A Dream Team in another world: “In 1992, the others weren’t even close to their level today”

There are many arguments to draw comparisons between Dream Team of 1992 and the step Paris this 2024. Although the score of that first time will always be incomparable, both groups had and have three veteran stars who led their respective generations, and all members of both groups were recognized in their time in the best quintets of NBA. In fact, look LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant the American team commands them Olympic Games It will be a real pleasure. As much or almost as much as should be witnessed Big Bang basketball globalizer hand in hand with Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in Barcelona. However, there is a great gulf that separates both groups.

“The big difference is that in 1992 the rest of the world was nowhere near this level today,” he pointed out. Steve KerrAmerican coach, coach of the Golden State Warriors dynasty and former teammate of MJ in the legendary Chicago Bulls in the nineties. “Now nothing is guaranteed and there are good rivals everywhere”added the coach speaking to a small group of international media, including Mundo Deportivo.

There is a great truth that reflects the insulting superiority of the Americans during the legendary summer in Barcelona. “Chuck Daly did not take a timeout in the tournament. “That group was never threatened.”, recalls Kerr, a great history expert, when citing the destruction of Yugoslavia as another decisive factor in the quiet path of that legendary group. “The difference is that, yes, we have a team full of hall of famers, but The challenge is different, because basketball has grown so much and it is a completely different competition than in 1992, more international and popular than before. There will be great rivals in Serbia, France, Germany, Spain… assuming that it is classified, and I left a lot out,” he emphasized.

Kerr led a stratospheric team to win the gold that was always expected for the Americans, despite stumbling in the final World Cup, where they lost in the semifinals against Canada from Badalona Jordi Fernandez It’s a fresh memory to hold on to. “Last year we didn’t get where we wanted, so it’s disappointing,” he said. Tyrese Haliburtonone of the two members of that group that repeats in Anthony Edwards. The rest have made it to Team USA at one point or another, though they don’t know the trauma of being left without a medal.

“I learned a lot. One party can decide everything. It’s not like a playoff tie, where you can look for sensations and adjust to your rival as the games go by. In one day everything is decided, and one or two inspired men can change the story of the game. We must be very clear about that,” answered the point guard of the Indiana Pacers, conference finalists this year, to MD. “Team USA is the gold standard, and all rivals want to give their best version against us. After experiencing it, I can already notice it,” he adds.

Team USA’s 12 at Paris 2024

13

Bam Adebayo, center (Miami Heat)

fifteen

Devin Booker, point guard (Phoenix Suns)

4

Stephen Curry, point guard (Golden State Warriors)

14

Anthony Davis, center (Los Angeles Lakers)

7

Kevin Durant, forward (Phoenix Suns)

5

Anthony Edwards, guard (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Eleven

Joel Embiid, center (Philadelphia 76ers)

9

Tyrese Haliburton, point guard (Indiana Pacers)

12

Jrue Holiday, point guard (Boston Celtics)

6

LeBron James, forward (Los Angeles Lakers)

8

Kawhi Leonard, forward (Los Angeles Clippers)

10

Jayson Tatum, forward (Boston Celtics)

The Americans will gather in Las Vegas on July 5 and begin a short but intense tour of friendly preparations, starting on July 10 against their last executioner, Canada. The coaches, included Erik Spoelstra and Ty Lue acting as luxury players in the secondary, they will meet a few days earlier in Nevada to promote work and share scouting duties. Gone are those days of showing up to meetings and tweaking solutions as the wind blows. Kerr is excited about what will be his final challenge as the head of USA Basketball. “It’s exciting, how could it not be? They are the Olympic Games, There will be great competition, and my players want to add another gold despite everything they have achieved in their careers,” he celebrated.

“The NBA is a marathon, but FIBA​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ is a sprint. “We understand the challenge,” he elaborated, pointing to the constant challenge of transferring the regulations and basic concepts of international basketball to players accustomed to the parallel universe represented by the best league in the world. “Many teams have more continuity in their squads, and our main strength is the great sea of ​​talent to choose from, but at the same time It is very difficult to always start from scratch. there’s a new group.”

Among those who do not know of Team USA was to see what would be the typical initial quintet, because the group was simply legendary. It’s impossible to imagine who’s coming in and who’s staying out. It will be a matter of finding chemistry and balance, and Kerr’s colors pop when he says he’s interested in seeing how Curry and LeBron, who Golden State has wanted all season, connect on the court: “It’s intriguing to see Steph and LeBron, and I know they are glad to be able to fight together.” The rest of the planet probably shares his intrigue.

In group C, for now, Serbia awaits them. Nikola Jokic and Svetislav Pesic, and The South Sudan of the African prodigy Khaman Maluach. The third rival in the group will leave the qualifying tournament In Puerto Ricowith Lithuania and Italy starting as favourites.