The 2024 Paris Olympics have wrapped up, and the U.S. men's basketball team has managed to clinch their fifth consecutive gold medal in dramatic fashion. This victory wasn't handed to them on a silver platter. Serbia had the Americans on the ropes, but a cold spell from beyond the arc (0-for-10 in the fourth quarter) allowed Stephen Curry to showcase his legendary shooting prowess. In the gold medal game against France, the U.S. faced another nail-biter, but Curry came through with a clutch performance, sinking four three-pointers in just two minutes to secure the win. What a finale!
For me, this was hands-down the most riveting Olympic basketball tournament I’ve ever seen. Curry was in what I can only describe as "video game mode," and the Americans' two tense victories weren’t because they were underperforming. Far from it—they were pushed to elevate their game to the highest levels of skill and teamwork. Serbia and France really brought out the best in Team USA, making it an unforgettable couple of weeks.
One of the best parts of these Olympic games has been witnessing superstars from the NBA come together on one court. It makes you wonder about the dream duos that could be a reality in the NBA. While some of these pairings might be pure fantasy, there’s no harm in letting our imaginations run wild during the offseason. So, let’s dive into a few tantalizing "what if" scenarios.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry
LeBron James and Stephen Curry are two of the greatest players of this generation, and their on-court chemistry is a sight to behold. Watching them play together in Paris was like witnessing basketball's version of Montana to Rice—the greatest quarterback and the greatest receiver combining their talents to create magic.
LeBron, always more of a Magic Johnson-style playmaker than a Michael Jordan-type scorer, used his unparalleled vision and ball-handling skills to orchestrate the offense. Curry, renowned for his shooting and off-ball movement, seemed to be the perfect complement. Imagine LeBron’s pinpoint passes finding Curry in transition or off the pick-and-roll. Curry’s ability to pull up from anywhere on the court would give defenses nightmares, and LeBron’s unparalleled passing would turn every game into an offensive showcase.
James himself marveled at Curry’s skills during the games in Paris. “You just marvel at his talent,” LeBron said. “Obviously, I’ve seen it before, you know, on the opposite side. But having him on your side, you just try to get stops and figure out other ways on the other end, but keep finding him. Keep getting him the ball.”
The dynamics of a pick-and-roll involving Curry as the screener and LeBron as the ball-handler would create an offensive juggernaut. Curry could either pop out for a three-pointer or drag defenders away, allowing LeBron to charge downhill. Alternatively, if Curry had the ball, his incredible shooting could pull defenses out of position, giving LeBron the chance to dominate in the paint or find open shooters. This duo would be an absolute nightmare for any defense, blending Curry's shooting wizardry with LeBron’s basketball IQ and passing.
The likelihood of seeing these two in the same NBA team might be slim, but the Olympic experience made their brief partnership truly special. Even though the idea of LeBron and Curry playing together in the NBA might be a long shot, it’s fun to dream big. Remember, the Warriors and Lakers discussed a trade involving LeBron last season—what if this Olympic experience plants a seed for future possibilities?
Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards
Kevin Durant is the ultimate versatile player who can fit seamlessly with any co-star. Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is like Devin Booker with a rocket booster—an explosive scorer with a joyous demeanor. The pairing of Durant and Edwards would be spectacular, as both players can take over games in their unique ways.
During the Olympics, Edwards, playing alongside his idol Durant, lit up the court with his infectious energy. The sight of Edwards catching a lob from Durant and dunking it was pure joy, reflecting a dream come true for the young star.
Durant has proven he can excel with other stars, adding his touch to the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty. Edwards showed he could adapt to different roles, toggling between being the primary scorer and a supportive role player. In a hypothetical world where salary cap constraints didn’t exist, pairing Durant with Edwards could be magical. Picture Durant joining the Timberwolves to play alongside Edwards while the Suns get Karl-Anthony Towns to align with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
The thought of Durant and Edwards lighting up the court together, especially with the Timberwolves’ strong defense, is exhilarating. While it might be a fantasy, imagining such a pairing certainly gets the basketball excitement pumping.
Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic
This pairing might be the most realistic of the bunch. Watching Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic team up for Serbia was a treat, as they came close to defeating Team USA in Paris. The Denver Nuggets should seriously consider exploring a trade to bring Bogdanovic to Denver, possibly involving a future first-round pick.
Bogdanovic, known for his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, would address a critical need for the Nuggets. Denver ranked at the bottom of the league in three-point attempts and makes last season. Adding Bogdanovic could be the key to unlocking the full potential of Jokic’s offensive genius.
Bogdanovic was one of only three players in the Olympics to make at least 18 three-pointers, joining Curry and Dennis Schroder. The thought of Jokic and Bogdanovic together in the NBA is intriguing and seems quite feasible.
In conclusion, the 2024 Olympics have not only given us incredible basketball but also sparked dreams of what could be. Whether it’s the high-octane duo of LeBron and Curry, the dynamic pairing of Durant and Edwards, or the realistic combo of Jokic and Bogdanovic, the possibilities are thrilling. As the NBA offseason unfolds, who knows what exciting moves and pairings might come to life? For now, let’s enjoy the fantasy and keep our eyes peeled for any surprises on the horizon.
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