The bar is incredibly high.
The U.S. men’s basketball team has the greatest roster in history, from the “Dream Team” to the “Redeem Team.”
This summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic team is arguably as talented as any that has come before.
Veterans LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant represent the old guard of superstars who have dominated the NBA for a generation.
This will be the 36-year-old Curry’s first time competing in the Olympics.
This will likely be the final Olympics for James and Durant.
The U.S. team also has a young core of players ready to take over.
Jayson Tatum, along with fellow USA Team teammates July Holiday and Derrick White, led the Celtics to an NBA championship.
Anthony Edwards helped lead the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.
Joel Embiid won MVP with the 76ers.
Devin Booker went to the Finals with the Suns.
Anthony Davis is only 31 years old.
But in recent years, international opposition has begun to close the gap with the United States.
What is particularly notable is that every year a number of high draft picks from France join the NBA.
Canada has become a powerhouse with a golden generation of stars led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Serbia has always been a dangerous team thanks to three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
Therefore, the US team will face a strong challenge for the top medal spot.
Take the 101-100 exhibition win over South Sudan, where the U.S. narrowly avoided an embarrassing upset as it prepared for the Olympics.
“If we don’t play our basketball, we can lose, and our basketball is defense,” Curry said after Saturday’s game. “We didn’t give them any fear in the first half, and they took advantage of that. But we also learned that when we have that gear, we can dominate you for 40 minutes no matter who’s on the floor. This game was a great reminder of both of those things.”
2024 Paris Olympics
candidate
France
France, with its wealth of experience and many young players, can be said to be a strong nation.
Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year and former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama and Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert form a formidable frontcourt, with Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier providing veteran scoring.
Canada
In addition to the Thunder’s Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada’s roster also includes Nuggets star Jamal Murray and former Knicks player RJ Barrett as well as NBA players Dwight Powell, Andrew Nembard, Luguentz Dort and Dillon Brooks.
Wildcard
Germany
The 2023 FIBA World Cup winners faced the United States in a close match, 92-88.
Germany’s roster also features NBA players Franz Wagner and Moe Wagner, in addition to Dennis Schroder and Daniel Theis.
Spain
La Roja won medals at three consecutive Olympic Games but finished in sixth place at the Tokyo Olympics.
The team currently has no players playing in the NBA.
Star Power
Serbia
Led by Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP and winner of three of the past four awards, Serbia was thrashed by the United States, 105-79, in an exhibition match on Wednesday.
The team, which also includes Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, won a silver medal at last year’s FIBA World Cup.
Greece
Having a two-time MVP on your side helps.
“The Greek Monster” Giannis Antetokounmpo will be competing in his first Olympic Games.
