In the Dream Team era, the U.S. had a monopoly on NBA players taking part in the Olympics, but that is no longer the case. And while Team USA is the favorite to win gold again this year, the gap with the rest of the field has narrowed. TokyoOlympics
Nigeria, which beat the Americans in an exhibition, has eight NBA players. Australia, which also defeated the U.S. in a warm-up game, has seven. So does France, the first U.S. opponent in this tournament on Sunday and the nation that knocked the Americans out of contention at the Basketball World Cup two years ago. That setback sent the team spiraling to a seventh-place finish, the worst showing in any tournament ever for an American roster composed of NBA players.
“I think every team wants to beat us,” U.S. forward Kevin Durant said. “Everybody wants to see us lose, so every game has a little bit more pressure to it.”Slovenia’s Luka Doncic garnered more first-team votes in the All-NBA voting this season, 55, than the entire U.S. Olympic roster got combined. This is Slovenia’s first time in the Olympics, but with Doncic leading the way, medal talk doesn’t seem misguided.
Doncic willed Slovenia to a win in the Olympic qualifying tournament that ended on July 4 and gave the tiny nation a spot in the Tokyo field. And what he’s done in his NBA tenure with Dallas has only shown the world that the buzz he arrived with was more than appropriate. “He’s a spectacular player, as we all know,” Popovich said. “He’s one of the best players in the world. And I emphasize, in the world. He showed himself early on in Europe, and he was a fast study in the NBA for sure. He’s fun to watch. His skills, his competitiveness, his size, his innate basketball IQ is so impressive. You put four hardworking people around him and you’ve got a hell of a team.”
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
If You're Excited for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Shop This Cute Team USA MerchOkay, I know this isn't very patriotic-looking, but the Olympic surfers this year will no doubt be wearing some pieces from Roxy's new collection featuring Liberty prints, like this one here. The brand has long partnered with professional surfers, and Caroline Marks and Stephanie Gilmore are two competing in Tokyo.
Leer más »
Prince William and Kate Middleton share special message for Team GB at start of Tokyo OlympicsThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took to Twitter to wish Team GB athletes good luck
Leer más »
Here's What Team USA Wore to Today's Tokyo Olympics Opening CeremonyTeam USA athletes are wearing Ralph Lauren outfits as their Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremony parade uniforms in Tokyo this summer.
Leer más »
The Best Olympics Merch: From Team USA’s Ralph Lauren Blazer to Skims LoungewearFrom North Face’s ready-to-wear International Collection to Kim K’s Team USA undergarments and loungewear from Skims, there’s no shortage of gear to cheer on your favorite teams and players at the Olympics this year.
Leer más »
Basketball Star Sue Bird Is One Of Two Flag Bearers For Team USA At The OlympicsShe and her fiancée Megan Rapinoe are competing for gold in Tokyo.
Leer más »
Where to Shop Official Team USA Gear for the 2021 Tokyo OlympicsGet the official men's and women's soccer team uniforms plus hoodies, tees and more!
Leer más »