July 9th 2024.
In the bustling city of Las Vegas, a simple question was posed to Team USA center Joel Embiid during a spirited scrimmage at UNLV's practice gym: was he excited to go up against Serbia's Nikola Jokic in the opening game of the Olympics group phase on July 28th? The answer he gave was blunt and to the point - he didn't care about Jokic. Instead, his focus was on representing his national team with pride.
This response may have come as a shock to Nuggets fans, who have often directed their vitriol towards Embiid. He hasn't played in Denver since 2019 and his absence has caused frustration among fans, especially when he was a late scratch for a game due to a sore knee. One young fan even cried when he found out his birthday present of seeing Embiid play was not going to happen.
Initially, my reaction to Embiid's answer was to criticize him for it. But then I realized that the Olympics are about more than just individual players - it's about the team. And while Embiid may not be popular among Nuggets fans, his response was not wrong. It may have been irritating and annoying, but it was not wrong.
The Olympics are a time for athletes to come together and represent their country with pride and determination. It's not about personal rivalries or individual accolades, it's about working together towards a common goal. And for Team USA, that goal is to win the gold medal. Nothing less.
As I watched Team USA practice against the American Select Team, it was clear that they still have some work to do before the games begin. Even 17-year-old newcomer Cooper Flagg was outshining some of the more experienced players. This only reinforces the fact that the team needs to work on their chemistry and put their egos aside in order to succeed.
The pressure is on for Team USA. In the past, they have always been the dominant force in basketball, but that is no longer a guarantee. The days of simply rolling out the basketballs and easily defeating their opponents are long gone. They must be prepared for tough competition and not take anything for granted.
This is where Embiid's apathy towards Jokic can actually serve a purpose. In the international game, Embiid's style of play will need to adapt. He can't rely solely on his perimeter skills and must be willing to play a more physical game down low. His matchup against Jokic in the first game will be a true test of his versatility and willingness to adjust his game for the team's success.
In the end, it's all about winning the gold medal. Individual statistics and personal rivalries don't matter. What matters is coming home with that coveted gold medal and making the country proud. And with players like Embiid willing to put their egos aside and adapt their game for the team, Team USA has a strong chance of achieving that goal. So let's put aside any ill feelings towards Embiid and come together to support our national team. Go Team USA!
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