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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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  Debate

Debate

Is Steve Kerr's support for Embiid a smart move or a personal agenda hurting Team USA?

Is Steve Kerr focused more on his personal agenda than 5th consecutive gold for the USA Men’s basketball team? Despite winning 4 NBA championships as a head coach, the Golden State Warriors fanbase doubts Kerr’s rotations. The 58-year-old is facing similar doubtful eyes but on a much larger scale this time. Notably, despite Joel Embiid’s unsatisfactory performance, Kerr plans on continuing with him in the starting five with Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Meanwhile, Gilbert Arenas discussed the issue with his crew on his podcast show.

The discussion on Gil’s Arena started with the question of why do coaches like Kerr not gravitate towards players like Anthony Edwards, who want to take initiative. Notably, ahead of exhibition games for the Paris Olympics, Edwards had stated himself to be the number one and that others would have to fit in to play around him. On the contrary, Ant-Man has started in only one game of the three played so far. And Gilbert Arenas believes this is because of the personal issues of the NBA head coach.

“He’s a head coach of an NBA team. He has his own agenda, right? That’s right there. That’s bad. Bring in assistant coaches… Some of these retired coaches…Let them come coach these teams…If you’ve been killing my team all season, I don’t f*ck with you. I’m not gonna f*ck with you on the USA team, man,” Gil said on Gil’s Arena. He further highlighted how the Timberwolves have been the Warriors’ biggest enemy this season. And how Edwards, as the best player in the Wolves, contributed to the Warriors’ misery.

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via Reuters

“And obviously it’s the same motherf*cker that be getting benched…They’ll bench him for anybody, dawg. But why? That’s they biggest enemy does,” Gil said on the podcast. Notably, the Warriors and Wolves clashed 3 times last season and GSW faced defeat every single time. However, there is no concrete evidence behind Gilbert Arenas’ claims of Kerr being biased against Ant-Man.

“Looks out of shape”: ESPN Analyst demands Joel Embiid’s replacement on the starting five

In the three games so far, Embiid has been in the starting five in all three games, averaging 7.6 ppg. Meanwhile, Edwards has averaged 14.3 ppg in the three games he has played, which include two games coming off the bench.

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But despite the 7’0″ player scoring 8 points on 2-of-8 shooting, Steve has his mind set on his ways. “Whether you agree with it or not, that’s the way it’s going to be,” he said of Embiid, continuing in the starting five. One can only hope this rigid stance does not cost Team USA an embarrassing loss in unexpected circumstances.

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Is Steve Kerr's support for Embiid a smart move or a personal agenda hurting Team USA?

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However, this decision has not left everybody happy, and voicing the same was former NBA center Kendrick Perkins, who raised concerns about his lack of fitness and reliability. He further suggested Anthony Davis as an alternative. He said, “I’m wondering when is he gonna put Anthony Davis is the starting lineup and take out Joel Embiid,” Perkins said. “When I look at Joel Embiid right now, a question comes to mind and it’s a concern, he looks out of shape…He don’t look good right now getting up and down the floor.”

While Gilbert Arenas has voiced his concerns about a personal agenda being at play, it is clear that Steve Kerr is firm in his decision. Only time will tell which of the two will prove true.

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Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.