On July 24th the 2024 summer olympics in Paris officially began. One of the most exciting events is the basketball tournament.
In 2023, team USA had a disappointing showcase in the FIBA world cup. This made them hungry for revenge, causing Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Joel Embiid to play in the 2024 Olympics. Team USA is the most talented basketball team, but their ability to work together will ultimately decide their fate in the tournament.
Team USA player one-Stephen Curry-point guard-#4
Stephen Curry has been one of the best basketball players over the past decade. He represented team USA in 2007 in the under 19 tournament and 2010 and 2014 in the FIBA world cup. This is the first time Curry will suit up for the olympic squad.
Team USA player two- Anthony Edwards- shooting guard- #5
Anthony Edwards was the star of the show of the 2023 FIBA team. He led the team with 18.9 points per game, but ultimately team USA finished in fourth place without a medal. Despite this Edwards was still invited to join a much more talented Olympic squad. Edwards will be helping the USA go for gold at just age 22. For context, this was the same age Christian Laettner was on the dream team. The only difference is Laettner was fresh out of college and Edwards is a two time all star. Unlike the dream team the youngest member will be a huge impact player.
Team USA player three- LeBron James- small forward- #6
This will be the fourth time that LeBron James will represent team USA at the olympics. In 2004 he was a part of the bronze medal team. In 2008 he was a part of the famous “redeem” team and in 2012 he teamed up with Kevin Durant for the first time to win gold, which they look to do again. James will be representing team USA at 39 years old. This surpasses Larry Bird, who was 35 during the dream team, as the oldest player to ever play for USA basketball.
Photo via NBC news
Team USA player four- Kevin Durant- small forward- #7
Kevin Durant is the all-time leading scorer in the Olympics for the US with 435 points. Many consider him the greatest international competitor in NBA history. He won gold medals in the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympic games. Durant will be representing team USA at 35, the same age Bird was on the dream team. If Durant and is able to take home the gold medal, this will break Durant’s tie with Carmelo Anthony for the most gold medals in men’s basketball history. Four gold medals would look great on Durant’s already hall of fame worthy resume.
Team USA player five- Derrick White- shooting guard- #8
Derrick White was named as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard on the olympic roster. This is the first time White will represent team USA. Although he isn’t the flashiest player he was a vital piece for the 2024 champion Boston Celtics.
Team USA player six- Tyrese Haliburton- point guard- #9
Tyrese Haliburton got his first taste of foreign basketball when he represented team USA in the under 19 tournament in 2019. He was also a part of the 2023 FIBA roster which failed to medal, but Haliburton’s passing will prove to be valuable.
Team USA player seven- Jayson Tatum- power forward- #10
Tatum has been a mainstay in team USA basketball. He was in the under 17 tournament in 2014 and the under 19 tournament in 2015. His most recent action was when he helped the USA win gold in the 2020 games. Jayson Tatum looks to join the few of the few to win a championship and a gold medal in the same summer. James did it in 2012, His former teammate Kyrie Irving did it in 2016 and the Bucks star duo of Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton did it in the 2020 games (olympic tournament held in 2021).
Team USA player eight- Joel Embiid- center- #11
Joel Embiid was the most exciting but most controversial selection to team USA. Embiid was born in Cameroon. However, since he moved to the US when he was still under 18 he is eligible to play for the USA. Although it’s uncommon for players to not play for their or their parents’ home country it isn’t underheard of. Regardless, Embiid will look to take home a medal for the country he’s called home since he was 16.
Photo via Lakers Nation
Team USA player nine- Jrue Holiday- point guard- #12
Jrue Holiday’s ability to guard the perimeter has made him an enticing player for teams trying to win a championship. He was an important part of the 2021 Bucks and 2024 Celtics championship runs. He was also a part of the 2020 gold medal team. The 2020 olympics were played in 2021 due to covid. This means that if team USA wins gold in the 2024 games it will be two straight olympics where Holiday took home an NBA championship and a gold medal in the same summer.
Team USA player 10- Bam Adebayo- center- #13
Bam Adebayo was a big part of the 2020 gold medal team USA. He was originally supposed to play in the FIBA world cup in 2023 but sat out after his team made the finals. His absence was a huge reason why the USA failed to win a medal in 2023.
Team USA player 11- Anthony Davis- power forward- #14
In 2012 Anthony Davis became one of the few players to play for team USA before making his NBA debut. The 2012 first overall pick was a part of the gold medal team USA. 12 years later he looks to get Olympic gold medal number two.
Photo via NBA
Team USA player 12- Devin Booker- shooting guard- #15
Devin Booker has proven throughout his career he is one of the best bucket getters in the league. Booker was a part of the gold medal team USA in 2020. Booker looks to get gold medal number two in 2024.
For more Respect My Region Olympics coverage, check out this article!
