Team USA always has a chance to win gold in Olympic basketball. They’ve won the gold medal in the last four Olympics, and 16 out of 19 games in total. Not to mention that many of the NBA’s biggest stars were absent from the 2020 roster, leaving room for them – and other newcomers – to make a push for gold again in 2024.
Seriously though, I mean, is the sky blue? No matter the year, no matter the roster, Team USA always has a chance to win gold in basketball.
Consider these facts and reasons.
Team USA is Four-Time Defending Champion
As mentioned, over the last four Olympics, Team USA has won gold in men’s basketball each and every time:
- 2020: 87–82 win over France
- 2016: 96–66 win over Serbia
- 2012: 107-100 win over Spain
- 2008: 118–107 win over Spain
So, you can certainly say recent history is on their side.
Team USA Won Gold 7 Times in a Row Starting in 1936
Team USA has dominated men’s basketball since the sport made its debut in 1936, winning gold in the first 7 Olympics until losing to USSR by one point in 1972’s Munich games.
Team USA Has Won Gold 16 out of 19 Tries
From their initial gold run to their recent dominance, Team USA has won gold 16 out of 19 Olympics games; an incredible run. So while you could easily look at their current 4-Olympic winning streak and think they are due for a loss, you can just as easily look at history and argue that they might not ever lose again!
Read More: Best Celtics Team of All Time
Of course, something has to give at some point, and who know if this is the year or not, but hopefully all of this opens your eyes to just how dominant Team USA has been in men’s basketball since the begining of Olympic time
2024 Roster
Let’s face it, Bird, Magic, and MJ aren’t walking back through the Olympic doors, but as Team USA has proved since the “Dream Team’s” departure, they can still very much win gold with a different squad.
In 2020, Team USA had the likes of:
- Bam Adebayo
- Devin Booker
- Kevin Durant
- Jerami Grant
- Draymond Green
- Jrue Holiday
- Keldon Johnson
- Zach LaVine
- Damian Lillard
- JaVale McGee
- Khris Middleton
- Jayson Tatum
Notably, the team was led by stars including Durant, Tatum, and Lillard—all huge names in today’s game. That said, there are also a number of today’s stars who were not on that team, including Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard, and others.
We don’t know much about the roster just yet – and might not for months – but we do know it will be led by Steve Kerr, who has headcoached the Dynasty Warriors over the last 8 years. We also know – per the above – Steph Curry has recently made mention of wanting to make a run for gold.
