USA's Steve Kerr Says Joel Embiid Benching Due to Matchup; Center to Start Next Game

Joel Embiid, who had regularly been starting for Team USA at center, did not see the court at all during the Americans' 103-86 win over Sudan.

Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the game that the decision was based solely on the matchup:

"This is the fastest team in the tournament we're going to play," he added. "We wanted to match up. They made 14 threes against us in London. The whole game today was going to be about switching and staying in front of people."

Embiid isn't the only Team USA player to take a seat thus far at the tournament. In the country's 110-84 win over Serbia to open its Olympic tournament, neither Jayson Tatum or Tyrese Haliburton played.

The Philadelphia 76ers' superstar and former MVP was the only DNP for Kerr on Wednesday, however.

"They're pros and committed to each other," Kerr told reporters when asked about not playing star players during the Olympics. "... I don't read social media. I would hope our guys aren't paying too much attention to that. That's a regular season thing where the soap opera can carry the ratings. Here, it's just win a damn gold."

Embiid's benching might be received a bit differently, however. He's been the subject of regular criticism as a starter, with a number of calls to put Anthony Davis in the starting five instead. Davis had 13 points against Sudan, while Bam Adebayo came off the bench and chipped in with 18 points.

Embiid has been a solid screen-setter and rim-protector in the Team USA starting lineup, allowing the offense to run through players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Because he hasn't dominated like he does for the Sixers, however, he's come under fire.

But the point of Team USA is blending superstars together and finding a way to make 12 players accustomed to being the top dog instead work as a team. That also means that certain players may not be able to play every game.

It's a tough juggling act for Kerr, but all of the hand-wringing will be rendered moot if the Americans yet again win gold.