The 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, and the basketball world is buzzing with excitement. After a thrilling 2023-24 NBA season, the focus shifts to the men’s national team as they gear up to take on the world’s best in France.
The stage is set for the 2024 Paris Olympics
Team USA is on a mission to win their fifth consecutive gold medal, but they’ll face stiff competition from other top teams. The men’s national team is coming off a disappointing fourth-place finish in the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila, adding an extra layer of intrigue to these games.
Kevin Durant is set to make history in Paris
A couple of Phoenix Suns made the cut for Team USA, with Kevin Durant set to suit up for his fourth Olympics. If the team can take home the gold, Durant will become the first men’s basketball player in U.S. Olympic history to win four gold medals. He’s already the nation’s all-time leading scorer in the Olympics, and this could be the cherry on top of his illustrious career.
Devin Booker, Durant’s teammate, is also set to make his second Olympic appearance. The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James is returning to Olympic action after playing in 2004, 2008, and 2012, but skipping 2016 and 2020. The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry is set to make his Olympics debut for Team USA.
The star-studded Team USA roster
The complete Team USA men’s basketball roster includes:
- Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers (second appearance)
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (first appearance)
- Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat (second appearance)
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (first appearance)
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (second appearance)
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (first appearance)
- Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics (second appearance)
- Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers (first appearance)
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (fourth appearance)
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (fourth appearance)
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (first appearance)
- Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (first appearance)
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is the head coach of the U.S. Olympics men’s basketball team, with Gonzaga coach Mark Few, Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra serving as assistants.
Steve Kerr leads the charge for Team USA
Team USA’s first game is scheduled for July 28 against Serbia, followed by matches against South Sudan on July 31 and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament on August 3. The U.S. is in Group C, and the top two teams from each group, along with the next two best third-place teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.
The road to gold begins
The U.S. men’s national basketball team has a rich history in the Olympics, having won eight of the past 10 gold medals. They’ll be looking to continue that dominance in Paris, but it won’t be easy. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Team USA is favored to win the gold medal at -400, with Canada second in the odds at +900.
The ultimate prize
As the world’s best basketball players gather in Paris, one thing is certain - the 2024 Olympics will be an unforgettable experience. Will Team USA continue their dominance, or will another team rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.
