At these Paris Olympics, all the NBA starts will be on full display!
The 2024 Paris Olympics are heating up, with Team USA delivering impressive back-to-back victories over Canada (86-72) and Australia (98-92). Aiming for their third consecutive gold medal, Team USA is powered by key stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. However, other international superstars like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also leading their teams with stellar performances, making the competition fiercer than ever. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best basketball players at the 2024 Olympics—a challenging task, given that some players excel more on the international stage than in their club careers.
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' superstar centre, is set to lead Serbia at the 2024 Olympics following another extraordinary NBA season. He redefined the centre position with his exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities, earning his third MVP award. Jokic led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023, showing a unique skill set that combines vision, shooting, and basketball IQ. This makes him a crucial figure for Serbia's chances in Paris. The pressing question is whether Jokic can find enough support from his teammates to counter Team USA's brilliance and lead Serbia to Olympic glory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the "Greek Freak," will be the centrepiece of Greece's Olympic team. Fresh off another dominant season with the Milwaukee Bucks and earning an All-NBA First Team selection, Giannis' blend of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent. While he will undoubtedly aim to make a significant impact on the international stage, much depends on the support of his teammates. Antetokounmpo will excel on both ends of the court, but leading his team to the deepest stages of the Olympics will require some truly superhuman efforts from the Greek superstar.
LeBron James, one of basketball's all-time greats, will make his final Olympic appearance in Paris, aiming for his third Olympic medal. This achievement would place him alongside Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant (who seeks his fourth). The Los Angeles Lakers star continues to defy age with exceptional performances, and being voted the best player on Team USA solidifies his status as a top-three player on the international stage. Although James may no longer be the best player in the NBA, his extensive international experience will significantly boost his impact, making him a crucial figure in Team USA's quest for gold.
LeBron James being awarded at the ESPY
The greatest shooter in NBA history, Stephen Curry, made an impressive Olympic debut, scoring 12 points on 3-6 shooting from three. The Golden State Warriors guard revolutionised the game with his deep three-point shooting and quick release, making him a constant threat from anywhere on the court. Playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, Curry is poised to be devastating. He also has something to prove: winning on the international stage. Despite not winning a Finals MVP, a gold medal would greatly boost Curry's legacy, silencing critics and cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
Kevin Durant, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, brings his scoring skills and veteran leadership to Team USA once more, aiming for a record-breaking fourth gold medal. Known for his silky-smooth shooting and versatility, Durant has been one of the NBA's most reliable scorers. Although he was unavailable against Canada, his return will make Team USA even more formidable. Durant's pursuit of a fourth gold medal is not just about winning; it's about confirming his status as arguably the greatest player in Team USA history. His presence on the court is sure to elevate the team's performance to new heights.
Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Devin Booker are also other greats representing the Paris Olympics in 2024.
