Team USA feels optimistic in their chances of winning gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics… For the most part. However, Joel Embiid’s recent statements against LeBron James and the rest of the squad do not exactly inspire confidence.
“You look at the talent that the U.S. has, but there’s equal talent on other teams,” Embiid told David Marchese of The New York Times. “And when it comes to the talent on the U.S. team, keep in mind that the majority of those players are older. LeBron is not the same as he was a few years ago. So there’s a tremendous difference. Everyone would tell you, and you can see for yourself, that the athletic, dominant LeBron of a few years ago is no longer the same as he is today.
“I believe people are misled by the names on paper. However, their names were established throughout the course of their careers, and they are now older. They aren’t what they used to be.
Embiid’s words may even be troubling to Team USA fans. Fans surely want their greatest players to speak well of the team. Instead, the Philadelphia 76ers star stated that there is “equal talent on other teams” and cited LeBron James as an example of a player who is no longer the same as he was.
There are other talented teams, but Team USA is the frontrunner due to its star-studded lineup.
Are Joel Embiid’s remarks concerning?
During the third quarter of the USA Basketball Showcase against Canada at T-Mobile Arena, forward Joel Embiid (11) looks on.
One may argue that Embiid is merely being honest and realistic. Again, other basketball teams in the Olympics have strong lineups. It’s also true that LeBron is past his prime.
Still, the fact that Embiid did not seize the chance to encourage his team and/or teammates raises some concerns. Having said that, Embiid is a player who isn’t afraid to express his opinions. He isn’t concerned about pleasing others with his statements.
Nonetheless, it would be intriguing to watch whether LeBron or any other Team USA players respond to Embiid’s comments.
