After, the announcement of the roster for the 2024 United States Men’s Olympic Basketball Team a lot of attention was on Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers star who was recovering from meniscus surgery. As a result, various media members, fans, and players were wondering if he would even play in the Olympics. Nevertheless, Embiid and the rest of Team USA just wrapped their exhibition schedule. Through a limited sample size, we are seeing how the Olympics will help Embiid improve his game. Let’s dive into these improvements and how they will benefit Embiid this upcoming season.
Why Playing In The Olympics Will Make Joel Embiid Better
Improving Playmaking/Passing Ability
The biggest development in Embiid’s game last season was his improved passing ability. In addition, that skillset has only gotten better playing next to LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards. During Monday’s game against Germany, he made a pass from half-court that would have made Jalen Hurts jealous. That possession ended with a corner three-pointer.
Additionally, Embiid will need to continue to make the right reads during the Olympics. He continues to get a lot of defensive attention and high-percentage shooting opportunities should be available for his teammates. Playing in these situations and learning to share the scoring responsibilities can only help him develop as a superstar player.
The Sixers are now bringing Paul George into the fold in October. So, Embiid learning to sacrifice for the greater good of the team during the Olympics will help him and make the transition even easier in October playing next to George and Tyrese Maxey. If Embiid can continue to improve his passing and playmaking skills during the Olympics. He will take another generational leap as a player and be even more of a problem for an opposing defense.
Pick-and-Roll Maestro
Embiid’s finally improving as a pick-and-roll player, has been beautiful to see throughout Team USA’s exhibition games. He has not always gotten the ball when he rolls or pops. However, he has shown flashes of that ability which should have Sixers fans salivating. If he pulls some of these moves during a regular season or playoff game. That he has shown so far this summer, then the Sixers will have one of the best offensive punches in the league.
Just imagine Embiid setting a screen for Maxey and with that speed he either pulls up for a high-percentage shot. Or passes it to Embiid for a momentum-shifting dunk or lay-up. Embiid developing this skillset even more during the Olympics can put the Sixers over the top in the loaded Eastern Conference.
Doing The Little Things That Contribute To Winning
Embiid not having to do everything during the Olympics, has allowed him to contribute in other ways besides scoring. For example, yesterday during the game he blocked a shot by a German player, and that led to an Edwards highlight reel dunk. In other instances, throughout the five exhibition games. Embiid’s footwork has allowed him to be in a great position to either put points on the board or gain another possession for his teammates.
Continuing to do those things during the Olympics can only help the Sixers. It will give Embiid more trust in his body and his teammates. If a role player sees their superstar teammate relying on his footwork to be in a good defensive position instead of his talent, then that role player will work harder during practices to be in a good defensive position as well. If Joel Embiid can take this Olympic experience and bring this summer Embiid to the regular season. Then the Philadelphia 76ers will be in a great position to win a championship this season.
