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Legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James have played for the national team since 1992.
However, experts believe that the scenario of the 2004 Athens Olympics can be repeated in the Tokyo Olympics, when the Americans were defeated by the Argentines in the semi-finals of the tournament, who later became champions.
The US team struggled in the preparatory phase this summer when it landed in Nigeria and Australia, although Gregg Popovich’s students later outplayed Argentina and Spain.
Despite these victories, the US team lost Kevin Love and Bradley Beal, who did not make it to Japan due to coronavirus and trauma. Not only that, Zach LaVine has yet to arrive in Tokyo as he contracted the coronavirus just before the trip.
The stars stayed home
“I think I’ll keep playing for the Space Jam team,” LeBron James declined to be called up to the national team when his Los Angeles Lakers fell in the NBA playoffs.
This summer, James is actively involved in the publicity program for the new Space Jam animated film. This is the second Olympiad in a row that James has refused to defend the honor of the United States national team. Interestingly, for a 36-year-old basketball player, this could have probably been the last chance to participate in the Olympics, as in 2024. He will be 39 years old at the Paris Games.
Another Lakers leader, Anthony Davis, has also not made the national team as he is still being treated for an injury.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry also declined the invitation to the national team.
Although the NBA’s big stars have decided to take a break this summer, Portland Trail Blazers defender Damian Lillard, Brooklyn Nets leader Kevin Durant and Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum are expected to lead the way.
Keep improving athletic form
“These international teams have played well and we are still looking for our game,” Lillard said after the loss to Australia (83:91).
“None of us have played together before, we are still trying to play,” Tatumas told Nigeria (87:90) after the loss.
The United States has three more players waiting for the national team, as Milwaukee Bucks basketball players Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton and Phoenix Suns leader Devin Booker finished the NBA Finals on Tuesday. So far, G. Popovich has brought only 8 basketball players to Tokyo.
Have respect for opponents
“It’s not enough for us to just throw the ball and win the game. Those teams have basketball players from the NBA league,” added D. Lillard.
The Australian team had three NBA players, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Matisse Thybulle.
Slovenia’s international basketball star Luka Dončičius will play for the Slovenian national team and France will have a Rudy Gobert “tower” under the basket.
However, the greatest strength of these teams, which the United States does not have, is playing and getting to know each other. Most basketball players play on national teams every year, so they are more playful.
While the United States is still trying to figure out the best game, another team is aiming for its place on the top podium. In the FIBA rankings, the USA ranked only third, ahead of the national teams of Spain and Australia.
Prepared by BBC inf.
