Top 10 NBA Players with High Olympic Stakes

Olympic basketball kicks off on Saturday.

This tournament will feature top teams like Team USA and surprising newcomers like South Sudan. Beyond the quest for medals, individual players have a lot at stake.

Here are ten NBA players with the most to gain or lose in these Olympic Games.

Players to Watch:

LeBron James is chasing Michael Jordan’s legacy. In 2016, he admitted that Jordan was “this ghost I’m chasing.” Jordan won six championships, which might be out of reach for the 39-year-old James. However, LeBron could surpass Jordan’s two Olympic golds by winning his third this year. He already has golds from 2008 and 2012. If Team USA wins, LeBron will get tons of credit; if they lose, he’ll face the blame.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada to its first Olympic basketball spot since 2000. Last year, his team beat Team USA for bronze at the FIBA World Cup and is now the No. 2 favorite behind Team USA to win a medal. If Canada wins a medal, it would be their first since 1936. SGA is Canada’s best player and an NBA All-Star; a big performance here could elevate him more than any commercial ever could.

Victor Wembanyama from France might be the player who can change his team’s fate single-handedly thanks to his skills in shot-blocking, shooting, and passing . France has other NBA stars like Rudy Gobert and Nic Batum but Wemby stands out as the game-changer. Despite struggles in warmup games, if he leads them to gold in Paris, he’ll go from future NBA MVP to national hero overnight.

Fans are excited about what these players can achieve on such a big stage!

Kevin Durant has a chance to make history by winning his fourth gold medal if his injured calf holds up. KD faced criticism for joining Golden State Warriors in 2016 but thrives on super teams whether in regular seasons or Olympics. Another gold would be unprecedented for Durant and validate Team USA’s decision to stick with him despite injuries.

Patty Mills is playing his fourth Olympics as part of an Australian generation making waves in the NBA. The Boomers have nine current or former NBA players including recent lottery picks Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels. Mills scored 42 points in Tokyo’s bronze medal game winning Australia its first-ever basketball medal; another one would cement him as Australia’s greatest international player.

Dennis Schroder carried Germany’s flag at opening ceremonies after leading them to gold at FIBA World Cup last year ! Known mostly for turning down a huge contract from Lakers (“fumbling the bag”), Schroder shines internationally alongside Orlando Magic’s Wagner brothers (Franz & Mo). He aims not just for medals but also redefining his legacy—just don’t fumble this time!

Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured during last two playoffs making fans underestimate him after Bucks’ early exits But when healthy heading into Paris Games he remains one of world’s best! Facing tough group including Germany Canada Spain; knocking off powerhouses sends strong message about Greek Freak’s prowess!

Nikola Jokic three-time MVP returns after Serbia reached FIBA final without him last summer now grouped with USA South Sudan Puerto Rico where they should advance easily! Early playoff exit gave extra rest preparing taking frustrations out on other national teams

Rudy Gobert plays home crowd following Timberwolves’ conference finals run marred constant defensive criticisms despite winning Defensive Player Year award needs prove offensive capabilities alongside Wembanyama seeking revenge against critics especially losing close Tokyo final against USA

Jayson Tatum fresh off first NBA title Boston Celtics caught strays all summer Carmelo Anthony doubted “aura” being face league Joel Embiid discredited championship calling Boston “super-team” aging USA squad needs Tatum Paris winning both gold NBA title same summer silence haters?

What do you think? Will these players shine or stumble under pressure?