Rich Paul was on ESPN yesterday, appearing on First Take and the Pat McAfee Show. He also made videos for ESPN’s social media team, including one where he lays out his ideal starting five for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Woah, that is a good one. Steph (Curry) at the one. That’s a tough one. I’m going JT (Jayson Tatum), LJ (LeBron James), AD (Anthony Davis). My two is tough because there are too many good guards. I don’t know if I wanna go two ball-handlers in the backcourt because Steph can play off the ball, so De’Aaron (Fox) in my backcourt, if he was to play. If he doesn’t, I’d probably go with Steph and (Devin) Book on my team. Oh no, I forgot KD (Kevin Durant). I can’t forget KD. I gotta go Steph, KD, ‘Bron, JT, and AD.”
Paul named two of his biggest clients, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Given LeBron has reportedly been behind the formation of a superteam with Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, it’s safe to say he will be on the team if he’s healthy. The same goes for KD and Curry, who also featured in Paul’s lineup.
Jayson Tatum has a shot at starting but likely will come off the bench in favor of a traditional shooting guard like Devin Booker. Anthony Davis had to be named due to Paul’s relationship with him, but we know that Joel Embiid has been brought in to be the starting center for Team USA.
With Embiid not declaring for France, there aren’t really any major threats to the USA at the 2024 Olympics, re-establishing Team USA as the best basketball team in the world after their World Cup loss.
LeBron James Allegedly Played A Role In Joel Embiid Joining Team USA
After the news of Embiid joining Team USA broke, LeBron James was asked about the same in a press conference, where he hinted that he might have had a conversation with Embiid in his decision-making process.
Reporter: “Did you make any calls on that?”
LeBron James: “I have no idea.” *smiles knowingly* “Appreciate it.”
Given James is also being widely credited with initially getting Durant and Curry on board that started this entire ‘superteam’ narrative, it seems LeBron is looking forward to playing in what will likely be his final Olympic Games. He will be a few months away from turning 40 by the time the Olympics tip-off.
Ensuring Joel Embiid was on their side and not alongside Rudy Gobert in France was crucial for James and Team USA.
Rudy Gobert Reacted To Joel Embiid Snubing France
Rudy Gobert was ready to form a frontcourt combination for France with Embiid ever since it looked like Joel could be joining the French set-up. Unfortunately, that isn’t happening and Gobert gave his first reactions to Fadeaway World after the news broke.
“I am happy for him. I guess we’ll see him in Paris. I am happy for him, as long as he does what makes him happy and he follows his heart. That’s what matters. I think it’s definitely something that they needed. They needed a dominant big man, so they’re definitely going to have a good roster next summer.”
Gobert will have French sensation Victor Wembanyama forming the other half of the frontcourt in what will be the last chance for the current era of the French national team with Gobert, Nicolas Batum, and Evan Fournier to win an Olympic medal.
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