Joel Embiid Rasheed Wallace Olympics

In case you were wondering, Rasheed Wallace doesn’t like that Joel Embiid is playing in the Olympics

I know everyone is chomping at the bit to find out if Rasheed Wallace approves of Joel Embiid playing on Team USA in the 2024 Olympics and you’re in luck, because the Philly native shared his point of view on his podcast last week.

Team USA posted a perfect 5-0 record in the exhibition schedule. While Embiid needed some time (obviously) to get back into game shape, while also adjusting his game to better fit the USA roster on the international level, yesterday’s game against Germany was the perfect step in the right direction. Embiid scored 15 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists in Team USA’s win over Germany. 

Joel Embiid dominates in Team USA exhibition win over Team Germany 92-88 >>

However, not everyone believes that Embiid should be playing in the Olympics. Philly native and NBA legend Rasheed Wallace shared his thoughts on Embiid playing this summer in Paris last week, saying that he should be resting and focusing on winning the NBA Finals with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Rasheed Wallace on Joel Embiid playing in the Olympics:

No disrespect to the Olympics and Olympic Games, all that, but hey man, to me in this world, hey this NBA title is more important than you know getting that gold medal. Yo, go ahead and rest up. If I were the Sixers, oh man I definitely would have protested that with him. You are our main catalyst. I could see it if you were our backup center, or if you were a backup guard, or even a starting guard where we got let’s say bringing a Tyrese Maxey off the bench or something like that. Oh yeah go ahead, but we ain’t got nobody to back you up, bro. You are the team, you are it. When people think of the Philadelphia 76ers, we think of Joel Embiid. Well, we think of Allen Iverson first, but then Joel Embiid. Man no, sit down. He doesn’t look healthy.

Look, I understand what Rasheed Wallace is saying. It’s no secret that Embiid has a laundry list of freak-injuries that have carried a ridiculous impact on his ability to perform during the playoffs at an elite level that we see throughout the NBA regular season. 

At the same time, I do find it pretty fascinating that people can’t grasp the concept of how Embiid playing on the world stage in the Olympics alongside the greatest basketball players in the world is incredible experience for someone who hasn’t really felt what it’s like to be around championship players. 

On top of that, the NBA season doesn’t even start until October. Embiid will have roughly 2 months of rest before the 76ers play meaningful basketball and every single player on Team USA could suffer an injury. That’s a moot point in my opinion and the pros of playing in the Olympics far outweigh the cons. 

Embiid’s development both mentally and physically by playing in the Olympics should benefit himself and the Philadelphia 76ers as a whole. He’s no longer the “best player on the court” with Team USA and is surrounded by elite talent that have NBA championships in their trophy cases.

Embiid is forced to play a more “traditional center” role on Team USA – something that will undoubtedly benefit him and help progress his game inside the paint – whether that’s posting up on defenders and finishing at the rim or facilitating the ball along the perimeter.

Embiid has been stuck in Philadelphia with a rotating roster for his entire career. Just being around winners and having a very good chance at winning a Gold Medal. Anyone who thinks that isn’t worth the experience for Embiid unfortunately, hasn’t been paying attention. 

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