Team USA coach Steve Kerr rolled off a new starting lineup, with Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum taking over Joel Embiid and Jrue Holiday. Davis subbed in early for the struggling Embiid in the Americans’ 110-84 win over Serbia. It wasn’t a surprise he got the nod to open the game against South Sudan.

Anthony Davis assures Team USA fans he is “100%” okay after seemingly injuring his right ankle against South Sudan. 

With Davis anchoring the defense, the USA roared to a 26-14 advantage after the first quarter. The LA Lakers center, however, seemed to have injured his right ankle after getting entangled with East African star player Wenyen Gabriel. AD shrugged off concerns by starting the second half.

“Wenyen being Wenyen. He’s my guy. I was falling and he came down too and just kind of stepped on my foot.”

Davis added that he was “100%” healthy and ready for the next game against Puerto Rico in two days. The nine-time NBA All-Star played 19 minutes versus the East Africans and finished with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

Steve Kerr can shake up the roster again when they square off against Puerto Rico. Instead of Anthony Davis or Joel Embiid, he can go with Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo.

Anthony Davis made a strong case as Team USA’s starting center

Steve Kerr likes lineups featuring Joel Embiid, Steph Curry and LeBron James. While “King James” has been the Americans’ best player and Curry has largely been solid, Embiid has struggled. The Philadelphia 76ers star was relieved early against Serbia and had the least minutes from Team USA with 11.

On Wednesday, he didn’t even play as Kerr went with Anthony Davis. It didn’t take long for AD to make his presence felt against South Sudan. In the first three minutes, he had two rebounds, a layup and an assist. His chemistry with James is undeniable, giving the Americans more zip in their execution on both ends of the floor.

Before Team USA started, Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of two-way impact and continuity. Davis gives both in the starting lineup with the four-time NBA MVP. James is a guaranteed starter, so Kerr might as well give him his LA Lakers co-superstar to play with.

Joel Embiid doesn’t look like he is in top shape after recovering from knee issues after the playoffs. He might be more suited to coming off the bench rather than starting for Team USA.

If Anthony Davis is as healthy as he claims to be, Steve Kerr might start him the rest of the way.