"He's around greatness" - Former NBA champion urges Joel Embiid to take cues from Team USA's youngest player

After a lackluster 2024 Paris Olympic debut, superstar center Joel Embiid's starting role with Team USA is in question. According to one-time NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, Embiid could benefit from embracing a mindset similar to that of the Americans' youngest player, Anthony Edwards.

Embiid's commitment to Team USA over his native Cameroon and France, a country he also holds citizenship, was viewed as a potential game-changer last year.

However, in Sunday's Olympic group-phase opener against Serbia, the one-time NBA MVP struggled to make a sizeable impact. Embiid logged only 11 minutes, tallying four points, two rebounds, one block and two turnovers. He shot just 2-for-5 (40.0%), missing all three of his free-throw attempts.

Team USA still overcame the Serbians relatively easily, winning 110-84. Nonetheless, many are questioning Embiid's place in the starting lineup. Common criticisms of the seven-time NBA All-Star have been his laboring pace and ball-stopping habits, with some suggesting he is out of shape.

On ESPN's "NBA Today" on Monday, Perkins and Co. debated whether Embiid should remain a starter. The ex-Boston Celtic highlighted the importance of Embiid taking his Olympic preparation seriously, noting that he should learn from Team USA's seasoned veterans.

"When you commit to something, especially like playing for Team USA, you don't take that lightly," Perkins said.

"That means that you prepare, that means that you come into shape, and the best thing that's happening for him right now is that iron sharpens iron.

"So, now he's around greatness. He's around Kevin Durant, he's around Steph Curry, he's around LeBron James, and now he's able to be around greatness and see how those guys, who are the ultimate professionals, do it on a day-to-day basis," he added.

Perkins then named Edwards as a player whose mindset Embiid should replicate. Edwards, who turns 23 next month, is also competing in his first Olympics, and according to Perkins, is making the most of the experience.

"At the end of the day, he needs to take a page out of Anthony Edwards' book and see how Anthony Edwards is embracing that role of being around greatness, and Joel Embiid needs to follow," Perkins said.

Joel Embiid, 30, is over seven years older than Edwards, so they are in vastly different career stages despite both being first-time Olympians. However, international experience may also pay dividends for Embiid's NBA career, as he has still yet to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the playoffs' second round.

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Joel Embiid looking to "enjoy" Olympic experience

Joel Embiid also highlighted his desire to make the most of his Olympic experience ahead of Team USA's group-phase schedule.

The superstar big man noted that he was looking forward to competing with the Americans' stacked roster.

"I’m around all those guys and I know how smart they are, basketball IQ. For me, it’s just about being around greatness," Embiid said. "You don’t get to be around that all the time, so just being around those guys and enjoying."

Embiid also touched on his willingness to accept any role with Team USA as it pursues a fifth consecutive gold medal.

"I have to let the game come to me. I’m fine. I play with a lot of great, amazing basketball players," Embiid said. "If I have to take zero shots and play defense, I’m happy with it. It’s all about doing whatever you can and adding something to make sure that you reach that goal."

Team USA only has two more group-phase games before potentially qualifying for the quarterfinals, beginning with Wednesday's matchup against South Sudan. It remains to be seen if Embiid can settle into a comfortable rhythm before the tournament's conclusion.

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