Jokes Are Pouring In After Team USA's Joel Embiid Decision Against South Sudan

Team USA is now 2-0 at the 2024 Paris Olympics following its 103-86 win over South Sudan on Wednesday afternoon. A major storyline from this game was the playing time, or lack thereof, of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.

After receiving a spot in the starting lineup in the first game against Serbia, Embiid was brought to the bench against South Sudan and failed to see the court. Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis took his starting spot.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum received similar treatment, not playing a single minute against Serbia but being entered into the starting lineup against South Sudan.

Embiid, who is a former NBA MVP, was the only player not to receive minutes for Team USA.

After the game, jokes came flying into social media from NBA fans regarding Embiid's benching.

"Joel Embiid highlights vs South Sudan."

"Joel Embiid didn’t want to play for his home country and now isn’t getting minutes on Team USA."

"joel embiid got benched in the olympics before joel embiid made a conference finals"

"Joel Embiid when we win a gold medal"

Embiid is playing in his first Olympic games this year. Although he was born in Cameroon, Embiid opted to play for Team USA instead of his home country.

Despite starting against Serbia over the weekend, Embiid only played 11 minutes. He scored four points on 2-of-5 shooting and grabbed two rebounds.

In the 2023–24 NBA season, Embiid led the 76ers to a 47–35 regular season record. Philadelphia received the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs but lost in six games to the New York Knicks in the first round.

On the season, Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. However, he only played in 39 games during the season due to injury.

Related: LeBron James Is Trending After Decking South Sudan Player At Olympics

Related: Jayson Tatum Goes Viral After Embarrassing First Olympic Shot