Joel Embiid block leads to insane Anthony Edwards dunk for Team USA
Joel Embiid and Anthony Edwards put on for Team USA in an exhibition against Germany Monday afternoon.
Embiid pulled off a block on the backboard, which was impressive in of itself. Then, the ball ended up in Edwards’ hands, who went coast to coast.
He finished with an insane dunk with his right hand as he soared through the air. You can see the finish below.
If this is the type of excitement Team USA can bring, especially with Edwards flying through the air, they’ll be tough to beat in Paris.
While speaking with the media in Las Vegas, Edwards discussed his role as part of the star-studded roster of Americans. While some may see him as just a player on their team, he made it clear that, at least in his mind, he is the player on it.
“I’m still the number one option,” Edwards stated. ‘I mean, y’all might look at it differently. I don’t look at it no different. You know, they got to fit in and play around me. That’s how I feel.”
Team USA is always a fascinating dynamic when it comes to the players that the nation sends from the NBA. They’re each all-league talents and legends in some cases in their own rights for their individual franchises. However, they must all come together and meld once every four years to compete in the summer games.
In 2024, the roster will include Edwards along with LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jrue Holiday.
Edwards is one of five first-time Olympians on the team and the youngest on it at just 22. That might normally mean a smaller part for him alongside other great players, including those who have played more of the international game. Still, that’s just not the approach that Edwards has ever had, especially coming off his best year yet with the Minnesota Timberwolves at 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Sam Gillenwater contributed to this story