It's been a major adjustment for Joel Embiid to transfer his talents from the NBA to the Olympic world stage. While his game remains the same, he recently told reporters of the struggle it can be to give up the ball and surrender your ego.
"Even though he couldn’t translate this dominant form in the Paris Olympics yet, Joel Embiid doesn’t seem to have a problem with it. “In the NBA, I’m used to being the guy. Now, you gotta give it up, so I’m loving it,” Embiid said via Basket News .
Embiid, 30, has been the star of the show in Philadelphia since his breakout season in 2017-18. With career averages of 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, Embiid is making a case for being one of the best 76ers players ever.
Unfortunately, the team has struggled to achieve playoff success and they've cycled through various stars in their pursuit of a title. From Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler to James Harden and Paul George, Embiid's had various sidekicks during his NBA tenure but he's always been the man in charge.
As one of many superstars on the Team USA roster, Embiid is having to learn what it means to be patient with his shot and play within the flow of the game. It's an alien concept for Embiid and he's trying to adjust the best way that he can to a role as a sidekick instead of the main star.
So far, the results haven't been great for Joel. He scored 4 points in the game against Serbia, shooting 2-5 while his matchup (Nikola Jokic) went off for 20 points in 31 minutes. This summer will be a big test for the former MVP but he's already done enough to win over his top co-star, Tyrese Maxey.
Joel Embiid Will Dominate Like Different NBA Legends Every Game
No matter which setting Embiid plays in, his skills are undeniable and he's got myriads of ways to score. Whether it's inside, outside, or in the post, Joel has a knack for putting the ball through the net and it's much to the awe of his teammate and co-star Tyrese Maxey.
According to Maxey, Joel can "imitate" a number of NBA legends and he chooses a new one for every game .
“He’ll say, ‘I’m going to be Dirk today,’ and go out and dominate the game like Dirk," said Maxey. "Or ‘I’m going to be Shaq today,’ and dominate the game in the post. I asked him, ‘Who are you going to be today?’ And he said, ‘I’m going to be Joel Embiid.’ That’s when he had the 59.”
Embiid was deep in his bag last season when he dropped a career-high 70 points. And while injuries hot in the way once again, he's hoping that the addition of Paul George will help keep his team alive regardless of his health.
Moving forward, Joel and the Sixers will do everything to have a breakthrough and make a run in the playoffs. For now, Embiid's only focus should be on Team USA and helping them stop the bigs who come to challenge the rim. Contrary to his role on the 76ers, the path to victory this summer involves abandoning all ego and conceding leadership to the team captains (LeBron James and Kevin Durant).
Related: Joel Embiid On French Fans Booing Him: "I’m An American, I Play For Team USA"
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