Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – July 25, 2024: Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant of Team USA during a press conference. (REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo)
LILLE – As the Paris Olympics approach, the United States basketball teams, featuring NBA and WNBA legends, are set to defend their golden streaks, but face stiff competition from international contenders.
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The US women’s team is on a historic quest to win their eighth consecutive gold medal, aiming to set a new record for any Olympic sport. Meanwhile, the men’s team seeks a fifth consecutive gold, eyeing their 17th title overall.
Boasting one of their strongest rosters yet, the men’s team includes NBA stars such as 39-year-old LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant, a three-time gold medalist. Since Michael Jordan’s ‘Dream Team’ ignited global interest in basketball in 1992, international players like Serbia’s Nikola Jokic have significantly impacted the NBA.
Jokic, who led the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA title, will spearhead Serbia’s challenge, posing a major threat in the competition. The Serbian team, silver medalists in 2016, are considered the toughest defensive opponents among the 12 teams.
Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, will also be a key player to watch, having led Greece through the qualifiers. Puerto Rico, making their first Olympic appearance in 20 years, will rely on the versatile Jose Alvarado, while South Sudan, under the leadership of former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, aims to inspire their nation.
EIGHT STRAIGHT?
The American women’s team is determined to continue their dominance with a roster that includes nine Tokyo gold medalists, such as Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. Veterans Brittney Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Diana Taurasi, a five-time gold medalist, add significant experience. Taurasi, 42, could become the most decorated team athlete in Olympic history with another medal.
However, the US women face formidable opponents. China, with 6-foot-7-inch Yueru Li and nearly 7-foot-tall WNBA center Xu Han, won silver at the 2022 World Championships. Australia and Spain, ranked third and fourth in the FIBA rankings, remain strong contenders. Belgium, led by two-time EuroLeague MVP and WNBA champion Emma Meesseman, has also emerged as a basketball powerhouse. Germany, making their Olympic debut, will be guided by Satou Sabally, the WNBA’s Most Improved Player of the previous year.