Will LeBron James return to Team USA for the 2016 Olympics?
Here’s a better question: Will Team USA even need him?
Team USA’s global dominance is recalling the days of the original Dream Teams of the 1990s. The Americans steamrolled Serbia, 129-92, in the gold medal game of the 2014 World Cup in Madrid on Sunday, capping a tournament that became a coming-out party for a handful of new international stars.
There were questions about the quality of Team USA’s roster following the withdrawal of superstars Kevin Durant, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook, all of whom had previous international experience. Opposing players still considered host Spain the favorite entering the quarterfinals.
But with a supposedly weakened roster, Team USA became the first team ro win all of its World Cup games by at least 20 points. The Americans also became the first nation to win four straight international tournaments, dating to the 2008 Olympics.
Team USA clinched a berth in the 2016 Olympics, so will James want back in?
James has played in every Olympics since 2004. If he returns to Team USA for the next cycle, he likely will be playing alongside new Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kyrie Irving, who was named MVP of the World Cup after draining six 3-pointers in the gold medal game and likely secured a spot on the Olympic squad.
In this video with Cinesport’s Brian Clark, I look at LeBron’s possible future with Team USA and explain how this tournament win was a complete team effort in which both the players and coach Mike Krzyzewski deserve equal credit.
Click on the box below to give a listen.
Hi Chris..
Love your columns regarding the NBA. Notice I said the “NBA”…and NOT USA Basketball. Come on, Chris, give your “fans” a break with all this Team USA nonsense and get back to the NBA…is that possible?? And please, please, explain what the heck this “Made America Proud” drivel is supposed to mean? Seriously?…”Made America Proud”? From what I’ve read you’re in your early 70’s…and not your teens or twenties with all this: “USA..USA..we’re number ONE…we’re number one!” Seriously, Chris…I mean how much money are they paying you to rant about TEAM USA?? Next thing you know you’ll be writing a column how Coack K helped Cousins FINALLY Mature into man! Here’s a heads up for you – check out Wojo’s recent column regarding TEAM USA and Coach K…never know you might learn a few things….MAYBE??