By The field is set for the men’s Olympic basketball tournament in Paris, with Greece, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Spain claiming the final four spots through recent qualifying tournaments. As we look ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics kicking off on July 27, it’s time to assess how these 12 teams stack up against each other.
Unsurprisingly, the United States remains in a league of its own. USA men’s basketball director Grant Hill has assembled what could be the strongest Olympic team since the 2008 “Redeem Team.” However, international basketball has never been better positioned to challenge American dominance.
Host nation France boasts a formidable frontcourt with Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, while Canada fields the most NBA-level talent outside of Team USA. Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, and Greece, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, add to the star power. This combination of talent promises to make the 2024 tournament one of the most exciting in recent memory.
As we anticipate the start of the Paris Olympics, here’s how the 12 competing teams in men’s basketball rank:
12. South Sudan: Making their Olympic debut, South Sudan could feature Phoenix Suns center Bol Bol and standout guard Carlik Jones.
11. Japan: Led by Lakers forward Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe, Japan aims to improve on their winless showing from the Tokyo Games.
10. Brazil: Fresh off their Olympic qualifier victory, Brazil faces a tough group stage but hopes to advance with strong performances from Bruno Caboclo and company.
9. Puerto Rico: Back in the Olympics for the first time since their shocking 2004 upset over Team USA, Puerto Rico brings energy and upset potential with players like Jose Alvarado.
8. Spain: Always competitive, Spain fields a team of current and former NBA players, including Willy Hernangomez and Santiago Aldama.
7. Greece: Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Greece in their first Olympic appearance since 2008, giving them a fighting chance in a tough group.
6. Australia: The Boomers bring a collection of experienced NBA role players, looking to build on their bronze medal performance from Tokyo.
5. Serbia: With Nikola Jokic joining the squad, Serbia becomes a serious medal contender, pairing the NBA MVP with sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic.
4. Germany: The reigning FIBA World Cup champions, led by Franz
Wagner and Dennis Schroder, look to prove their recent success was no fluke.
3. France: The addition of Victor Wembanyama to an already strong French team makes them a serious threat to challenge for gold on home soil.
2. Canada: Boasting a roster filled with NBA talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, Canada has the firepower to compete with anyone.
1. USA: Featuring a mix of established superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, alongside rising talents and the addition of Joel Embiid, Team USA remains the team to beat.
The stage is set for an thrilling men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While Team USA enters as the favorite, the level of international competition ensures that their path to gold will be far from easy.
