In a testament to the mutual respect among top-tier NBA players, Phoenix Suns’ star guard Devin Booker has indicated his willingness to play a supporting role for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Olympics.
His stance comes in response to a suggestion from Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, who believes that for Team USA to clinch the gold, some of its high-profile players might need to assume less dominant roles than they’re accustomed to with their respective NBA teams.
In the NBA, Booker is undeniably an offensive star, boasting an impressive average of 27.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game last season. He had an impressive shooting percentage, making 49.4% of his field goals and 35.1% of his three-point attempts.
However, Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Olympics might see an influx of NBA superstars. Reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Joe Vardon suggest that LeBron James, aiming for another Olympic stint, has already approached other basketball titans like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Draymond Green about joining the team. Such a roster would be a dream assembly, especially as Team USA aims to rebound from a fourth-place finish at the World Cup that has led to much criticism.
Team USA has faced major criticism for World Cup exit
While the World Cup team featured decent performances from players like Anthony Edwards and Mikal Bridges, it notably lacked the kind of star power that has often characterized past Olympic teams.
Team USA had notably much more talent in the side that won the Tokyo Olympics
Should players of Booker‘s caliber willingly embrace reduced roles, Team USA’s chances at the gold would undoubtedly skyrocket. Facing international teams filled with talent, a roster featuring the likes of James, Curry, Durant, and more would position the Americans as strong favorites to seek revenge for their early World Cup exit.
The 2024 Olympics offers the United States a shot at its fifth consecutive Olympic gold in basketball. Notably, Booker, Durant, and Green were pivotal contributors to the gold-winning effort in Tokyo, while LeBron James was integral to the 2008 and 2012 gold-winning squads. With such an illustrious history, Team USA looks poised for another triumphant Olympic campaign, especially if their best players make a return to the world stage.
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