Will Team USA win their fifth straight basketball Gold medal?

Tony Reyes
By , Updated on: Aug 2, 2024 12:00 AM
A black-and-white image of two basketball players in Team USA jerseys on the court. The player on the left, wearing jersey number 6, has their back to the camera, while the player on the right, wearing jersey number 4, is facing forward and smiling. The crowd is visible in the background.
  • What: Paris Olympics 2024
  • Schedule: July 27 – August 3: Preliminary phase
  • August 6: Quarterfinals
  • August 8: Semifinals
  • August 10: Bronze and gold medal games

LeBron James was part of the USA men's basketball team's 2004 disappointment in Athens. They lost three games and ended up with a bronze medal—a low point for all involved.

At just 20 years old, James was joined by fellow young players Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.

The team, captained by Tim Duncan and featuring veteran guards Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury, struggled to find cohesion under coach Larry Brown.

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Now, nearly 20 years later, James, nearing 40, continues to shine on the international stage.

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, James led Team USA to a 5-0 record in a showcase run, narrowly avoiding upsets against South Sudan and Germany in London.

These close calls serve as a reminder that winning Olympic gold is no longer the straightforward task it was for the original Dream Team.

Opponents are no longer intimidated, and the post-game pictures and jersey swaps era is over.

Despite James being joined by future Hall of Famers like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant, the respect they command from other teams ends at the opening tip. A fifth consecutive gold medal won't be easily won.

All 12 participating teams boast at least one NBA player, including All-Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), and Nikola Jokic (Serbia).

France is especially formidable, featuring reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

While the USA is the clear favorite, several teams could compete for gold in Paris:

2024 Olympics Men's Basketball Gold Medal Odds

To Win Gold MedalBetOnlineBetUSBovada
USA-425-675-475
Canada+1200+1000+1100
France+1400+1200+1400
Serbia+1100+1800+1800
Greece+2800+2200+2200
Germany+2500+2200+2600
Australia+4000+3300+3500
Spain+8000+6600+7500
Brazil+25000+15000+15000

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USA

For this reason, LeBron James will serve as the flag bearer for the United States at the Opening Ceremony. With Stephen Curry participating in his first Olympics and Kevin Durant recovering from an injury, James has taken on the leadership role leading up to the Games.

Steve Kerr, now the head coach, steps into the role after assisting Gregg Popovich in the last Olympic cycle. This team will be the first to feature four NBA MVPs in Olympic history.

A calf injury has sidelined Durant, but he has begun practicing and hopes to make his debut in Paris. In his Olympic career, he has won three gold medals and averaged nearly 20 points per game.

Curry, James, and Joel Embiid have started every game in the showcase matches and are expected to be in the starting lineup for Sunday's opener against Serbia.

Guard Derrick White has replaced Kawhi Leonard, who stepped aside due to injury and has already played significant minutes off the bench.

Alongside Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum, White will help ensure that depth remains one of Team USA's strengths.

Furthermore, Jrue Holiday will likely start alongside Curry in the backcourt, while Devin Booker or Anthony Edwards will fill the other wing position.

Germany and South Sudan round out Group C, along with the U.S. and Serbia.

USA To win Olympics Men's Basketball Gold Medal
BetUS
-675
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Canada

Firstly, new Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez leads this team, which lost 86-72 to the U.S. in Las Vegas on July 10 but has since bounced back with victories over France and Puerto Rico.

The starting lineup is expected to feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, R.J. Barrett, and Kelly Olynyk, with Jamal Murray likely to join after missing time for personal reasons.

Notably, Andrew Wiggins and rookie center Zach Edey are not on the roster as they focus on the upcoming NBA season.

Canada To win Olympics Men's Basketball Gold Medal
BetUS
+1000
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France

Furthermore, Victor Wembanyama's rise alongside Rudy Gobert adds a formidable dimension to France's team, making them a formidable contender, especially with much of the core that won silver in Japan still intact.

Under coach Vincent Collet's 15-year leadership, the team will rely heavily on strong performances from guards Frank Ntilikina and Evan Fournier, as their play will be crucial to its success.

Beyond its top shot-blockers, France boasts a versatile defensive lineup with Nicolas Batum, Bilal Coulibaly, Guerschon Yabusele, and Ntilikina.

Consequently, these players can disrupt opponents on the perimeter and apply pressure as needed.

France To win Olympics Men's Basketball Gold Medal
BetUS
+1200
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Serbia

Finally, Nikola Jokic aims to lead Serbia to success, with Nikola Jovic's return significantly bolstering their chances.

Jovic, the versatile 6-foot-10 forward from the Miami Heat, has been recovering from a foot injury but is expected to play a key role in Paris.

However, Vasilije Micic, though not known for his defense, showcased his elite passing and playmaking skills during his rookie season with Charlotte.

Meanwhile, Hawks wing Bogdan Bogdanovic is one of the tournament's top shooters and a potent scorer.

Serbia benefits from strong frontcourt depth with Jokic, Jovic, and former Gonzaga star Filip Petrusev but will rely on Micic, Aleksa Avramovic, Ognjen Dobric, and Marko Guduric to excel on the wings.

Serbia To win Olympics Men's Basketball Gold Medal
BetUS
+1800
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Meet the author

Tony Reyes

With years of experience as an analyst, Tony brings an expert voice to picks and predictions. His passion for sports betting is evident in his coverage, which not only informs and entertains but also shares his love for the game. When he's not watching or covering t...

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