Joel Embiid 'Loving' Not Being 'The Guy' on USA; Talks Impact on Paul George, Maxey

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is savoring the less demanding role he occupies on Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

"This is a different setting. This is a great setting for me because I'm playing with a lot of great players," he said, per Jonas Miklovas of BasketNews.com. "It's all about finding ways to bring whatever I can and, obviously, make sure that we win. That's all there is. In the NBA, I'm used to being the guy. Now, you gotta give it up, so I'm loving it."

The 7'0" center only played 11:21 in the United States' 110-84 win over Serbia to open the Summer Games. He finished with four points, two rebounds and one block.

Embiid related how his national team duties will be beneficial once he pivots back to his usual day job, where he'll share the floor with guard Tyrese Maxey and new signing Paul George.

"Especially Tyrese, I really want him to take the next step," he said. "I got to do as much as I can and then just be there, support, do what I have to do and still dominate. But I really want to make sure I empower my teammates, so this is a great experience for me."

Over the last three seasons, Embiid has averaged 34.0 minutes per game and maintained a 37.7 percent usage rate, per Basketball Reference. His 39.6 percent usage rate in 2023-24 would've been the third-highest in a single season since 1977-78 if he had played enough minutes to qualify.

That kind of workload simply isn't sustainable for the seven-time All-Star when he has constantly struggled with injuries, particularly when the playoffs are rolling around.

Maxey's emergence and George's arrival should ensure Embiid doesn't have to carry Philly like he has over the last few years. Playing on such a stacked Team USA roster — unquestionably the best he's ever had — should help ease him into his new normal on the court.