Joel Embiidโs performances with Team USA in the 2024 Olympic Games have been amazing, catching the attention of fans and experts alike.
Charles Barkley’s Bold Comments
In a chat on Paul Georgeโs Podcast P, Charles Barkley shared his thoughts about Joel Embiid. He said, โI think thatโs one of the reasons heโs always injured. I donโt think heโs in good enough shape… Youโve got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played.โ
Barkley’s comments stirred up social media. One user remarked, โBarkley of all people talking about being out of shape,โ while another said, โAt least Charles always tells it like it is. Joel Embiid has been very mid.โ
Charles Barkley becomes the latest to call out Joel Embiid
— Sixers Nation (@SixersNationCP)
Barkley’s Advice to Embiid
The TNT analyst hopes that Joel learns from this experience for when he’s back in the NBA. Barkley mentioned on George’s podcast, “Some nights, Maxey’s gonna have it going and heโs not going to get the ball. Some nights, youโre gonna be going off and heโs not going to get the ball.”
“He canโt mope around,” Barkley continued. “Heโs gotta be like, โOkay, itโs Paulโs night. Okay, itโs Maxeyโs night.โ What can I do when I donโt get the ball? Iโm hoping this is a good learning experience for him.”
Sometimes we feel like these criticisms might actually help players improve.
Team USA Lineup Changes
Last week Jayson Tatum returned to Team USA’s starting lineup which meant Joel had to sit out an entire game against South Sudan. Despite injuries last season, Joel averaged 34.7 points per game over 39 matches for the Sixers.
Coach Steve Kerr chose Tatum over Embiid because he needed faster players for that match-up against South Sudan. Kerr explained his decisions often create drama but emphasized their goal: winning gold.
โI think the NBA is so popular worldwide and the regular season is kind of a soap opera,โ Kerr said. โAnd so we understand that… Theyโre here to win a gold medal.โ
Preparing for Brazil
Team USA remains undefeated at 3-0 after beating Puerto Rico 104-83 and now faces Brazil in what they consider an easier quarterfinals match-up.
โThese are all excellent teams,โ Steve Kerr noted but added that Brazil was their main focus now.
Barkley’s Final Thoughts
Barkley believes these are some of the best teammates Embiid has ever had and expects nothing less than gold from them this time around.
โIf they lose we canโt let them back in the country,โ Barkley joked on Podcast P show with George.โAll they got to do is go out there and play hard.โ
โWeโre not gonna walk up and down just giving you or LeBron all touches; everyone needs to just play basketball,โ Chuck concluded with his usual flair.
