Top Men’s Olympic Basketball Players Ranked

The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature top basketball talent from around the globe.

Team USA, packed with NBA stars, is the favorite to win gold according to FanDuel. They have won more gold medals in basketball than any other country.

However, European players are getting better and could challenge Team USA for the top spot.

Here’s a list of the best NBA players expected at the Olympics:

Top Players to Watch:

9. Kevin Durant | United States | Phoenix Suns

Durant is still one of the best players at 35 years old. Standing tall at 6-foot-11 with amazing shooting skills, he’s a big threat. He played 75 games for Phoenix this season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and five assists. A calf injury kept him out of recent Team USA games against Australia (98-92) and Serbia (105-79). If healthy, he’ll be key in Steve Kerr’s rotation as he aims for his fourth Olympic gold medal.

8. Anthony Davis | United States | Los Angeles Lakers

Davis has been impressive in warm-up games against Canada and Australia. His physical play and presence inside are crucial for Team USA. With his mobility and quickness , he could become their most important player during the Olympics.

7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Canada | Oklahoma City Thunder

After an MVP-like season where he was the fourth-leading scorer (30.1 PPG), Gilgeous-Alexander hopes to lead Canada to their second-ever medal in basketball; they last won silver in 1936! His elite ball-handling and scoring make him a vital player for Canada’s fast-paced style.

Fans might think this lineup makes Team USA unbeatable!

6. LeBron James | United States | Los Angeles Lakers

Even at 39 years old, LeBron remains one of the best players globally . His strength and defense will be crucial for Kerr’s game plan despite being used sparingly as an on-ball creator.

5. Jayson Tatum | United States | Boston Celtics

Tatum comes into these Olympics as an NBA champion and former gold medalist who has shown a full range of skills recently . Kerr will likely use his size (6-foot-8) effectively while hoping Tatum breaks out of his shooting slump from last season (37.6% from three).

4. Stephen Curry | United States | Golden State Warriors

Curry is not just any shooter; he’s arguably history’s best shooter! Playing in his first Olympics under familiar coach Steve Kerr means we can expect lots of perimeter scoring from him which opens opportunities for teammates too .

3: Joel Embiid|United States|Philadelphia76ers
Embiid recovered from meniscus surgery but remains dominant when healthy—unstoppable near-the-basket defender though limited mobility showed during pre-Olympic matches may reduce minutes focusing instead upcoming NBA season recovery period ahead .

2: Giannis Antetokounmpo|Greece|Milwaukee Bucks
Antetokounmpo drives Greece’s offense forward like battering ram making it difficult opponents defend transition plays screens alike giving them chance surprise everyone tournament despite lower expectations initially set forth beforehand .

1:Nikola Jokic|Serbia|Denver Nuggets
Jokic reigns supreme world-best unorthodox style elite passing ability average career-high assists per game ensuring toughest opponent guard every match Serbia executes basics high level potential medal-winning team regardless matchup faced throughout competition duration .

What do you think about these rankings? Do you agree or have other favorites?