Despite having an embarrassment of riches in terms of talent, Team USA had a problem in its hands. 

Joel Embiid was the starting center for the Americans during the buildup to the Paris Olympics and in their opening game against Serbia. It was an awkward fit, as Team USA wanted to move the ball and push the pace, but Embiid needed the ball in his hands and was by nature a plodding center. 

It didn’t seem to pose any major problems, though, as the Americans swept their tuneup games and blew past 2023 FIBA World Cup first-runnner up Serbia. But cracks can become gaping holes if left unaddressed and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr decided to make the switch to Anthony Davis against South Sudan. 

The change was very much evident as the ball movement was more crisp and there was a different energy to the American defense. Davis was at the forefront of this, throwing down dunks and swatting shots. 

As a result? South Sudan could only dream of pulling off an upset. 

This isn’t so much of an indictment on Embiid, who can still become a valuable contributor for Team USA in the next few games. It’s more of what’s needed now. 

Through two games, Davis averaged 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, a steal, and a block. It’s interesting to note that he never hit the 20-minute mark against the Serbians and South Sudan, something that bodes well for a guy that has had a colorful injury history in the NBA. 

Since the start of training camp, Davis has been stellar. Whenever he enters the court, the Los Angeles Laker has been going all out. It certainly helps that Davis fits well with schemes Kerr and his coaching staff have put forward. 

However, Davis as a starter takes away the strong second unit frontcourt, which would have had him paired up with Bam Adebayo. Together, they formed a devastating defensive juggernaut with the ability to switch on pretty much every matchup while altering shots against less talented groups. 

The former Kentucky Wildcats can still share the court, but them being part of the second unit has been among the factors that have helped the Americans play catch-up whenever they fall behind. 

It will be interesting to see how Team USA’s lineup will look going forward. If Embiid accepts a bench role, he could certainly punish the opposing reserves and create another mismatch in favor of the Americans.  

Regardless, Team USA is better off with Anthony Davis as a starter. They surely look like a reenergized group with him on the court come tip off and it may be the spark that could turn gold medal aspirations into a reality.