The quest to secure Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis for Team USA was one of the most significant roster decisions leading up to the 2024 Olympics. After Jaren Jackson Jr.’s disappointing performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA sought a more traditional big man and set its sights on Embiid, the reigning MVP and a newly naturalized American citizen. However, securing Embiid’s commitment was not without competition and controversy.
France was also eager to recruit Embiid, and a letter purportedly written by him to French President Emmanuel Macron seeking citizenship leaked in April. When Embiid opted to play for Team USA instead, former French player Frederic Weis expressed his anger by suggesting that Embiid be banned from entering France for the Olympics. The tension between the two nations underscores the high stakes involved in Embiid’s decision.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Embiid’s involvement, his performance in the first three exhibition games has been underwhelming. In Team USA’s 105-79 victory over Serbia, Embiid fouled out of the first exhibition game against Canada and has only scored 23 points on 7-of-19 shooting across three games. His plus-minus rating against Serbia was the lowest among American players who played at least 10 minutes. While Embiid was brought in to counteract Serbia’s Nikola Jokic, Jokic’s poor shooting had more to do with his own execution than Embiid’s defense.
Conversely, Anthony Davis, who joined the team with less fanfare, has consistently outperformed Embiid. Davis recorded six blocks against Serbia and has totaled 12 blocks in the three exhibition games. He is shooting 13-of-24 from the field and dominating the paint whenever he’s on the floor. His exceptional defense is bolstered by FIBA’s rules, which allow him to protect the rim more aggressively without the NBA’s defensive three-second violation. The relaxed goaltending restrictions also enable Davis to use his quickness, length, and leaping ability to maximum effect.
Offensively, Davis’s mobility and verticality offer advantages in pick-and-roll situations that Embiid does not. While Embiid is the superior offensive player in the NBA, where individual shot creation is critical, Team USA’s offense doesn’t need to revolve around a single player. With a roster full of stars capable of sharing the scoring load, the smaller contributions and the dynamic play Davis brings are invaluable.
Moreover, Davis’s established chemistry with LeBron James could be a decisive factor. The five years they’ve spent together in the NBA is the longest stretch any two current Team USA players have shared. This familiarity allows for a more cohesive and effective two-man game, which could be crucial for the starters, who have struggled to find a consistent identity. In contrast, Embiid could thrive more independently with the bench unit, which has less offensive pressure.
However, making Davis the starter over Embiid comes with potential risks. The promises made to Embiid during recruitment are unknown, and benching him might cause discord within the team. Additionally, the bench’s success has been driven by speed and athleticism, which might be compromised by swapping Anthony Davis with Embiid.
Team USA’s overwhelming talent often means they have a significant margin for error, allowing coach Steve Kerr more flexibility than in the NBA. Maintaining locker room harmony by starting Embiid might be enough to justify the decision, as internal discord poses a greater threat than any opponent.
Yet, based on merit from the exhibition games, Davis has earned the starting spot. He has not only been the team’s best center but arguably its best player. If performance is the primary criterion, Davis is winning the competition for the starting role.
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