As the next phase of the 2024 Paris Olympic basketball quarterfinals kicks off, the stage is set for some of the game's biggest stars to shine. With a remarkable number of NBA MVPs and top-tier talents, the competition is bound to be fierce and enthralling.
NBA MVPs Bolster Olympic Rosters
This year's Olympic basketball tournament boasts the presence of six NBA MVPs, collectively holding 13 trophies. LeBron James leads the pack with four MVP awards, followed by Nikola Jokic with three. Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo each have two MVP trophies, while Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid have one each. Such an assembly of talent underscores the high caliber of play expected in these games.
Team USA’s Depth and Dominance
Team USA is a powerhouse, stacked with unmatched depth, tremendous athleticism, and unrivaled star power. Led by the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the team has shown remarkable form. "LeBron James, who is averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 assists, and Durant, who is shooting 64%, are pacing the Americans," reported AP Photo Mark J. Terrill.
In fact, Team USA has scored over 100 points in each of their three games, a feat not achieved since 1992. Their second unit, including Derrick White, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant, showcases the team's depth. This squad is also fourth in rebounds per game, trailing only Australia, Serbia, and South Sudan, averaging 41 rebounds per game, alongside 9.3 offensive rebounds per contest.
Challenges and Standout Performers
While Team USA is the favorite, other teams are not far behind. Germany, for instance, has been exceptional defensively, having not conceded more than 77 points in any game. Dennis Schroder's playmaking has been a highlight, as he leads all players with nine assists per game and averages 19.7 points. Franz Wagner has also been impressive, averaging 21.7 points per game, ranking third in the Olympics, albeit struggling with his 3-point shooting at just 21%.
Canada, led by the dynamic duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, has also been noteworthy. "Team Canada is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, who lead the team with 19 and 21 points per game, respectively," noted NBAE's Jesse D. Garrabrant. However, despite their scoring prowess, Canada is last in rebounding and assists among the remaining teams.
Emerging Stars and Defensive Prowess
Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, has been a revelation for France. "Victor Wembanyama is having a great Olympics and leads France in points (17), assists (3), and rebounds (10.7) per game," reported Gregory Shamus from Getty Images. Rudy Gobert, France's defensive anchor, is leading the team with 2.7 blocks per game.
Serbia's offense has also been formidable, averaging 25.7 assists per game, second only to Team USA. Led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, who averages 19 points on 54% shooting, Serbia boasts the tournament's second-best offense. Despite some defensive lapses, such as giving up a total of 31 3-pointers in two games against Team USA and struggling with sub-33% 3-point shooting in Paris, they remain a potent force.
Australia and Brazil Round Out the Field
Australia, led by its strong rebounding performance (second-best at 41.3 RPG) and despite its free throw struggles (63.5%), remains a significant contender. Josh Giddey, although turning over the ball 4.3 times per game, contributes effectively to the team’s efforts.
Brazil has showcased a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses. Leading the Olympics in 3-point shooting at 45%, they also top the turnover charts at 17.3 per game. Their offensive output, however, has been lacking, at 80.3 points per game, the second-lowest among the remaining teams.
Elsewhere, Greece features the Olympics' leading scorer, Giannis Antetokounmpo, averaging 27 points on 69% shooting, alongside 7.7 rebounds per game. Despite the efforts of Nick Calathes, who is fourth in assists per game (7.3), Greece struggles with their 3-point shooting (30%) and free throw performance (69%). The team also averages the fewest points per game (77.7) and commits the most fouls.
As the quarterfinals unfold, fans can expect a high-octane display of world-class basketball. With seasoned stars and emerging talents vying for glory, the path to Olympic gold promises to be thrilling and unpredictable.