The Next ‘Dream Team’: US Superstars Gear Up for Basketball Tournament at Olympic Games in Paris

As of: October 3rd, 2023 9:18 a.m

The plans for the next “Dream Team” with US superstars at the basketball tournament at the Olympic Games next year in Paris are taking concrete shape.

Several idols of the North American professional league NBA, with LeBron James at the helm, confirmed on NBA media day their complete willingness to undertake the “Mission Olympic Gold”, while Kevin Durant has already given a firm commitment to his commitment in Paris. And Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors also said: “I definitely want to be there, it’s the one thing I haven’t done yet.”

Steve Kerr will be the coach

The selection coach is Steve Kerr, who has already won four championship titles with Curry and the Warriors. Most US stars did not attend this summer’s World Cup, so a selection with NBA talent played in Asia. The USA had to admit defeat to eventual world champions Germany in the semi-finals and ended up only fourth.

For the Olympics, Kerr will have a much larger selection of top players. All stars DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton and Julius Randle, among others, announced on Monday that they wanted to play in Paris.

LeBron James addresses physical concerns

Superstar LeBron James left his participation open. “I don’t think it would be a big burden,” said the 38-year-old James, Olympic champion in 2008 and 2012. Participation in the Olympics would be ruled out due to excessive strain on his body from the possibly eight-month NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers not fail in his view.

James elaborated: “I don’t think it would be too much of a physical strain. I wouldn’t have to do much. A little bit of rebounding, a little bit of passing, defending, blocking a few shots. I’ll see how I feel at the end of the game season.”

Since 1992, NBA professionals have also been allowed to take part in the Olympic Games. The so-called “Dream Team” with Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson won gold with unrivaled ease in Barcelona 31 years ago. Almost all subsequent US teams also completed the mission, only the 2004 team in Athens with James only brought bronze to the USA.

Kevin Durant is already committed

Durant has already made a binding commitment to Paris: “I will be at the Olympic Games next year,” said the 35-year-old. The Phoenix Suns power forward could become the first basketball player to win Olympic gold for the fourth time in Paris.

A special case is Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers, who can still decide to play for the USA or host France because of his dual citizenship. The center also flirts with its native country, Cameroon. “My goal is to compete in the Olympics,” Embiid emphasized on Monday, “I love all three options.” If Cameroon were to qualify for the Games, “it would be an easy decision.”

2023-10-03 21:49:55
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