Similar to their competition for NBA regular-season MVP awards, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić seem destined to meet head-on.
This time, the showdown will occur at the Paris Olympics. Embiid opted to represent the U.S. over both his native country (Cameroon) and France, where he holds dual citizenship. With Team USA scheduled to face Serbia in Group Play, Embiid’s presence against Jokić could be pivotal. “I’m not concerned about Jokić,” Embiid remarked. “I’m focused on my national team. Our priority is to ensure everyone is aligned and improving together. When the time comes, we’ll identify our objectives. Right now, it’s about finding ways to improve.”
Embiid has attended the first three Team USA practices without limitations, marking a significant improvement from his experience in the 2023-24 season.
He was sidelined for two months due to a left knee lateral meniscus tear recovery. Despite averaging 33 points on 44.4% shooting and 10.8 rebounds in the Sixers’ playoff loss to New York, Embiid displayed discomfort throughout the six-game series.Team USA coach Steve Kerr has included Embiid in various lineups during training camp. On Sunday, Embiid participated in a scrimmage alongside Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Kawhi Leonard. During the scrimmage, Embiid attempted to draw a foul after shooting near the elbow.
On Monday, Kerr teamed up Embiid with Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards. In that scrimmage, Embiid took on a playmaking role and also made a 3-pointer. However, Kerr sees Embiid primarily fulfilling a traditional center role to adapt to the physicality of FIBA games and counter opposing teams with elite centers.
Kerr highlighted Embiid’s excellent passing ability from the low post and his dominant scoring skills in that area. Kerr mentioned that in FIBA play, they intend to utilize Embiid more near the basket compared to his NBA role, where he often operates from the foul line. Kerr emphasized Embiid’s physicality and scoring prowess as crucial assets for Team USA.Embiid minimized the potential adjustment, stating, “Nothing changes. I’ll continue to be dominant, just as I always have been.”
The Duke freshman nearly guided the U.S. Select team to a comeback victory with some late-game contributions, including a turnaround jumper over Jrue Holiday, a 3-pointer, and an and-one on a putback.
The U.S. Men’s Olympic team narrowly clinched a 74-73 victory thanks to Anthony Davis’ game-saving block on Flagg’s shot. “I believe in my abilities and skills,” Flagg remarked. “I’m confident in myself and my goals. I’m here to play basketball.” Team USA has warmly welcomed him. “They’ve been very welcoming,” Cooper commented. “They appreciate the select team and our role in preparing them. It’s all been positive encouragement—just keep working hard and stay focused.”
