Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid was a DNP-CD in Team USA's comfortable victory over South Sudan, avenging a one-point exhibition win earlier this month.
Their frontcourt's dominance with Embiid on the bench raises speculation about his importance to the roster. NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins comedically shared that he prefers the role the 76ers star played today, rather than starting alongside the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
"I like the role Embiid played today, to be honest with you, I'm being serious," Perkins said on the Road Trippin' Show. "Do you think Team USA could go and win the gold without Joel Embiid playing another minute in the games? Joel Embiid is still hobbling up the floor, still needs to get in shape."
Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo thrived against South Sudan, largely due to Embiid's absence. Instead of contributing heavily on the floor, Perkins believes this is an opportunity for Embiid to prepare to win an NBA championship next season.
"I would actually use this to my advantage if I were him. You're around KD, you're around Bron. You can tell Anthony Edwards wants to be great [by learning from the greats on the roster]. Going into next season, Joel Embiid has a ton of pressure on him," Perkins said. "If I'm Embiid, I'm making sure every single moment I want those guys to push me."
The DNP-CD is not a serious concern, as it's likely a rest game for the superstar rather than a lack of confidence in his play. Maintaining health is a top priority for the 2023 MVP, who deals with serious injuries on a yearly basis. With a team composed of NBA All-Stars, it would be foolish to put stress on Embiid, an idea backed by NBA analyst Richard Jefferson.
"I think the biggest thing with Embiid is not his fire or his competitiveness. It's his body," Jefferson shared. "I think Joel Embiid is up there for one of the [best] superstars, playing the right way, knowing how to do it, and picking his spots. If his body isn't right, he's not Joel Embiid. It doesn't matter if it's the Olympics, USA basketball, preseason, or postseason. I'm not saying his body doesn't look right, he just doesn't look like he's in great shape, but I still want a Joel Embiid on my bench."
Embiid will rejoin the starting lineup on Friday against Puerto Rico, according to NBA writer Ben Golliver.
