Stephen Curry won his first gold medal at the Olympics in 2024 and in the process, joined an exclusive list. Curry is now the fourth player in history to win an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup gold medal, an NBA title, and the MVP award. Here’s a look at the men who have accomplished this feat.
David Robinson
Olympic Gold Medals: 1992, 1996
World Cup Gold Medal: 1986
NBA Championships: 1999, 2003
NBA MVP: 1995
Shaquille O’Neal
Olympic Gold Medal: 1996
World Cup Gold Medal: 1994
NBA Championships: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006
NBA MVP: 2000
Kevin Durant
Olympic Gold Medals: 2012, 2016, 2021, 2024
World Cup Gold Medal: 2010
NBA Championships: 2017, 2018
NBA MVP: 2014
Stephen Curry
Olympic Gold Medal: 2024
World Cup Gold Medals: 2010, 2014
NBA Championships: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022
NBA MVPs: 2015, 2016
David Robinson was the first to do it, in 1999, when he won his first NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs. That championship was the only thing missing from Robinson’s resume at that point, as he had also won DPOY, a scoring title, a rebounding title, and had led the league in blocks as well.
Shaquille O’Neal then did it a year later when he won his first championship and only MVP award in 2000. Interestingly, O’Neal only ever participated in two tournaments for Team USA, the 1994 World Cup and 1996 Olympics, and he won both. He was also named MVP of that World Cup and it’s a shame we didn’t see more of him on the international stage.
Someone who we have seen a lot on the international stage is the man who entered the club in 2017, Kevin Durant. He has played in four editions of the Olympics, winning the gold in all four to become the most decorated male basketball player in Olympic history.
Durant was also named MVP of the Olympics in 2021. It was the second time he had been named MVP on the international stage, after winning it at the World Cup in 2010 as well. Thanks to all these feats, I’d say that the 35-year-old has a pretty strong case to be regarded as the greatest player in Team USA history.
Last but certainly not the least, is Curry. The Golden State Warriors star had never had the opportunity to compete at the Olympics before this year. He was not selected in 2012 and pulled out in 2016 and 2021 as he prioritized his health. That meant this 2024 edition was his first and only shot at winning the Olympic gold and he ensured he’d get it.
Curry had a rough start to the tournament but caught fire in the semifinal and the final. He averaged 30.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in those two games to lead Team USA to glory. Much like O’Neal, those displays just left you wishing that the two-time MVP had played on the international stage more often.
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