Team USA won the gold medal in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, taking out France in a 98-87 victory thanks to Stephen Curry’s 24 points and LeBron James’ double-double (14 points, 10 assists). The 2024 Team USA were dominant throughout the Olympics although they had to endure a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter against Serbia and barely squeaked by with a victory before the gold medal game.
Much was made about the 2024 Team USA considering the roster is stacked with talent including Curry, James, and Kevin Durant among others, but the hiccups they faced throughout the Olympics made it clear that they weren’t quite the 1992 Dream Team in terms of dominance. Looking back to the iconic 1992 Dream Team led by Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, let’s find out which player from the 2024 roster could make that team and who they would replace.
Guarantees
LeBron James
LeBron James is an absolute lock for a spot on the 1992 Dream Team, and he would likely replace Christian Laettner, the lone collegiate player on the roster. LeBron’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him one of the most versatile players in NBA history. In the 2024 Olympics, LeBron averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game.Â
James has ultimately led Team USA to gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2024. His ability to dominate at multiple positions, both offensively and defensively, would make him an invaluable asset to the Dream Team, complementing the skill sets of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson to form an unprecedented Big Three.
James’ all-around game would have been a perfect fit alongside the other stars of the 1992 team. His court vision and playmaking would allow him to thrive as a point forward, setting up teammates while also being a primary scorer when needed. Additionally, his defensive versatility would have allowed him to guard positions 1 through 4, giving the Dream Team even more flexibility.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant’s elite scoring ability and versatility would make him a standout on the 1992 Dream Team, likely replacing Chris Mullin or even an injured Larry Bird. By 2024, Durant has secured four Olympic gold medals, the most in history, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in Team USA history. Durant was the third-leading scorer on Team USA in the 2024 Olympics posting 13.8 points per game on 54.0% from the field and 51.9% from three, and he is the all-time leading scorer for his country.
Durant’s shooting, especially from three-point range, surpasses that of Mullin, and his ability to create his own shot and score at will would have provided the Dream Team with an unmatched offensive weapon. Replacing Larry Bird, who struggled with back issues during the 1992 Olympics, with a prime Durant would give the Dream Team a younger, healthier, and more dynamic forward.
Possible
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry could potentially find a spot on the 1992 Dream Team, but it would be a challenge given the team’s need for a pass-first point guard like John Stockton. However, Curry’s unparalleled shooting ability and scoring prowess make a compelling case for his inclusion. As the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry’s presence would have revolutionized the Dream Team’s offense.Â
In the 2024 Olympics, Curry finally added a gold medal to his resume, and his Olympic career saw him averaging 14.8 points per game, shooting 47.8% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor would open up the paint for players like Jordan and Barkley, making the team even more potent offensively.
While Stockton’s all-time assist record and defensive tenacity were crucial to the Dream Team, Curry’s scoring ability could potentially replace Stockton, providing a different but equally valuable skill set. Curry’s off-ball movement, combined with his quick release, would create constant scoring opportunities, and his ability to hit deep three-pointers would change the geometry of the court. Even though Curry isn’t a traditional playmaker like Stockton, his offensive impact would be undeniable, making him a viable candidate for a spot on the Dream Team.
Very Slim Chance
Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker
Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis might have a slim chance of making the 1992 Dream Team, but it would be difficult to replace any of the dominant big men from that era, such as Patrick Ewing or David Robinson. In the 1990s, the game was heavily focused on big men who were not only skilled but also extremely tough and aggressive in the paint.Â
While Embiid (11.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG in 2024 Olympics) and Davis (8.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG in 2024 Olympics) are both highly skilled and athletic, they don’t possess the same level of physical dominance and defensive prowess that was characteristic of the big men in the 1990s. Their ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting is impressive, but it likely wouldn’t be enough to justify replacing a traditional center like Ewing, who was a defensive anchor and rebounding force.
Jayson Tatum (5.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG) and Devin Booker (11.7 PPG, 3.3 APG) would face an even steeper climb to make the 1992 Dream Team. Tatum, with his athleticism and scoring ability, might be considered as a replacement for the injured Larry Bird, but Bird’s legendary status and unparalleled basketball IQ make that a tough sell. While Booker is an elite scorer, particularly from mid-range, his game is somewhat redundant with players like Jordan and Drexler already on the team. Moreover, Bird, despite his injuries, brought a level of leadership and experience that Booker, as of 2024, hasn’t yet matched.
Zero Chance
Tyrese Haliburton, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo
For Tyrese Haliburton, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards, and Bam Adebayo, there is virtually no chance of making the 1992 Dream Team. While each of these players has shown promise and made valuable contributions to Team USA in 2024, the Dream Team roster is filled with some of the greatest players in basketball history, making it nearly impossible for these younger, less experienced players to replace any of the legends. The 1992 Dream Team was built around proven superstars, many of whom were already Hall of Fame-bound by that point in their careers.
Tyrese Haliburton and Derrick White, while solid guards, do not bring the same level of playmaking, scoring, or defensive prowess as the guards on the original Dream Team, such as Magic Johnson and John Stockton. Jrue Holiday, known for his defense, and Bam Adebayo, a versatile big man, similarly fall short when compared to the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the dominant bigs of the 1992 roster.Â
Anthony Edwards, despite his athleticism and scoring potential, is still early in his career and lacks the resume to compete with the likes of Charles Barkley or Clyde Drexler. The original Dream Team set an incredibly high standard, one that these 2024 Team USA players, while talented, have not yet reached.
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