The controversy surrounding Joel Embiid throughout the Olympics so far has been immense. Whether that is what he has been saying to the media or just his overall production and performance on the court, but this stat from the team’s win over Serbia on Sunday says it all.
In that game, when Embiid was on the floor, Team USA was -8. However, when he was off the floor and Anthony Davis was on, Team USA was +28.
Despite Team USA winning by 26, Joel Embiid was the only player with a negative plus/minus đ
Embiid was first subbed out less than three minutes into the game against Serbia.
Should AD start for the rest of the tournament? đ¤ pic.twitter.com/z5I5FXPwl1
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 28, 2024
They were also in the plus when Bam Adebayo was on the floor. Serbia abused the pick and roll against Embiid with Jokic, and it really showed on the stat sheet..
Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis on Team USA
Steve Kerr has been very adamant about keeping Embiid in the starting lineup and Davis and Adebayo coming off the bench, but it is truly nearing a time where a decision should rightfully be considered to make a switch. Serbia started the game up 10-2, then Embiid got pulled, and the lead shifted drastically from that point on.
The United States are back in action on Wednesday at 3 PM ET against South Sudan who nearly beat the U.S. during exhibition play.