Steve Kerr Explains Why Joel Embiid Didn't Play Against South Sudan

Photo: Instagram/Joel Embiid

Team USA won their second men's basketball game of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday, beating South Sudan 103–86.

Jayson Tatum started for the first time in this Olympics, replacing Joel Embiid in the lineup. Embiid, a star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, did not play at all in the game.

After the game, USA coach Steve Kerr explained why Embiid sat out. Kerr said the lineup used was better suited for South Sudan's speed.

Photo: Instagram/Joel Embiid

Kerr mentioned that Embiid will be back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Puerto Rico.

In the first game against Serbia, Embiid started but played only 11 minutes, scoring four points and getting three fouls. Those were his only minutes so far in Paris, but that will change on Saturday.


Joining Embiid in the starting lineup will be LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Jrue Holiday—the same group that started against Serbia.

Read Next: LeBron James Hits Big Scoring Record In Team USA Win

Source: Sports Illustrated 

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