5, 10, 8, 14, 15. That’s how much Joel Embiid has contributed to Team USA in their exhibition games. He’s been on consecutive starting lineups but hasn’t clocked consistent performances. Contrarily, Anthony Edwards and Anthony Davis have delivered more than expected, despite being in the second unit. Every time AD and Ant-Man entered, they delivered in double digits, knocking on the starting 5’s door a lot harder than ever before. So, many voiced the agenda, requesting Steve Kerr to start the duo instead of the likes of Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum.

The buildup for this issue was caused by continuous slow starts for Team USA. However, there was a fire when the Hoopers barely managed to secure victory against newcomers, South Sudan. They choked Team USA with their three-pointers, after which Anthony Davis stepped into the paint and recorded a staggering 11 rebounds. Mad over such close showdowns from the Dream Team 2.0, Martin Weiss of Fox Sports asserted, “They’re gonna blow this game because they want to play everybody. If Steve Kerr doesn’t move Anthony Edwards and Anthony Davis minimum into the starting lineup. I don’t think what the hell he’s doing there.” 

“You have a strong argument for Jason Tatum and Bam Adebayo to take over one of the other spots.” Well, the concern seems apt, considering the team is full of NBA superstars and many are even Championship winners. So, they should be sweeping wins. Instead, they’re being dominated in the first stretch, whether it be an 18-point lead by Australia or the nail-biting encounter with Sudan with close winning margins.

Going further on the roster debate, the Fox analyst then proposed a starting unit, “If I was calling the shots I would be starting Steph, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, and Bam Adebayo. Joel Embiid, thank you so much for not playing for France. Thank you for not playing for Cameroon. You will be the sixth man,” and come off the bench with Jayson Tatum. Coming to Embiid’s inconsistency as a regular starter, the analyst continued explaining why Embiid’s presence was adversely affecting the rotations.

Will Joel Embiid’s problematic knee pave the way for Anthony Davis and Ant-Man in the starting 5?

The left knee meniscus injury that Joel Embiid sustained in February is giving him trouble even after 5 months. The offensive juggernaut’s run came to a halt soon after his record 70-point game against the Spurs. But the injury woes are not a surprise to Embiid, considering his rookie season meniscus surgery, the 2021 right knee injury, and right knee inflammation that he suffered in 2023. Looking at the reality, Martin Weiss seemed troubled, as he said, “His knee seems like it’s a step away from exploding at any minute.”

He asserted, “As soon as Anthony Davis comes in the game, the entire tone changes in every single game.” The Laker secured the rim with his 7 rebounds while being able to score 10 points with 3-of-5 shooting from the field. On the other hand, though Anthony Edwards started just one game, he’s scored a total of  65 points, coming off the bench. While the Michael Jordan comparisons that Ant-Man is usually part of are still undeniably premature, he sure knows how to make his presence felt and stay motivated. Though his three-point shooting didn’t pan out well in the South Sudan game with 1-of-7 attempts, he definitely warrants a starting spot.

What’s your starting 5 for Team USA? Let us know in the comments below.