Whether in the NBA or the Olympics in the USA or Europe, it does not matter to these players. All that matters is basketball and winning. This time, the U.S. has taken the Olympic challenge seriously and is sending its best. Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday are all shooting for gold, and they seem to be on the right track. Anything can still happen before the Olympics end, but we have high hopes for our team, and it’s worth going to some of the players and their achievements before the 2024 Olympics.
1. Bam Adebayo
Coming from the Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo was with the team when they won their last gold in 2020 in Tokyo. Bam has won the title of NBA All-Star three times and was named an NBA All-Defensive team honoree five times, so it’s no wonder he’s representing his country in the Olympics. The upcoming semi-final match against Serbia will be a tough one, as several of their players are also professional NBA players, but many believe Bam is the answer to Nikola Jokic, who poses a significant threat in the next hurdle that the US has to jump over.
For avid fans, it’s clear who’s taking the gold as the best offshore sportsbooks are offering odds of 1/20 on Team USA compared to 9/1 for France. With various welcome bonuses, payment methods, and betting options, it’s possible to bet on pretty much any aspect, and even during games, where the outcome may change at any minute.
2. Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics have sent Jayson Tatum to be either a small or a power forward, but he will likely pause the next match against Serbia. Jayson has recently won his 2024 NBA Finals, where he was crucial in his team’s 64 wins. He was with Bam in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and can boast of scoring the most points in an NBA game: 55! Jayson’s career and accomplishments follow in the footsteps of his father, Justin Tatum, the current coach for the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian NBL.
Jayson’s rising results were showing in his early high school days. From there, the young prospect has only grown and made plenty of contributions to the Celtics since his arrival in 2017. The Boston Celtics have enjoyed good odds on various betting and crypto gambling sites, and should the US make any high scores on this year’s Olympics, it could be Jayson who’s among the best shooters.
3. LeBron James
Little needs to be said about the Lakers superstar LeBron James. The third time may be the charm, but LeBron is not only looking but actively working towards winning his third US Olympic gold. So far, no team has had a definitive answer to him, and he should be the focus in the upcoming semi-final and final games. Controversial, with headlines during his career like leaving the Lakers, LeBron loves to take central attention, but he has plenty to offer for it. Like his teammate Jayson, he’s a strong, small/power forward player. He draw a lot of attention. But, being 6’9″, he can easily rise above anything.
4. Kevin Durant
If LeBron is aiming for the title of the greatest player in NBA history, he’ll have to compete against Kevin Durant, who’s already leading in Olympic gold medals. Kevin already was playing for the U.S. team, participating in three gold medal wins. But, his career bio list is much more. To name a few, he was named to 11 All-NBA teams, picked 14 times as the NBA All-Star, and won two Finals MVP and NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, among numerous other titles and trophies.
Kevin Durant broke his scoring record in the landslide win against Brazil, and the US can capitalize on his streak and warm-up. Using his potential, opening the way, and making him shine as he sets new records, Kevin could be on his way to winning the fourth Olympic gold as part of the US team.
5. Derrick White
The Boston Celtics have certainly made plenty of contributions towards the US winning the gold at the 2024 Olympics, as the shooting guard Derrick White follows Jayson Tatum in Paris. Nicknamed “The Buffalo”, Derrick is not an exception, but the norm when it comes to nicknames in the Boston Celtics. Unlike many other teammates, Derrick was not part of the US in any of the past gold wins, but there is a first time for everything.
Guards are often brushed over, but they are the unsung heroes of many games. Derrick can play as a “jack-of-all-trades”, starring in offense, defense, scoring, or making plays. Many attribute him to Celtics’ championship qualifications, and we’ll surely see some of his great potential shine, as the potential gold he’ll help win.
6. Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers sent their best point guard to the U.S. team, although he’s been on the bench until Brazil. The game against Brazil was his first Olympic appearance, breaking the ice, and giving Tyrese a chance to stretch his muscles. Steve Kerr could be keeping Tyrese as a backup plan against an unforeseen scenario, as Tyrese shines as a pure point guard unlike many of his teammates who can fill several roles.
Tyrese is also one of the youngest players on the team, with only Anthony Edwards younger than him. So, the coach may leave him on the bench to soak up the experience and learn from his senior teammates. But the Olympics are almost done, and we could very well see Tyrese shine as his youthful energy may be the boost the US needs to hold the gold medal up high!
The US basketball team has been to the Olympics 20 times. Out of that, we’ve won 16 gold medals, one silver, and two bronze. There’s no reason not to think this 21st appearance won’t warrant the 17th time the US has won gold. With one of the best teams possible, fiery fans, and the finish in our sights, what’s guaranteed is a hell of a good show!
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Featured Image: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
