Winning isn’t everything; It’s the only thing: That’s what Team USA has squeezed out of its Olympic campaign till this juncture. If you remember, of course you will, their last meeting with South Sudan could’ve caused a major upset. That’s why even the fans charged at the Dream Team 2.0, pointing to various rusted gears, the most prominent of whom was Joel Embiid. Well, it seems like coach Kerr made a bold call, as the Sixer was not part of the hooper’s blowout victory over South Sudan, 103-86. One of the major highlights of this game was Bam Adebayo, who kept Team USA’s back post steady.

Joel Embiid, who was dropped from the lineup and did not get to play a single minute, was aptly replaced. Bam led the scoring chart in Team USA’s latest group game at the Paris Olympics, with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He also clocked an impressive 80% field goal accuracy, scoring 8 out of his 10 attempts! It compelled the hoops community to laud the Heat Center, as FIBA’s official X page even posted, “No Embiid? No problem!” showcasing Adebayo‘s efficiency from the game against Sudan.

Bam’s performance has come as a surprise since Embiid has been the backcourt rep since the start of the campaign. But Adebayo proved his mettle as a Team USA player, especially bringing out his A-game versatility against the 3-point snipers of South Sudan. You mention it, and Adebayo gets it done, whether it be scoring inside, setting blind screens, rebounds, stealing the ball, scoring baskets, and creating the floor spacing [with three-pointers]. Overall, Adebayo was a package out there with his efficiency on both ends.

It has brought Joel Embiid to the other end of the fans’ spectrum. However, the 30-year-old center was already in their crosshairs because of past performances. Now, Bam shining through his game, instigated it further.

Fan police put Bam Adebayo on a pedestal, continuing to call Joel Embiid “fraudulent”

The brighter the light; the darker the shadow casts: Bam Adebayo proved it with his versatility and excellence. The Hoopers fan base went after Joel Embiid and one of the most unique comments that marked itself was a fan stating, “Best center in the east🔥🔥🔥” The performance that Adebayo delivered justified the blasting fire emojis. In overall rankings, Adebayo was ranked the 4th-best center in the NBA, as per HoopsHype last season with his staggering 52.1 field goal percentage, averaging 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Though Joel Embiid was marked 2nd-best, the fans have now clearly chosen Adebayo as their favorite in the East. Further, a netizen seemed to have considered the scoreline, as well as Embiid’s snub, as a gimmick since he commented, “No doubt they’ll try to spin this as Embiid needing rest, which only further highlights how he’s never healthy.”

The Sixer has been carrying a bunch of injuries in the past, including a torn thumb ligament, orbital fractures, knee soreness, a torn meniscus, and ankle issues. All of them have recorded a dip in Joel Embiid’s post-season ambitions for his team, which has been consistent with the fact that he has never played 70 games in even a single season.

A user on X wanted to continue benching him, as they commented, “Bench Embiid? no problem!!” Since the start of the exhibition games, fans have been continuously demanding to remove Joel Embiid from the starting lineup. As soon as Steve Kerr explained Embiid’s omission post-game as a need to match up South Sudan’s pace, fans sniffed that the 30-year-old might make a return in the games ahead. That’s why, after witnessing Team USA’s blowout victory, this fan seemingly did not want to jinx it with Embiid’s return.

Another fan highlighted the stats for his logic, saying, “Who u kiddin’ admin? Embiid ended -8 in the +20 w vs Serbia 😂😂🤣🤣Most fraudulent MVP oat” Because Embiid has been the No. 1 choice for Team USA for their Paris Olympics’ gold quest, his underwhelming numbers have been criticized again and again. He could only score 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block in the huge 26-point margin victory against Serbia.

What Bam Adebayo showcased to the fans on the international stage has visibly instigated the criticism around Joel Embiid. So, the only option that the former NBA MVP has is to up his game and deliver what the world wants from an MVP like him. If he does so, it will kill two birds with one stone. A) Team USA will win and B) Steve Kerr or nobody else will need to defend him in the media.

What are your thoughts? Should he get a second chance to justify his worth for the role at Team USA? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.