As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the competition for the gold medal in men’s basketball is heating up, with seven formidable teams emerging as serious contenders against the United States, the perennial favorite. Here’s a look at the top teams vying to dethrone Team USA:
France is one of the strongest competitors in the tournament as the host nation. Led by NBA stars like Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, the French team has a solid mix of experience and young talent. France has a history of performing well in international competitions, having won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and will be eager to leverage home-court advantage to go one step further in Paris.
Spain is traditionally one of Europe’s basketball powerhouses and always a tough opponent. With a roster featuring veterans like Ricky Rubio and the Hernangómez brothers, Spain combines tactical discipline with skilled players who excel in high-pressure situations. Spain’s experience and depth make them a legitimate threat to the USA’s dominance.
Australia, led by NBA stars like Patty Mills and Josh Giddey, has steadily improved over the years, earning their first Olympic medal (bronze) in Tokyo 2020. Known for their toughness and defensive prowess, Australia is a well-coached team that plays cohesively, making them a dangerous opponent in the knockout stages.
Serbia is another European giant with a rich basketball tradition. Despite often missing some of their top stars due to injuries or NBA commitments, Serbia’s depth and skill are undeniable. If they can field a team featuring NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and other top talent, Serbia could be one of the toughest matchups for the USA.
Led by the brilliant Luka Dončić, Slovenia is a rising force in international basketball. Dončić’s ability to take over games single-handedly makes Slovenia a team to watch. Their surprise run to the semifinals in Tokyo 2020 proved they can compete with the best, and with a more experienced roster, they’re aiming for a podium finish in Paris.
Greece’s fortunes largely depend on the availability of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA superstar who can change the dynamics of any game. With Giannis leading the way, Greece has the potential to pull off upsets and challenge for a medal.
Featuring a new generation of NBA talent, Canada is an emerging contender on the global stage. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett give Canada the firepower needed to compete with the world’s best. If they can build chemistry quickly, Canada could be a dark horse in the tournament.
With these teams aiming to topple the United States, the basketball tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
