This offseason, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid did something he’d never done before: Despite having multiple suitors, he chose to play for the United States National Team at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Embiid is just one of many stars on the U.S. national team, with other notable names including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum.
With so many high-caliber players on the roster, head coach Steve Kerr faces a daunting task in constructing lineups, with Embiid winning the center spot over Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo in the first few games.
During a recent episode of NBA Today, Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on Embiid’s performance with the U.S. national team so far, and he feels the former MVP should be moved to the bench in place of Anthony Davis.
“I’m curious when they’ll start Anthony Davis and take Joel Embiid out.” Perkins said,“When I watch Joel Embiid right now, a question comes to mind and I’m concerned. He doesn’t look good. He’s not looking good up and down the court right now.”
Embiid has been one of the NBA’s most dominant stars over the past few years but is still trying to find his groove on the international stage, and while Perkins may feel like a change is needed, Kerr said Embiid has been doing well in his short time with the team.
On Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. team played its third showcase game against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia. Embiid played 16 minutes in the 105-79 victory, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds and three assists on 2-of-8 shooting.
