take out Joel Embiid," Perkins said. "When I look at Joel Embiid right now, a question comes to mind and it's a concern, he looks out of shape... He don't look good right now getting up and down the floor."

However, it seems Kerr likes what he's seeing from Embiid so far, and it could take a while for him to decide and shake up the rotation.

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