Team USA dominated Serbia during Wednesday’s tune-up game in Abu Dhabi, 105-79. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, however, did not do too well in his matchup against reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Embiid logged 16 minutes in the game to finish with eight points (on 2-of-8 shooting), eight rebounds, and three assists. This was another rather pedestrian performance from the seven-time All-Star whose place in the starting lineup has recently been put into question.
Team USA News: Joel Embiid Speak Out
The calls for Embiid to get dropped from the starting five will only get louder after this recent outing. However, despite all the surrounding noise, Embiid is just enjoying his time with the national team.
“I’m having the time of my life,” Embiid said, via Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “I don’t have to do anything (because he is playing with stars), so I’m happy just chilling, just hanging out and doing the little things.”
We all know what Embiid is capable of and we witness this night in and night out with his dominance with the Sixers. At this point, it is clear that the 30-year-old is just happy to tag along for the ride as a powerhouse Team USA side looks to bag a gold medal in the upcoming Olympics.
Whether or not head coach Steve Kerr will eventually replace Embiid from the starting lineup with Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo is anybody’s guess. For his part, however, it appears that Embiid has no issue playing whatever role is asked of him for the national team.
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