As the manager of the men’s Team USA, former NBA star Grant Hill had to make some tough choices about who would make the roster for the squad that was bound for the 2024 Paris Olympics – and who wouldn’t. Talent is never a problem for the United States, which is also why there’s always controversy whenever the final roster gets revealed.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Hill said that USA Basketball focused mainly on the legitimate NBA stars when assembling the makeup of Team USA. While acknowledging the qualities of their rivals at the Olympics, Hill explained why going hunting for stars became USA Basketball’s priority.
Hill said another reason for focusing on talent, instead of mixing talent with role players, was the versatility of the international field at the Paris Games. Canada and South Sudan were guard-heavy; Germany and France, both still alive in the tournament, are massive up front. Serbia doesn’t have the quickness of the Americans but is disciplined, big, and can shoot 3s.
Boston Celtics shooting guard Derrick White can be considered the closest Team USA weapon to a role player as he’s the only one who has never been an NBA All-Star. Then again, he is a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and an NBA champion.
In any case, Team USA is expected to win the gold and dominate in the competition. The reigning Olympic champion squad will face Serbia in the semifinals this Thursday.
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