The plans for the next one “Dream Team” with US superstars at the basketball tournament at the Olympic Games in Paris next year are taking concrete shape.
Several idols from the North American professional league NBA with LeBron James at the top confirmed their full readiness for the “Mission Olympic Gold” on NBA Media Day Kevin Durant has already given a firm commitment to his mission in Paris. And also Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors said: “I definitely want to be there, it’s the one thing I haven’t done yet.”
Steve Kerr will be the coach
Coach of selection 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. The Allstars, among others, quit DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton and Julius Randle on Monday that he 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. In his opinion, participating in the Olympics would not fail due to excessive strain on his body due to the possibly eight-month NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James stated: “I don’t think it would be too much of a physical strain. I wouldn’t have to do much. Rebound a little, pass a little, defend, block a few shots. I’ll see how I feel at the end of the 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’ll be at the Olympics next year”said the 35-year-old. The power forward of the Phoenix Suns could even become the first basketball player to win Olympic gold for the fourth time in Paris.
A special case, meanwhile, is Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers, who can still decide to compete for the USA or host France because of his dual citizenship. The center also flirts with its native country, Cameroon. “My goal is to take part in the Olympics“Embiid emphasized on Monday, “I love all three options.” If Cameroon qualified for the Games, “That would be an easy decision.”