Team USA is still working out the kinks ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Among those being focused on by head coach Steve Kerr during the Americans’ exhibition games is the proper utilization of Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid and the other big men on the squad namely Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Via Joe Vardon of The Athletic:
“These next few games, I’m going to continue to experiment with the lineups,” Kerr said. “Joel is getting better and better every day. It usually takes big guys a little bit longer to get rhythm and flow, but I love Joel, he’s a dominant player, and I think it’s going to be important for us to figure out the best combinations and putting the right people together, and that’s still a work in progress.”
Joel Embiid still adjusting to Team USA role and vice versa
Embiid struggled in his Team USA debut last week against Canada, where he fouled after just playing 12 minutes. He did fare much better on Monday in Abu Dhabi versus world No. 5 Australia.
The former NBA Most Valuable Player generated 10 points on 3/6 shooting from the field while also grabbing five rebounds in the Americans’ 98-92 win over the Australians.
Like his Team USA teammates, Embiid doesn’t have to carry a big load given the talent around him, and it’s something most of the players are still learning to adjust to with just a little over a week remaining before the Paris Games.
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