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via Imago
Image Courtesy: IMAGO
Joel Embiid had three options to choose from during the Olympics. He could choose between France, his native country Cameroon, and his current country, the USA. He opted for the USA and now has a chance to play alongside LeBron James. Apart from James, he will have the luxury to wreak havoc alongside Stephen Curry. This duo provides enticing opportunities on the offensive end and why would Embiid miss out on them?
The humiliation of the FIBA World Cup has made these players make a statement during the big stage of the Olympics. In that wake, another enticing Center has now joined them.
Team USA gets defensive boost
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The USA squad has already gotten a lot of offensive weapons. They are tough to guard, both inside and outside. However, they did want a lot of defense. And they didn’t have to think twice before going into one of the most dynamic defenders. He is also someone who has been under the radar but gets it done.
The Miami Heat has kept on achieving success despite being underdogs. The duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo has now proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. The defensive tenacity these two bring is off the roof. Apart from that while Jimmy is the first option, Bam can get it done on the offensive end too. He is not an assertive offensive player like Jokic and Embiid, but he is still one of the best in that position.
After being selected to the US Olympics team, he got his reward as a two-time All-Star and two-time Finalists.
Bam Adebayo will have a spot on Team USA’s 12-man Olympic roster, per @ByTimReynolds pic.twitter.com/wqBhVrlkES
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 5, 2023
With Curry, LeBron, and Embiid, he fits in well on multiple fronts. He can act as a great physical presence against European big men who like to use their bodies. The USA team missed this physicality during the FIBA World Cup and was out-muscled consistently. Bam is willing to do the dirty work on defense, screens, and his tempo is up. With defenders confused and running around the rest of his teammates, he can easily get open looks.
Therefore, he is the perfect fit. He brings what the team lacked during the ousting in the FIBA World Cup. The bruising Center will be looking for some big-time minutes and he can get them.
After news of his selection broke out, fans were elated. Amidst the jubilation, there were some usual detractors.
Fans debate Adebayo’s minutes
Fans were divided about whether the two-time All-Star would get adequate minutes. With Embiid and potentially Anthony Davis in the middle, It can take some playing time away. However, if AD plays at four, then minutes open up for the defensive maestro. This was one of the debates in the comments section but there was a lot of love for the incredible player.
A Heat fan page was obviously hyped:
World in trouble
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) October 5, 2023
Another fan appreciated this turn of events:
Hand them the gold rn
— Sammy (@xosamanthabanos) October 5, 2023
A fan believes that Adebayo is one of the best Centers in the league:
Top 3 center in the game.
— jimmy stan 🤙🏼 (@BlSCAYNEBUCKETS) October 5, 2023
A commenter believed that the Center would not get many minutes:
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For him to do nothing💀
— 𝓓 𝓡 𝓐 𝓒 𝓞💕 (@UpThaDraco) October 5, 2023
A fan wasn’t pleased with all the negative comments aimed at the four-time All-Defensive Second Team member.
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So, will he get sizeable minutes?