Team USA set for tough Olympics future amidst emerging International superstars
Younger American players seem more interested in their pay, rather than strive to be the best.
Follow Us
Team USA's Olympics future looks bleak as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are the last of the dominant stars
Team USA is going into this year’s Paris Olympics with its strongest team of the last two decades. A team that comprises some of the best superstars the NBA has to offer. A team led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant suggests that a gold medal is probably already in the bag. However, with these superstars playing possibly in their final Olympics, and the emergence of international superstars, the Americans face a tough future.
This team has younger players such as Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Tyrese Haliburton. But are they good enough on their own to challenge what the rest of the world has to offer? Especially as more foreign-born players enter the NBA or develop in European leagues. The real problem that has surfaced off late is that the top 10 or 20 players in the NBA have fewer American players than in the past.
Suggesting that Americans are not even up to the standards these international players have developed themselves into. Not a good sign for the future of the Olympics or FIBA basketball campaigns the USA will participate in.
Canada for instance, has already taken the next step. They have a plethora of NBA talent who are intent on spoiling what their cross-border neighbors have celebrated for so long. They are not alone as other nations are pumping out more quality players than before. All in all, Team USA is in serious trouble.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry and a competitive mindset
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have one attribute in common. They all have that killer mindset when going up against opponents. A mindset that makes them perform at an unreal level, irrespective of age, physical condition, or even their form. That mindset combined for 10 NBA titles and 7 NBA Finals MVPs.
Among the rest of the players, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jayson Tatum also have NBA titles. But none of them have been Finals MVPs even at the Conference level. The first two will be way past their prime when the next Olympics come around. White is more of a plug-in player, and Tatum, well.
The Boston Celtics superstar might be there for the next 2 Olympics. But it is speculated that he lacks the killer mindset the likes of James, Curry, or Durant have. That was all the more evident in this year’s title-winning run. That said, those three are likely playing their last Olympics. Team USA, just like the NBA, cannot rely on them for lifelong participation.
The big 3 not being a part of the NBA playoffs led to a loss of overall viewership. When fans are already seeing the quality of play going down and switching channels, even Team USA’s selection committee may know it. They still have the likes of Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton. But the real question is, who else is available, or can be trusted to take accountability for the nation?
Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, then who….
When LeBron James was assembling this super team, the likes of Anthony Edwards or Tyrese Haliburton were not initially part of the conversation. That is after they embarrassed themselves in the FIBA World Cup last year. But it seems the selection committee made a conscious decision to include these two along with Devin Booker.
It could help the younger players absorb some of that competitive mindset from the veterans. To be fair, Edwards already has some of that mentality, while Haliburton and Booker could learn something. But as of this moment, there are no other American superstars. Especially some who could lead a team.
Ja Morant could be one. But unless he fixes his off-court issues, Team USA may not want any part of it. Then there are the likes of Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, and a few others. Gifted players, who could be elite. But as LeBron James said, their affinity for jewelry, expensive cars, and fashion is more important than building up their game. The motivation to be the best is not evident in most of these players.
That showed in last season’s MVP rankings. Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Jalen Brunson were in the top 10. But 3 of them are 26 and counting. Suggesting they might have a maximum of two Olympics in them. So, Team USA has to look at the younger players. But the younger they are, the hunger to be great is not visible. How could it motivate anyone to be better, if they are getting everything they want in life?
Therefore, the level of play amongst the next generation of American players is on a downward trend. Not one has shown the ambition to elevate themselves to be better than the likes of Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Victor Wembanyama.
International players taking over
Those 3 are just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past few seasons, more and more international players have come into the league. They are motivated and want to be the best basketball players in the world, playing in the best league, against the best players.
In this past NBA Draft alone, 5 of the top 10 players were not Americans. It speaks volumes to the growth of the game abroad. America is no longer the best country for talent development. Yes, some countries do not even have a starting 5 of the caliber that a future USA team could put out. But what has become evident so far, is that it might not be long before that is taken care of.
The French national team might be the first to benefit. Aside from Victor Wembanyama, 3 of the top 6 draft picks this year were French. So, in 4 years it is possible that the French national team could be world beater. That is apart from Canada, Germany, and a few other nations which are also stacked. Any shortage of bench depth should also be taken care of by the improving European leagues.
All of this paints a grim picture for Team USA basketball’s future. A future where it might not have the best national team. The next most obvious question is, what needs to change. With all the massive contracts, NIL deals, and social media gratification, all are somewhere diminishing the mentality needed to succeed. The NBA and Team USA have to think of solutions, soon.
In case you missed:
- Dwyane Wade claims he was on path to take Michael Jordan’s throne
- Michael Jordan’s competitive edge revealed by Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony at NBA Top 75 ceremony
Stay Updated!
Joseph Varghese
(2361 Articles Published)