2024 Olympic Basketball Discussion Thread

[bisme37]

Paris Olympics!





(I've been wanting to make an Olympics thread and decided to just do it even though we're maybe a little early on knowing many of the details as far as the all the countries/teams involved and the exact game schedule etc.)

Here's a preliminary schedule of games (Men's Olympic Basketball Group Play kicks off Saturday July 27 as far as I can tell): https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/basketball

Here's some info from NBA.com to get us started: https://www.nba.com/news/5-things-to-know-2024-nba-offseason?lid=pmmqhciegwdv&cid=nba:dynpage:own:email:daily:link:eg:nl:eng:t-crm:US:en:20240629:DAILY_NEWSLETTER:THE_ZONE:&lctg=60131c9357e5b245cceedcd4

Update July 8: These 12 countries have qualified for the Olympics: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan, Spain, USA

The USA Basketball Men’s National Team will be in Las Vegas to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games as Team USA goes for a fifth straight gold medal.

In addition to training camp, the USA Basketball showcase will feature five exhibition games across three countries before the real competition begins in late July:

July 10 in Las Vegas: USA vs. Canada (10:30 ET, FS1)
July 15 in Abu Dhabi: USA vs. Australia (Noon ET, FS1)
July 17 in Abu Dhabi: USA vs. Serbia (Noon ET, FS1)
July 20 in London: USA vs. South Sudan (3 ET, FOX)
July 22 in London: USA vs. Germany (3 ET, FOX)
After the final exhibition game in London, Team USA will convene with the rest of the basketball world in Paris for a 2024 Olympic tournament stacked with NBA talent.

United States: Bam Adebayo (Heat), Devin Booker (Suns), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Anthony Davis (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Suns), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (76ers), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Celtics), LeBron James (Lakers), Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) and Jayson Tatum (Celtics).

Canada: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) and Jamal Murray (Nuggets) lead a Canadian squad loaded with current and former NBA players.

France: Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) and Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) anchor the host team that took silver in Tokyo in 2021

Germany: Dennis Schroder (Nets) and the Wagner brothers (Magic) lead a German squad coming off its first FIBA World Cup win in 2023.

Serbia: Three-time Kia MVP Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (Hawks) lead the 2016 silver medalists.

This thread will be stickied throughout the Games and I'll try to add info to the OP as time goes on. Any other posters who know about this stuff can feel free to add new info and/or links to any other Olympics-related threads that already exist (or just copy and paste the info in this new thread). The above info from NBA.com is heavy on the USA team, so more info on other teams is certainly welcomed here.

Enjoy and Go Your Country!

[UcanUwill]

Will we be able to talk women basketball here too? I assume yes, and I assume most of us wont care, but just reminder, women will play too.

As of right now. we had many FIBA related threads. Yesterday I opened a thread on TEAM USA SLECT team, that includes Cooper flagg, Nigel Hayes from Euroleague fame, and many NBA players like Duren, Brandon Miller, AMen Thompson and many others.

durden_tyler has a thread on 4 qualifying tournaments that start Tuesday. 4 Olympic spots for mens basketball are still up for grabs, I hope that thread gets stickied, it is going to be very interesting.

Since we are withing FIBA ball park, I want to highlight that today, Mens U17 World cup started. It takes place in Turkey. Some interesting players and results. American superstar prospect Cameron Boozer destroyed France, 29 and 12 in 27 minutes. Easy win for Americans. Lithuania ran over Philippines beating them by 59 (Simpsons stop hes already dead meme). Canada Left no chance to Germany, 25 point win, Tyler Kropp lead Argentina in a close win against Italy, And surprisingly, at least to me surprisingly, New Zealand trashed home team, Turkey, Oscar Goodman dominated, he must be a good man. Turkey is usually very good in these tournaments, because they always have the bigs there, maybe its racist, but I really think some Turkish men mature way faster than Euros, so we often get Turkish bigs dominate juniors, but then in years time, other guys catch up to them. U17 is a level where USA usually just flat out dominates, because they are just so much more athletic, by the time U19 comes around, the field catches up a bit, also, most of times, best American U19 guys skip that particular tournament, because it takes place same summer as they have to choose their colleges. So thats a report on FIBA U17, if you are interesting, link to main page is here :
https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u17-basketball-world-cup-2024

Some other notable recent news.

Luka suited up for Slovenia last night and indeed will play. Slovenia will have to qualify, they will play in Greece qualy and their main comp will be Greece with Giannis, and Croatia with all of their guys like Zubac and Hezonja. Greece missing a lot of their top guys tho, including Kostas Sloukas, Croatia is missing Bojan. Only one team from each qualification tournament qualifies.

Bahamas got all their guys, Ayton, Hield, Erik Gordon and others, but they did not look impressive at all during their friendlies, not feeling the vibes here, they are in Spain qualifying tournament, and it looks like Spain, despite being shell of their former selves, will probably still jog their way to Olympics, very easy draw for them.

[CodeBreaker]

LeBron, Curry, KD, Kawhi - 4 Finals MVPs of the 2010s are on the same freaking team!

