Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is underperforming compared to the public's expectations at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Still, coach Steve Kerr started him in every game to this point. This changes in Wednesday's rematch against South Sudan, where Embiid is out of the starting lineup for Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis. Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who did not appear in their last game, is also making his way into the starting five.
South Sudan nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic basketball history the last time the two teams faced off. So it makes sense for Kerr to shake up the rotation, especially with Kevin Durant back in the mix. The Phoenix Suns superstar is widely regarded as one of the top Olympic basketball players of all-time.
The decision also fulfills the request of NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins, who begged Kerr to bench Embiid earlier this week.
"Please get Embiid out the game. I’m begging you Steve Kerr. Please," Perkins wrote.
Team USA took down Serbia comfortably on Sunday, but the Sixers big man was the lone player with a negative plus/minus. He finished the day with 4 points and 2 rebounds on 2 of 5 shooting in just 11 minutes of action.
The USA is rolling with a starting lineup of Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Davis.
