Joel Embiid trolled France but what if he would’ve played for them instead of the U.S.? Would the U.S. have been able to advance past Serbia? France really needed a third scorer during the Gold Medal game. “Slenderman” Wembanyama and Yabusele paced France with production in the game against the U.S. But, the next player, Nando De Colo, scored 12 points. Rudy Gobert played well and set good screens to get shooters open, but isn’t the same player as Embiid to score. France needed Embiid.
Embiid double crossed French Basketball federation
Look at this article here on Fox Sports radio. The French basketball federation helped Embiid get a French passport because he said he wanted to play for them in 2022. They have proof. So, it appears that Embiid wanted more attention by playing for the US. He might have “burned the bridge” by now saying he wants to play for Cameroon in 2028. Cameroon, according to this BBC article here, is annoyed at Embiid’s heel turn.
Embiid would’ve made a difference
France cut the deficit to 82-79 late fourth quarter. Look at the shot chart here on the FIBA website. The French offense stalled in getting to the rim and bricked a ton of outside shots. Embiid has a better offensive game then Rudy Gobert and would’ve provided scoring down low. Now, nothing would’ve stopped Steph Curry from having his game. The U.S. still would’ve won.
France and Serbia both made statements in their losses. U.S. basketball must begin to balance their player development from focusing on athletic talent only to more team-oriented play. Look at my article here on our site talking about why NBA role players are so much better on the International stage.
