In the movie Avengers End Game, Captain America looked across the vast field and saw an all-star team of villains led by the ultimate villain, Thanos.
The villains have just as much talent, if not more, standing firm with a united cause. The cause was to tear down the universe down to its last atom.
Only when the universe was on the brink of destruction did the Avengers, embodying the true spirit of heroism, unite selflessly for a single cause: to save the universe. This pivotal moment in their story mirrors the situation of USA Basketball that Jerry Colangelo inherited in 2005.
Like the Avengers, USA Basketball had its players operating individually for years except for every four years when they would assemble for two weeks and win Olympic gold.
That was good enough until it wasn’t. The signs were there in 1985 but reared their head in 2004 when Argentina won the gold and USA Basketball settled for bronze.
USA Basketball would go on to win the gold in 2008 (Beijeng), 2012 (London), 2016 (Rio), and 2020 (Tokyo).
But, like in Avengers End Game, the most challenging test is right around the corner.
The NBA’s global nature means the world has NBA players, not just the United States. The current landscape of FIBA is different from the landscape faced by Michael Jordan and the 1992 team.
Jordan’s most challenging test was facing Toni Kukoc.
No Luka Doncics, Rudy Goberts, Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders, or Victor Wembanyamas existed.
The 2024 men’s basketball competition in Paris will feature a collection of talent that resembles Thanos’ talent in the final battle.
USA Basketball plans on doing the same.
Yesterday, USA Basketball gave the world a look at its version of the Avengers.
Projected Roster:
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Stephen Curry
Joel Embiid
Jayson Tatum
Devin Booker
Jrue Holiday
Anthony Davis
Bam Adebayo
Anthony Edwards
Tyrese Haliburton
USA Basketball’s roster is a mix of old and new. James, Durant, and Curry are going for one last run for gold. It has a special meaning for James because he was on the 2004 team.
Then there’s the new generation. Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker, and Jayson Tatum.
There’s still room for one roster spot, which could be heading to Kawhi Leonard.
Before anyone thinks USA Basketball has a glutton of talent, think again.
This much talent is required to compete with the rest of the world.
The 2024 Olympics could be the last stand for USA Basketball.
Is there enough American talent to be a true gold medal contender in Los Angeles (2028)? Only time will tell.
But, for now, USA Basketball must worry about the upcoming Olympics—the most talented to date.
For the veterans of USA Basketball, it’s one last time to assemble and be the superheroes USA Basketball needs.
