Joel Embiid Critiques Team USA’s Age and Performance
LeBron James and Team USA’s Current Form
Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid recently raised concerns about Team USA’s aging roster, suggesting that the current squad, including stars like LeBron James, may not be as formidable as their reputations suggest. Embiid started his critique with LeBron James: “It is evident to everyone that athletically he is no longer the dominant player he was a couple of seasons ago,” he stated. Embiid warns, “In Paris, there are many national teams that have the same talent as we do.”
LeBron’s Heroics Against South Sudan
Despite Embiid’s remarks, LeBron James recently showcased his enduring talent in Team USA’s latest performance against South Sudan. James scored 23 points, leading Team USA to a thrilling 101-100 victory. His game-winning basket in a one-on-one isolation play against J.T. Thor highlighted his critical role in the team’s success.
Embiid’s Concerns Highlighted in the New York Times
Simultaneously with James’s on-court heroics, Embiid’s critical comments were making headlines in the “New York Times.” Embiid, set to be LeBron’s teammate in the upcoming Paris Olympics, emphasized, “Today’s LeBron is not the same as two years ago, and that makes a big difference. It is clear to everyone—besides being very easy to see—that the athletically dominant LeBron of a couple of years ago is not the same today.”
The Age Factor
Embiid’s concerns extend beyond just LeBron. He highlighted the age of Team USA’s major stars: LeBron James (39), Stephen Curry (36), and Kevin Durant (35). “Most of our players are old: people are deceived by the value of the names on paper, but that value was built over the years during their careers. Today, however, they are older and are not the same as they once were,” Embiid argued.
Joel Embiid on if he has any doubts Team USA will win the gold medal:
“You look at the talent that the U.S. has, but there’s equal talent on other teams. And the talent that’s on the U.S. team, you also got to understand most of those guys are older. The LeBron now is not the… pic.twitter.com/tMfyaUBlwh
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 20, 2024
Looking Ahead
While Embiid’s comments might seem harsh, they reflect a realistic concern about the physical demands of international competition and the potential challenges faced by an aging roster. As Team USA prepares for the Paris Olympics, the balance between experience and athletic prime will be crucial in determining their success.