Joel Embiid, although Cameroonian, is representing the USA in the Olympics. The former MVP is a talented center, however, his pace has taken breaks throughout his career. Previously, in the postseason, the Process put up great numbers but couldn’t get past the first round. Now, Embiid is a skillful player but isn’t as athletic as most centers. And in the past few years, he has been visibly struggling to post up players in the paint. But things got worse when the 7-footer couldn’t handle the Serbians’ strength inside.

He doesn’t hesitate to appeal for fouls every other play and so happened in the exhibition game. Fans took to Twitter advising the USAB to get him off the team. The comments were filled with how Embiid calls for fouls without putting any effort into the particular play. And for the most part, Joel seems to rely quite a lot on the calls. But then again, this is not the NBA. International basketball is much more different.

Compared to the NBA, international basketball is less lenient with foul calls. In international play, players are acutely aware of the value of each possession. Defense is tougher, and scoring with shifty moves and flashy dribbles is more challenging. Of course, it is more difficult to get all the foul calls in international games. But when he does get all the calls, Embiid gets the job done from the free-throw line. As the first group stage game nears, Embiid will have to get used to the physicality against international players.

However, this ain’t the first we’ve seen someone from the league struggle to perform overseas. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics exhibition games, Team USA fell short against Nigeria. While it was a warm-up game, the loss came as a shocking result. So it may not have to do solely with Embiid’s game but how easier it is to get calls in the league compared to international competition. Regardless, fans did not fail to thrash Embiid on Twitter.

Fans want Joel Embiid off the roster

Team USA has already let go of one of their forwards before the exhibition games. At this point, it wouldn’t be possible to get rid of Embiid, however, they can hope the Sixer to be more serious in his role. He can knock down jumpers from mid-range, drop floaters, and drain long-distance shots. But relying on calls will only be a waste of possession most of the time. A good example of the same instance was during the exhibition game against Serbia.

This fan only wanted the big man off the team. Again, the frustration after such plays becomes a problem for not only the viewers but also for the coaching staff over time.

On the other hand, this Twitterati wanted Embiid off the floor during the game. Well, AD is the primary center and Embiid might not get enough minutes in a condensed game. But then again, Embiid is the only big man other than AD who can shoot.

The hate did not stop there as Twitteratis continued to thrash Embiid for his performance in the paint. This fan wanted the coaching staff to bench the center for good. Embiid is an MVP and has a lot of respect among the squad members. For him to come off the bench as a role player wouldn’t really suit him. Though if continues to miss such shots, then he may expect to spend most of the time sitting.

Out of all, this Twitterati couldn’t have said it better. This fan pointed out the league to officiate the games more seriously. That way players wouldn’t be “easily rewarded for trying to trick the refs”. And of course, for the most part, it is true. The NBA is much more different in terms of games being officiated. This in turn has affected players trying to go up against the Olympic competition.

Now Embiid has a lot of aspects to work on. But the former MVP is pretty solid when it comes to scoring from a distance as a big man. From this point, Joel Embiid will have to play more freely rather than relying on calls. The Olympics are going to be tougher than ever. Teams will not be backing down when it comes to the real games. Not only that but as strong as the Americans are, there are competitions willing to go the distance against the States.

What are your thoughts on Embiid? Do you think he should be on the bench? Let us know in the comments.

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