Joel Embiid has faced criticism for appearing out of shape and disinterested while competing with Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Former player and coach Sam Mitchell has publicly condemned Embiid’s lack of effort, noting that the 2023 NBA MVP chose Team USA over Cameroon and France.
Mitchell expressed disappointment, questioning why USA Basketball worked so hard to recruit Embiid if he was going to show up unprepared.
“I’m an American veteran… I did six years in the reserves in the United States Army as Second Lieutenant. I love this country. Me and millions of other men would love to represent this country in some shape or form, or fashion, especially as basketball player in a capacity” Mitchell said on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
He further criticized Embiid’s approach, stating, “For Joel Embiid to be given that right to not have been born here to have had the opportunity to play for three national teams – [Cameroon], France and the U.S. – he chose the U.S. to show up out of shape, disinterested.
“It makes me wonder one, why did we go through heaven and earth to woo him to come play for U.S. team. We put on a full court press to convince Joel Embiid to play for the United States, his adopted home country now, and this is what we get.”
Mitchell emphasized the respect and commitment expected from players representing the national team, saying, “It has nothing to do with the play for me. It has everything to do with your preparation showing up.”
Mitchell added, “If you show up out of shape, that tells me you’re not even ready to play. You had no thought of bringing your best. It’s disheartening to know that we have all these other American-born players that would have given anything to have been on this team.
“But here’s guy that could have been on three other teams and not showing the level of respect that comes with that being at least in shape.”
Embiid’s performance so far in Paris includes averages of 11 points and 4 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game across three appearances.
