Joel Embiid: A Superstar Under Scrutiny

The basketball world is buzzing about Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, who is experiencing a turbulent time while representing Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. Despite his usual dominance in the NBA, Embiid has found himself in an unusual position – riding the bench and struggling to fit into the team’s system. The controversy surrounding his performance, loyalty, and future has left both fans and critics questioning his status as one of the league’s top players.

A Disappointing Olympic Start

Embiid’s time with Team USA hasn’t been smooth sailing. During a game against South Sudan, he was notably absent from the action, sitting on the bench in street clothes. Even after Anthony Davis’s injury, head coach Steve Kerr opted for Bam Adebayo at center instead of Embiid, citing “matchup issues.” This decision puzzled many, given Embiid’s status as a former MVP. The fact that the MVP from two years ago could be considered a poor fit against South Sudan raised eyebrows across the basketball community.

Kerr’s decision to sideline Embiid, along with the fact that Embiid has been struggling on the court, has fueled speculation that something is off. In the run-up to the Paris Olympics, Embiid’s stats have been underwhelming. In four warm-up games, he averaged just 11 points and seven rebounds, with two turnovers per game. Against Serbia, he only managed four points, two rebounds, and two turnovers. Kerr even pulled him just two minutes into the game, and against South Sudan, he didn’t play at all. This steep decline in performance has left fans concerned about his role in the Olympics and beyond.

The French Connection: Betrayal or Misunderstanding?

Adding to the complexity of Embiid’s situation is his relationship with France. Embiid was born in Cameroon, but he had the option to play for France, Cameroon, or the United States in international competition. In 2018, Embiid told the media that Cameroon, France, and the USA were his three options for Olympic basketball, sparking hope among French fans. France was entering a golden age of basketball, much like Argentina’s during their 2004 Olympic run. French basketball officials were eager to add Embiid to their roster alongside Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, and other talented players.

In 2022, after some bureaucratic maneuvering, France granted Embiid citizenship. He was expected to suit up for the French team in EuroBasket 2022, but he was sidelined due to injury. By 2023, while France was competing in the World Cup, Embiid shocked everyone by taking an oath for U.S. citizenship and committing to play for Team USA.

This sudden change of heart left French fans feeling betrayed. Embiid had promised to play for their team, and they had gone out of their way to secure his citizenship. Now, with Embiid suiting up for the United States, French fans have been vocal in their displeasure, booing him every time he touches the ball and heckling him as he boards the team bus. While some argue that their anger is justified, others feel that it’s unfair to hate a player who has never lived in France. Regardless of which side one takes, the reality is that Embiid’s relationship with France has become strained, and this tension is now playing out on the world stage.

Embiid’s Fit With Team USA

One of the biggest challenges for Embiid has been his fit within Team USA’s system. Steve Kerr, known for his motion offense with the Golden State Warriors, prefers a style of play that emphasizes quick ball movement and fluidity. In contrast, Embiid’s game in Philadelphia is built around his ability to dominate the ball in the post. The ball often sticks with him in the Sixers’ offense, which runs counter to Kerr’s free-flowing system.

This difference in playing style has made Embiid uncomfortable, and it shows in his performance. His lackluster effort, sluggish movement, and lack of intensity have been evident during the Olympics. While October has historically been Embiid’s slowest month in the NBA, the short timeframe of the Olympics leaves little room for a slow start. There is simply no time for him to ramp up his production gradually.

Additionally, reports suggest that Embiid has been dealing with an illness, but critics argue that there is always some excuse when it comes to him. Whether it’s injuries or other factors, Embiid has developed a reputation for underperforming when it matters most. Despite his illness, fans expect more from a player of his caliber, especially during such a prestigious tournament.

What Does This Mean for Embiid’s Future?

The stakes are high for Embiid, both in the Olympics and in the NBA. For Team USA, the next few games could determine his future role. If he continues to struggle, Kerr may choose to rely more heavily on Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo at center. Embiid currently has the worst plus-minus of any U.S. starter, and while Kerr has stated that Embiid will return to the starting lineup, it’s clear that his performance needs to improve.

But the Olympic struggles are only part of a larger narrative surrounding Embiid’s career. Colin Cowherd, a prominent sports commentator, recently used Embiid’s poor showing against Serbia to question his entire NBA legacy. Cowherd argued that Philadelphia has built its team around Embiid, running coaches and teammates through him, yet he has never made it past the second round of the playoffs. Cowherd described Embiid as “the most overhyped, coddled, and over-discussed player in the NBA.”

This harsh critique echoes a growing sentiment among some fans and analysts. Despite his individual accolades, including an MVP award, Embiid has yet to deliver when it matters most. Injuries have played a part, but there is a sense that he hasn’t lived up to his full potential, particularly in the postseason. His inability to close out games and lead his team to a deep playoff run is becoming a defining characteristic of his career.

The Path Forward

For Joel Embiid, the 2024 Olympics represent both a challenge and an opportunity. If he can turn things around and help lead Team USA to a gold medal, much of the criticism could fade away. But if he continues to struggle, the narrative surrounding his career may take a turn for the worse.

In the NBA, Embiid will have to prove that he can lead the Philadelphia 76ers to greater heights. The Sixers have built one of the best rosters in the league, but year after year, they fall short in the playoffs. Embiid is the one constant in this equation, and until he breaks through, the doubts about his ability to win at the highest level will persist.

Ultimately, Joel Embiid’s legacy is still being written. Whether he is remembered as a dominant MVP or a player who never quite lived up to expectations will depend on how he responds to these challenges. The rest of the Olympics and the upcoming NBA season will be critical in shaping the future of one of the most talented yet polarizing players in the game today.