From an individual standpoint, Team USA center Joel Embiid is not having a fantastic time on the court during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Americans are winning games and dominating opponents, but their success is not because Embiid is playing like an MVP.
Nevertheless, he remains an important weapon for Steve Kerr’s team – when healthy. Embiid reportedly did not practice on Wednesday as Team USA prepares for the semifinal clash with Nikola Jokic and Serbia. Embiid is reportedly dealing with an ankle issue, though, it’s not considered a serious one.
Via Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports:
Team USA’s coach Steve Kerr says they held the center out as a precaution as he battles an ankle injury. Embiid has not had a strong summer for the national team but is coming off his best game where he scored 14 points and seven rebounds in 12 first-half minutes in a blowout against Brazil. The quarterfinal effort sets up a battle with Nikola Jokic as the NBA’s last four MVP trophies go blow-for-blow in pursuit of a gold in Paris.
As mentioned by Shapiro, Embidd did have solid showing against Brazil in Team USA’s 122-87 win over Brazil in the quarterfinals. However, he was not able to give it a go in the second half due to ankle discomfort, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
In the first meeting with Serbia, Embiid scored just four points with two rebounds in 11 minutes of a 110-84 win.
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