Can't wait to see them play together.

[bisme37]

Spoiler:

Will we be able to talk women basketball here too? I assume yes, and I assume most of us wont care, but just reminder, women will play too.

As of right now. we had many FIBA related threads. Yesterday I opened a thread on TEAM USA SLECT team, that includes Cooper flagg, Nigel Hayes from Euroleague fame, and many NBA players like Duren, Brandon Miller, AMen Thompson and many others.

durden_tyler has a thread on 4 qualifying tournaments that start Tuesday. 4 Olympic spots for mens basketball are still up for grabs, I hope that thread gets stickied, it is going to be very interesting.

Since we are withing FIBA ball park, I want to highlight that today, Mens U17 World cup started. It takes plays in Turkey. Some interesting players and results. American superstar prospect Cameron Boozer destroyed France, 29 and 12 in 27 minutes. Easy win for Americans. Lithuania ran over Philippines beating them by 59 (Simpsons stop hes already dead meme). Canada Left no chance to Germany, 25 point win, Tyler Kropp lead Argentina in a close win against Italy, And surprisingly, at least to me surprisingly, New Zealand trashed home team, Turkey, Oscar Goodman dominated, he must be a good man. Turkey is usually very good in these tournaments, because they always have the bigs there, maybe its racist, but I really think some Turkish men mature way faster than Euros, so we often get Turkish bigs dominate juniors, but then in years time, other guys catch up to them. U17 is a level where USA usually just flat out dominates, because they are just so much more athletic, by the time U19 comes around, the field catches up a bit, also, most of times, best American U19 guys skip that particular tournament, because it takes place same summer as they have to choose their colleges. So thats a report on FIBA U17, if you are interesting, link to main page is here :
https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u17-basketball-world-cup-2024

Some other notable recent news.

Luka suited up for Slovenia last night and indeed will play. Slovenia will have to qualify, they will play in Greece qualy and their main comp will be Greece with Giannis, and Croatia with all of their guys like Zubac and Hezonja. Greece missing a lot of their top guys tho, including Kostas Sloukas, Croatia is missing Bojan. Only one team from each qualification tournament qualifies.

Bahamas got all their guys, Ayton, Hield, Erik Gordon and others, but they did not look impressive at all during their friendlies, not feeling the vibes here, they are in Spain qualifying tournament, and it looks like Spain, despite being shell of their former selves, will probably still jog their way to Olympics, very easy draw for them.

Yeah Women's Olympic Basketball is fine here too.

I just stickied the durden thread you mentioned: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2388781

[JustBuzzin]

I think they run the table and not lose a single game.

[Hair Jordan]

LeBron, Curry, KD, Kawhi - 4 Finals MVPs of the 2010s are on the same freaking team!

Can't wait to see them play together.

Lebron is 39, Curry 36, Durant 35 and Kawhi 33. The AARP Team.

[HangTime]

Warriors are afraid of Wiggins potentially locking down Team USA, or Steph Curry more Specifically.

Even if it helps his trade value.

[-Luke-]

Those are some great exhibition games for Team USA, no messing around.

[-Luke-]

https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/mens-olympic-basketball-tournament-paris-2024/news/coach-pesic-this-usa-team-is-stronger-than-the-dream-team

Some 3D chess here from Pesic, a guy whom I admire more than about every other guy in basketball. Trying to get in the US players' heads. It's a great team, but no one will be better than the Dream Team.

When Rudy Fernández steps on the court, he will be the first basketball player ever to play at six Olympic tournaments. he first played in Athens in 2004.

[FollowTheSound]

Canada could beat Team USA!

[ChuckyFE]

Paraguay, the gold medal's yours. USA's gonna choke.

[Rappid]

Team USA this time with size, speed, strength, and winning experience. Just can’t see anybody that can match them.

[remi_222]

Ousmane Dieng and Killian Hayes already out of the french group.
Poirier is now out of the group as well due to an injury

PG : Ntilikina / Albicy / ??
SG : Fournier / De Colo /
SF : Batum / Coulibaly / Cordinier
PF : Wembanyama / Yabusele
C : Gobert / Lessort

12th spot is between Hifi Okobo and Strazel to me...

[UcanUwill]

Ousmane Dieng and Killian Hayes already out of the french group.
Poirier is now out of the group as well due to an injury

PG : Ntilikina / Albicy / ??
SG : Fournier / De Colo /
SF : Batum / Coulibaly / Cordinier
PF : Wembanyama / Yabusele
C : Gobert / Lessort

12th spot is between Hifi Okobo and Strazel to me...

Is there really a chance Okobo miss a spot to these guys? I can't perceive such scenario, he must be lock here. Their guard lineup, especially point guards, are not expiring at all, De Colo, Fournier and Okobo will probably have to be their point guards.

[_jin]

Ousmane Dieng and Killian Hayes already out of the french group.
Poirier is now out of the group as well due to an injury

PG : Ntilikina / Albicy / ??
SG : Fournier / De Colo /
SF : Batum / Coulibaly / Cordinier
PF : Wembanyama / Yabusele
C : Gobert / Lessort

12th spot is between Hifi Okobo and Strazel to me...

