Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid did not perform at the anticipated level for Team USA against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Sunday.
His play has varied on a game-to-game basis in the Olympics thus far, but NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins is tired of the inconsistencies. He took to social media, pleading with coach Steve Kerr to make a change.
“Please get Embiid out the game. I’m begging you Steve Kerr. Please,” Perkins wrote.
Please get Embiid out the game. I’m begging you Steve Kerr. Please
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) July 28, 2024
The reactions were split, with some grilling the 2008 NBA champion while others backed up his opinion. He finished the day with 4 points and 2 rebounds on 2 of 5 shooting in just 11 minutes of action. It’s also worth noting Embiid was the lone USA player with a negative plus/minus despite a victory margin of 26.
Despite Embiid quickly heading to the bench with Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis subbing in, Kerr is making clear his confidence in the 76ers star. He started him in every game so far, alongside LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Davis and Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo performed better than Embiid, but none of the USA’s big men thrived against Jokic.
Embiid and the USA play in the much-anticipated rematch against South Sudan on Wednesday.
