Tracy McGrady recently weighed in on his Instagram about one of the most debated hypothetical matchups in basketball history: the 1992 Dream Team versus the 2024 “Avengers” Team USA. When asked who he would pick in a seven-game series between these two legendary squads, McGrady didn’t hesitate to side with the Dream Team, citing their size and interior dominance as key factors.
“I would go with Dream Team because of their size. You got David Robinson in his prime. You got Charles Barkley, who is a bruiser down low. I think that’s where they would struggle at, at the end of the day, when the game needs to slow down, and you gotta throw the ball inside.”
“And I think, you know, the Dream Team inside presence is just unmatched with what they had at the time. And then on the perimeter, when you talk about perimeter guys, I mean, they had the greatest player that ever played the game in Michael Jordan.”
“7 games, I’m going with the Dream Team. Game 7 to win by 3 points.”
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McGrady’s point about the interior presence of the Dream Team is well-taken. David Robinson, one of the most athletic centers of all time, was in his physical prime in 1992, and Charles Barkley was a dominant force in the post despite being undersized.
The Dream Team also boasted Patrick Ewing, another Hall of Fame big man, who could protect the rim and score inside with ease. This combination of size, strength, and skill in the frontcourt would present a significant challenge for any team, even one as talented as the 2024 Avengers.
Beyond the interior battle, McGrady also emphasized the Dream Team’s advantage on the perimeter, particularly with Michael Jordan. Jordan’s competitive fire, scoring ability, and defensive prowess were unmatched, and he would be a decisive factor in any close contest. In McGrady’s view, the series would go the distance, with the Dream Team edging out a narrow victory in Game 7.
While the 2024 Avengers, featuring stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis, would undoubtedly be a formidable opponent, McGrady believes the Dream Team’s size, skill, and legendary talent would ultimately prevail in a hard-fought series.
The Dream Team Would Struggle With Team USA’s Outside Shooting
The 2024 Team USA, known as the “Avengers,” has been a dominant force throughout their Olympic run, but there has been one consistent area of vulnerability: outside shooting. In the 11 games they played, including five exhibition matches and six Olympic contests, their opponents found success from beyond the arc. Even in the games that were closer than expected, Team USA struggled to contain their opponents’ three-point shooters, or they themselves had difficulty finding their rhythm from deep.
This is where the 1992 Dream Team might find an advantage. If they can effectively contain Team USA’s outside shooters, they would have a strong chance of winning. The Dream Team’s defensive prowess, particularly on the perimeter with players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, could disrupt the Avengers’ shooting rhythm. However, if the Dream Team fails to close out on shooters like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, it could be lights out.
The Avengers’ three-point shooting is one of their most potent weapons, and it has bailed them out of tight situations multiple times. Their ability to hit shots from long range can quickly turn the tide of any game, making it imperative for the Dream Team to focus on perimeter defense.
If the Dream Team can contain the Avengers’ shooters, they have a solid chance of prevailing. If not, the Avengers’ lethal shooting could be the difference in the series.
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