Was Joel Embiid trying to subdue expectations ahead of the Olympics, or was he speaking the truth? His comments about an aging US side and singling out LeBron James caused a stir and drew flak. Ironically, James (39) was the one who rescued Team USA from defeats twice in a matter of days. And now those on the US team have come out and addressed those comments and set the expectations straight.

In a 32-minute interview with the New York Times before the US team’s training camp, Embiid talked about how those watching from the outside may be overestimating the USA’s strengths and their chances of a fifth consecutive gold medal, citing old age as a factor within the team. Indeed, seven of Team USA’s 12 players are 30 years of age or older.

As Kevin Durant, himself 35 and Stephen Curry addressed the media in Paris, they were asked about Embiid’s take. While ‘Slim Reaper’ acknowledged the fact the team has some old legs, but insisted they have the ability to pull through.

“Of course, we’re older and we all have mileage on our bodies. We figure out ways to be effective, just as Jo has as he’s gone through injuries,” Durant said.

Bringing up James, Durant said that he may not be as athletic as he was a decade or so ago, but can still deliver when it counts. “The thing about greatness is that you adjust and continue to find ways to be effective. That’s what LeBron has done. He’s not running and jumping the same way he was when he was 25, 26 years old, but he’s still jumping pretty high and running pretty fast,” Durant said.

Durant’s comments do hold weight and exhibit a mentality needed to succeed on bigger occasions. The team has maintained a 100% record in exhibition games as they look to add to their Olympic gold tally.

In this light, Embiid’s comments published on July 20 could be seen as missing the mark. He had said, “You look at the talent that the U.S. has, but there’s equal talent on other teams. And the talent that’s on the U.S. team, you also got to understand most of those guys are older.” 

Embiid is 30 himself and apart from Durant and James, the team also has Derrick White, Anthony Davis, and Jrue Holiday, all aged 30 or above. Embiid also pointed out James’ prowess not being the same. “The LeBron now is not the LeBron that was a couple of years ago. So it’s a big difference. Everybody would also tell you, and you can see for yourself, the athletic LeBron, dominant that he was a couple of years ago, is not the same that he is now,” he stated.

These comments were not well received within the NBA community, with Stephen A. Smith hitting out at Embiid. “I think it’s fair. I just think…it’s like he’s managing expectations and I don’t like it. LeBron James is sensational. LeBron James is so incredible for the game of basketball because, remember, the man’s brilliance can’t be denied.”

The trio (Curry, Durant, and James) heading the Paris 2024 men’s team have not only competed for over a decade, but they are still the heads of the table as far as the NBA is concerned. When it comes to James, he has constantly reshaped his game to maximize his impact in any setting. When he had an unmatched burst, James was running violently to the rim. Now, in the era of shooting, the 39-year-old improved his efficiency to 41% from three this season, a career-best mark.

The same goes for Curry and Kevin Durant. They, too, are only three years younger, but still performing at a colossal level. Both remain central pieces for a championship run. It’s simply a product of work and study. While their body isn’t capable of doing the things they once did, their minds are sharper than ever.

Closer to 40, James continues to show his leadership qualities and the impact he has on the team.

LeBron James continues to lead, no matter how old

Embiid’s comments might have had a splash of reality. LeBron James doesn’t have the once otherworldly athleticism he had. But has that stopped the entire Team USA from yielding to his impact? No, it hasn’t. Not only was James, at the age he is, voted the best player on the team, but he has shown to be so time and again.

In the most intense of exhibition games, LeBron James wore the cape for the US fleet. Against South Sudan, he scored a game-high 25 points, including a domineering game-winning layup to save face. He followed up the bravado by dismantling Germany all alone in the fourth quarter, going on an 11-6 personal run to claim victory.

“I’m just blown away by his effort, concentration on every single drill. He talks, even at a walk-through his voice, yelling out a play, the scheme, his leadership by example. It’s incredible. I’ve known that, but to see it up close is pretty special,” said head coach Steve Kerr about the 39-year-old.

At his wise age, having over 1,000 games of wear and tear, James established himself as the number one option for Team USA during the Paris Olympics. That’s the benchmark that he is willing to uphold, even after all the success he has obtained in 21 years of basketball.