Joel Embiid Doubts If Team USA Can Win Gold While Taking Sly Dig At LeBron James' Age

Joel Embiid has expressed doubts about Team USA's chances of winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, taking a subtle dig at LeBron James's age as a factor. The Philadelphia 76ers star, who recently joined Team USA after gaining U.S. citizenship in 2022, acknowledged the team's talent but highlighted the challenge posed by the aging roster in an interview with David Marchese of The New York Times.

"You look at the talent that the U.S. has, but there’s equal talent on other teams. And the talent that’s on the U.S. team, you also got to understand most of those guys are older."

"The LeBron now is not the LeBron that was a couple of years ago. So it’s a big difference. Everybody would also tell you, and you can see for yourself, the athletic LeBron, dominant that he was a couple of years ago, is not the same that he is now."

"I think people get fooled by the names on paper. But those names have been built throughout their career, and now they’re older. They’re not what they used to be." (27:50)

Embiid pointed out that while Team USA boasts some of the biggest names in basketball, many of these players, including LeBron James, are no longer in their prime.

Embiid remarked that the current version of LeBron, at age 39, is not the same dominant force he was a few years ago. He emphasized that the names on paper might look impressive due to their career achievements, but their current form is not as formidable.

Embiid's comments come as a surprise, especially since Team USA has performed well in their three showcase games so far. However, he noted that four of the five main starters, including himself, James, Stephen Curry (36), Kevin Durant (35), and Jrue Holiday (34), are all in their 30s, which could impact their performance against younger, equally talented international teams.

LeBron James , making his fourth Olympic appearance and likely his last, is coming off a solid season but is undeniably past his peak years. While James has been a crucial part of Team USA's success in previous Olympics, his age and the mileage on his body raise legitimate concerns about his ability to lead the team to another gold medal.

Embiid's candid assessment reflects his realistic outlook on the team's prospects and underscores the significant role that age and physical condition play in high-stakes international competition. While his comments may not sit well with some fans and teammates, they bring attention to the broader challenge Team USA faces in maintaining its dominance in global basketball.

As Team USA prepares to face Serbia in their opening game on July 28, Embiid's remarks serve as a reminder of the obstacles ahead and the need for the team to overcome not just external competition but also internal challenges related to age and fitness.

Joel Embiid Doubts If JJ Redick Can Succeed In LA

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid recently shared his thoughts on J.J. Redick’s new role as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers , expressing both skepticism and support. Embiid and Redick played together for two seasons in Philadelphia, where they developed a strong bond. However, Embiid has reservations about Redick's decision to take on such a high-pressure position with the Lakers.

In an interview with The New York Times, Embiid questioned whether the Lakers' coaching job was the ideal situation for Redick.

"If I was him, I don’t know if that’s a perfect situation. Maybe he thinks that’s a perfect situation. It’s kind of a make-or-break situation because if you succeed, great, you’re going to be coaching for years. But if you don’t succeed, those coaches are usually bound to be fired within a year or two. I love him, I’m happy for him, but that’s a tough job."

Despite his concerns, Embiid made it clear that he is rooting for Redick. He acknowledges the immense challenges that come with coaching one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. The Lakers' high expectations, coupled with the pressure to quickly produce results, make the role particularly daunting.

Redick's hiring followed a tumultuous offseason for the Lakers, who were searching for a coach capable of leading the team to immediate success. Reports indicated that the Lakers initially offered Dan Hurley a substantial contract, but he declined to pursue further success with UConn. This left the door open for Redick, who, despite not being the top candidate, was ultimately given the opportunity.

Embiid’s concerns are not unfounded. The Lakers, with a roster featuring aging stars like LeBron James, who is nearing retirement at 39, require a coach who can deliver immediate success. The margin for error is slim, and the pressure is immense. Redick will need to navigate these challenges while adjusting to his new role, a transition that can be difficult even under less demanding circumstances.

As Embiid noted, the stakes are incredibly high. Redick’s success could lead to a long and prosperous coaching career, but failure could result in a swift exit. Embiid's apprehension for his friend underscores the volatile nature of NBA coaching and the unique pressures associated with leading a team like the Lakers.

Related: Joel Embiid Claims He Could Have Been The GOAT If Not For Injuries

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