Is there really a chance Okobo miss a spot to these guys? I can't perceive such scenario, he must be lock here. Their guard lineup, especially point guards, are not expiring at all, De Colo, Fournier and Okobo will probably have to be their point guards.

We dont know the final roster yet, remi_222 is just speculating but he's pretty spot on in my opinion, I think it'll be those 11 and Okobo. Cordinier might not make it because a lot of players on the roster can play the 2/3 spot but I really hope he does, he's a very useful role player. I'd also prefer Strazel over Albicy but I think Collet will go with the latter.

[UcanUwill]

I know Albicy is 5'9, but he always been pretty electric and underrated, so I take him over Strazzel any day. Especially when you have Franky smokes, obe guy is 6'5 with crazy wingspan, the other is Andrew Albicy, both almost elite guard defenders but in two completely different ways, and Albicy can lit it up some times too, as purple guy said once - perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

[_jin]

I know Albicy is 5'9, but he always been pretty electric and underrated, so I take him over Strazzel any day. Especially when you have Franky smokes, obe guy is 6'5 with crazy wingspan, the other is Andrew Albicy, both almost elite guard defenders but in two completely different ways, and Albicy can lit it up some times too, as purple guy said once - perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

Yea I've always liked Albicy and he's always been reliable for the french national team but he's starting to lose the quickness that negated his lack of length. I'm not mad if he's picked over Strazel, as I said I think the team remi_222 listed + Okobo will probably be the final roster and I like it.

Also while the OQTs are starting France is opening the preparation friendlies with a game against Turkey wednesday.

[remi_222]

Ousmane Dieng and Killian Hayes already out of the french group.
Poirier is now out of the group as well due to an injury

PG : Ntilikina / Albicy / ??
SG : Fournier / De Colo /
SF : Batum / Coulibaly / Cordinier
PF : Wembanyama / Yabusele
C : Gobert / Lessort

12th spot is between Hifi Okobo and Strazel to me...

Is there really a chance Okobo miss a spot to these guys? I can't perceive such scenario, he must be lock here. Their guard lineup, especially point guards, are not expiring at all, De Colo, Fournier and Okobo will probably have to be their point guards.

I agree with you BUT last competitions he didnt give satisfaction. His role in Monaco now coming off the bench would suit better the french national team, so clearly he's in advance vs the others.
It's just by elimination bc Ntilikina is the type of body that we'll need facing bigger team, Albicy is the small devil devoted to the team, De Colo can play 1 but isnt the best organizer. We need someone outside from the bench that would be the middle ground being an offensive weapon and be there on defense (which is Okobo weakness).
To me the best beneficiary from Wemby's arrival is Fournier, he'll clearly have more space and wont be obliged to wear the hero suit to try to save our @ss !!
The loss of Poirier is a pity, maybe calling Moustapha Fall ??!!

[_jin]

Ousmane Dieng and Killian Hayes already out of the french group.
Poirier is now out of the group as well due to an injury

PG : Ntilikina / Albicy / ??
SG : Fournier / De Colo /
SF : Batum / Coulibaly / Cordinier
PF : Wembanyama / Yabusele
C : Gobert / Lessort

12th spot is between Hifi Okobo and Strazel to me...

Is there really a chance Okobo miss a spot to these guys? I can't perceive such scenario, he must be lock here. Their guard lineup, especially point guards, are not expiring at all, De Colo, Fournier and Okobo will probably have to be their point guards.

I agree with you BUT last competitions he didnt give satisfaction. His role in Monaco now coming off the bench would suit better the french national team, so clearly he's in advance vs the others.
It's just by elimination bc Ntilikina is the type of body that we'll need facing bigger team, Albicy is the small devil devoted to the team, De Colo can play 1 but isnt the best organizer. We need someone outside from the bench that would be the middle ground being an offensive weapon and be there on defense (which is Okobo weakness).
To me the best beneficiary from Wemby's arrival is Fournier, he'll clearly have more space and wont be obliged to wear the hero suit to try to save our @ss !!
The loss of Poirier is a pity, maybe calling Moustapha Fall ??!!

I dont think Poirier was going to make the squad anyway. Sucks for him, I hope it doesnt jeopardize his transfer to Efes.
I think Fall burned those bridges after last year's WC. Especially in a backup call scenario. I don't want him anywhere near the team anymore.

[a-French-Fan]

Ousmane Dieng and Killian Hayes already out of the french group.
Poirier is now out of the group as well due to an injury

PG : Ntilikina / Albicy / ??
SG : Fournier / De Colo /
SF : Batum / Coulibaly / Cordinier
PF : Wembanyama / Yabusele
C : Gobert / Lessort

12th spot is between Hifi Okobo and Strazel to me...

I would take Hoard (PF) instead of Cordinier (SF). Wemby should play center.
As 12th man Hifi could be interesting. Whoever defends on him, i think he will always score!

I'd like to pick Strazel more than Albicy. He gets "slow". De Colo too, but his vision is still great if he comes out the Bench.