The first part of the Paris 2024 Games has ended, heralding the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics with a bang, featuring Tom Cruise as if we were in MI:9! We’ve often heard that it’s at the end of the ball that the artists are paid, but what if the famous ball doesn’t actually conclude until the United States, during the next edition?
Agent 0 makes his predictions
Gilbert Arenas, known on the court by his nickname Agent 0 and off the court for his sometimes questionable opinions (like mocking South Sudan), returned with strong words that some of his fans have called “the smartest thing he’s said.” In his podcast “Gil’s Arena“, he speaks highly of the 2028 French team. There’s a sense of apprehension in the comments on many American posts because Team USA 2028 is not guaranteed to have a Dream Team, nor a Redeem Team, and not even the Avengers!
Yes, unlike the French team, which should be led by a Victor Wembanyama who will be four years older, but more importantly, with four more years of NBA experience.
Why might Team USA Basketball fear the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
It’s important to understand that the U.S. team is at the end of a cycle. LeBron James will be 43 years old, Chef Curry 39-40, and Kevin Durant too. LBJ has one more Olympic gold medal than MJ; Curry is missing only that, and KD has surpassed Carmelo Anthony in terms of Olympic achievements. The three key players who led this team won’t be there, so fans are worried. Embiid is expected to play for Cameroon, according to him.
Of course, there will be Devin Booker, who should be deeper into his prime, and Anthony Edwards too (he announced that he wouldn’t return, but who knows what the future holds?), but the 2028 team might resemble the one that failed to win a medal at the 2023 World Cup, which is not reassuring.
However, this isn’t entirely true! Talented players aren’t lacking. The Zion phenomenon shouldn’t be overlooked! Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and Trae Young are serious contenders, for example. But aside from Zion Williamson, none of them exude that aura of unique talent.
But why France in particular?
On the segment, which you can find below, “Gil” talks about the rest of the French team, notably mentioning the 1st and 2nd draft picks of 2024, namely Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, followed by other talents like Tidjane Salaün, 6th pick (Charlotte Hornets), Pacôme Dadiet, 25th pick (New York Knicks), and Melvin Ajinça, 51st pick (Dallas Mavericks).
And Gilbert has every reason to highlight the next generation that will present itself at the Olympics, as he says, small giants capable of dribbling, dunking, and shooting, with no one to stop them. Well, of course, that’s if everything goes according to plan. Victor needs to stay healthy (really, that’s the least I can wish for him), the others need to stay in the NBA and develop (all I wish for them too), and France would have a team capable of beating the USA.
But the French team won’t be the only threat, just the main one. It’s clear that the global level is no longer what it was in the 90s. No disrespect to the Dream Team, but the competition is no longer just Toni Kukoc. Luka should be even more in his prime; he’ll be 29 years old. However, Serbia should lose some elements. Bogdanovic will turn 37, while the Joker will be 34. And the latter has long announced that he wouldn’t have a long NBA career when asked if he sees himself having a career like King James.
A well-stocked landscape and once again a delayed rendezvous!
Among dangerous teams, Canada with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, and Dillon Brooks should be considered, as well as Germany with the Wagner brothers, even though it will rely on a 34-year-old Dennis Schröder. However, the other team mentioned by Gilbert Arenas is none other than South Sudan, which impressed and whose future looks bright, provided the government’s finances can relieve the wallet of Luol Deng, who supported this team to the point of bringing it to Paris and creating a surprise by troubling Team USA during the preparation matches (losing by only one point after dominating three-quarters of the game).
But what’s surprising is that the USA is once again turning towards the Olympics while the rest of the world is talking about the 2027 World Cup in Qatar. Because, yes, a good part of our American friends still haven’t grasped the distinction between the competitions. They keep picking on Noah Lyles… no, they haven’t finished, unfortunately. Despite repeatedly reminding them that the winner of Paris 28 is the Olympic champion, while Schröder’s Germany is still the titleholder, despite the elimination in the semifinals.
Let’s remember, Team USA, led by Ant-Man, left the 2023 World Cup without a medal and claimed they hadn’t sent their heavy artillery. Mission accomplished for 2024 Gold, but let’s hope they won’t nap when choosing the roster this time! And then, who knows? Maybe it will also be Bronny James‘ crowning moment!
