The stage is set in France for the men's Olympic basketball tournament, which is set to kick off this weekend. Team USA, with its eye on a fifth consecutive gold medal, has put together a roster that captures both legend and potential. LeBron James is poised to make what could be his final Olympic appearance, while Stephen Curry is gearing up for his very first. All eyes are on these two, but they are far from the only stars illuminating Team USA's path to glory.
Joel Embiid, making his debut for Team USA, adds a significant boost to the lineup. The Americans have demonstrated their strength in the buildup to the Olympics, going unbeaten in their five tune-up games. Victories over Canada, Australia, Serbia, South Sudan, and Germany have solidified their status as favorites.
In a dramatic preview of the drama that’s sure to follow, LeBron James secured a narrow one-point victory over South Sudan with a game-winning lay-up on July 20. Team USA then followed that performance with a solid four-point win against Germany two days later. It's clear from these performances that the team is in top form.
Organized into Group C, Team USA will face Serbia, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan as they aim to continue their unbeaten run. The United States automatically qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing as one of the top two nations in the Americas zone at the FIBA World Cup. Serbia, another powerhouse, finished second at the World Cup, while Puerto Rico earned its first Olympic berth since 2004. Notably, Puerto Rico delivered a shocking blow to Team USA in 2004 during the group stage, leading to a bronze medal finish for the Americans.
With the men's tournament officially beginning on July 27, Team USA’s first match against Serbia on July 28 promises to be one for the ages. One notable absence from the lineup is Kawhi Leonard, who withdrew from the Olympics on July 10 due to a lingering right knee injury. "Sitting out the Paris Olympics was in Leonard's best interest," was the consensus following discussions between Team USA and the Clippers. His absence, however, has opened the door for Derrick White to step in as his replacement.
Team USA's roster is rife with talent from various NBA teams, but the Celtics stand out with three players on the squad, making them the most represented team. This diverse lineup is helmed by head coach Steve Kerr, with Mark Few, Ty Lue, and Erik Spoelstra serving as assistant coaches. Their collective experience and strategic prowess are expected to drive the team toward their 17th gold medal in Olympic basketball.
Team USA's recent track record in international competitions also serves as motivation. After finishing fourth at the World Cup last summer and seventh in 2019, the team is determined to reassert its dominance. Eyes will also be on Canada, boasting the second-best collection of NBA talent after the United States, and France, with Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert expected to lead their formidable frontcourt.
As the clock ticks down to the first tip-off, anticipation builds around the world. Can Team USA live up to its billing as the favorite and secure yet another gold medal? With a mix of seasoned veterans like LeBron James and first-time Olympians like Stephen Curry, only time will tell if this squad can etch its name in the annals of Olympic history once again.