Joel Embiid hasn’t performed much lately in the current Olympics. In Team USA’s opening match against Serbia, the 76ers only played 11 minutes and scored four points despite being one of the starter lineups.
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has criticized the Cameroonian French-Americans’ disappointing plays, saying he should take lessons from Team USA’s youngest player, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.
In an interview with ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Perkins stated that Embiid should prepare for the Olympics more seriously, something he had never achieved before the big event.
“When you commit to something, especially like playing for Team USA, you don’t take that lightly.” Perkins said. “That means that you prepare, that means that you come into shape, and the best thing that’s happening for him right now is that iron sharpens iron.”
“When you commit to something, especially like playing for Team USA, you don’t take that lightly.” 😤 @KendrickPerkins on what Joel Embiid can learn from playing in Paris to improve his game 📈 pic.twitter.com/Pgjw8gfZmi
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 29, 2024
His fellow commentators had asked the former Oklahoma City Thunder center if Embiid should remain in Team USA’s starting lineup in their next games. The Philadelphia 76ers’ center struggled to contribute significantly in the USA’s first match against Serbia, only shooting 2-pf-5 and missing all his free throw attempts.
Many have speculated that the 2023 NBA MVP is basically out of shape for the USA’s game against Serbia and the Paris Olympics. For Kendrick, Joel should learn from his veteran teammates. He emphasized the importance of treating the pre-Olympic preparations seriously, which Embiid had underestimated.
Embiid is qualified to play for three nations: Cameroon, France, and the United States. His decision to play for the USA was a turning point in his career, and it also got criticism and controversy from the public. With the talented players on Team USA, Joel has a high chance of winning the gold medal for his record.
Joel Embiid should take notes from Anthony Edwards
Additionally, Kendrick Perkins said that Joel Embiid should learn from Anthony Edwards’s performances. In the match against Serbia, the 22-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard scored 11 points with a 4-of-6 field goal attempt.
For Perkins, unlike Joel, Edwards is making the most of his opportunity to play for the USA. It’s a chance to demonstrate that he can play ball with the team’s seasoned veterans. Kendrick said that the seven-time NBA All-Star should also do the same, as he can witness how Durant, James, and Curry play on the international stage.
Ultimately, it is still uncertain if Joel Embiid will continue as the USA’s starting lineup in their next games.
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