In the basketball world, the United States men's basketball team has long been like the North Star, leading the trend of international basketball, and the brilliant achievements of four consecutive Olympic gold medals have made the name of the "dream team" resounding in the sky. However, as the Paris 2024 Olympics approaches, an undercurrent that cannot be ignored is quietly converging, and five teams are taking the position of challengers, vowing to break the supremacy of the United States team and make this basketball feast even more exciting.
Canada: Storm at the back, defensive iron gates
Canada's basketball rise is as dazzling as the Northern Lights. They have an enviable backcourt lineup, with NBA stars led by Murray and Alexander, like two razor-sharp daggers capable of tearing apart opponents' defenses in an instant.
Murray, a member of last year's Nuggets NBA championship, became the team's commander on the offensive end with his all-round skills and cool head; Alexander, on the other hand, is intimidating to defenders with his amazing scoring ability and breaking speed. Together, the two are enough to compete with the United States team's back line.
But Canada's advantages go far beyond that. They also have defensive stalwarts like Dort, who have been a nightmare for superstars in the NBA many times. Dillon, for his defensive acumen and toughness, was named the best defensive player at last year's World Cup. Coupled with captain Olynyk, a big man who can go inside and out, his three-point shooting ability will pose a huge threat to the interior defense of the United States team. When Embiid isn't on the floor, Olynyk will be an important fulcrum for Canada's offense, and his blocking will keep the United States defense at bay.
Canada not only has a lot of NBA-level players, but more importantly, the chemistry and chemistry between them. This young team is on the rise and they are eager to prove themselves at the Paris Olympics and make a historic breakthrough.
Australia: Defensive aggression, veteran legacy
The Australia men's basketball team, a team that combines strength and intelligence, has always been able to set off a "kangaroo storm" on the international stage. Coach Gurgian has built a team known for their aggressive defence that makes it difficult for opponents to move on the pitch. Wing players such as Exum, Daniels and Kai have become a key part of the team's defensive system with their excellent athleticism and defensive skills.
And when it comes to the Australia men's basketball team, we have to mention two veterans - Mills and Ingles. Although they are nearing the twilight of their careers, their scoring ability and game experience remain invaluable assets for the team.
Mills, a FIBA legend who has competed in five FIBA tournaments since 2012 and averaged nearly 20 points per game, is a scoring explosion that no opponent can afford to be underestimated. Ingles is known for his playmaking and passing skills, and he is the commander and lubricant of the team's attack.
The Australia men's basketball team is well-structured, with both experienced veterans pressing the lineup and young and promising rising stars. They were able to stay calm under pressure and perform at their best. At the Paris Olympics, the Australia men's basketball team will once again challenge the United States team for the coveted gold medal.
Germany: Marksman leads, inside and out
Germany men's basketball team, a team known for accurate shooting and efficient defense. Led by World Cup MVP Schroder and Magic star Wagner, they have found the perfect way to combine NBA and Euroleague talent. Schroeder is known for his excellent playmaking and breakthrough ability, and he is the engine of the team's attack; Wagner, on the other hand, has shown strong dominance on the inside, and his scoring and rebounding ability has caused headaches for opponents.
However, the most frightening thing about the Germany men's basketball team is not their combination of inside and outside, but the deadly sharpshooter - Obst. The 28-year-old, who made a name for himself in last year's FIBA World Cup semi-finals, scored 24 points in a single game with his excellent touch and keen insight into the game, helping Germany beat a strong United States team. In recent friendlies, Obst once again showed his threat and he remains a sharp knife in the attacking end of the pitch for Germany.
United States head coach Cole has admitted that they underestimated Obst's power in 2023. Therefore, at the Paris Olympics, the United States team must keep a close eye on the marksman's every move to prevent him from becoming the X-factor of the competition again.
In the warm-up before Paris, United States only beat Germany 92-88. In this game, Curry scored 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting, including 1-of-7 three-pointers. In the last two warm-up games, Curry made 4 of 16 three-pointers (3 of 9 and 1 of 7), and his shooting rate was only 25%
France: Revenge at home, big man lineup
The France men's basketball team, as the host team, will be under great pressure at the Paris Olympics. However, this pressure will also translate into motivation for them to move forward. In the final against United States at the Tokyo Olympics, France lost unfortunately, but they showed strong strength and tenacity. This year, France will have a stronger squad, with the two big men Gobert and Wembanyama at the heart of the team's attack and defence.
Gobert, the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year winner, whose height and reach and defensive coverage make it difficult for opponents to score on the inside; Wembanyama, on the other hand, is known for his incredible talent and potential, and he will be an important weapon in the attacking end of the pitch for France. In addition, the addition of strong players such as Matthias Lesol has also made the France squad thicker.
With the advantage of playing at home, the France team will go all out to challenge the United States team. They are eager to wash away their regrets and prove themselves with a victory.
Serbia: MVP lead, tactical discipline
Serbia men's basketball team, a team known for tactical discipline and tough defense. Jokic, who has won the NBA MVP three times in the past four years, is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the team. He dominates the court with his unmatched basketball IQ and all-round skills, and he can complete it with ease, whether it is scoring, rebounding, or assisting. Under Jokic's leadership, the Serbia men's basketball team has developed a unique tactical system that uses ball movement and selfless play to create open shooting opportunities to improve offensive efficiency.
In addition to Jokic, the Serbia men's basketball team also has a number of strong players such as Bogdanovic and Misić. Known for his scoring prowess and projection consistency, Bogdanovic is an important scorer on the offensive end of the floor; Micic, on the other hand, is known for his excellent playmaking skills and passing vision, and he is the commander and lubricant of the team's attack. With the assistance of the two, the Serbia men's basketball team's offense is more fluid and efficient.
Defensively, the Serbia men's basketball team also performed well. They focus on team defense and co-defense, limiting the opposition's offense through tight defense and quick rotations. This style of defense makes it difficult for opponents to find breaks on the field, which improves the team's defensive efficiency.
At the Paris Olympics, the Serbia men's basketball team will face off against the United States team. Although they lost to the United States in the warm-up game, they were missing several key players in that game. Now, the Serbia men's basketball team will go all out to challenge the United States team and strive to achieve a breakthrough in the Olympics.
Conclusion: Basketball feast, the heroes compete for the deer
With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, the battle in the basketball world has been quietly ignited. The five teams are challengers to the supremacy of the United States men's basketball team, each with their own unique advantages and strengths, and will stage a wonderful matchup in this basketball feast.
Whether it's Canada's backcourt storm or Australia's defensive aggression; Whether it's Germany's sharpshooter leading or France's big man lineup; Or Serbia's MVP leadership and tactical discipline will bring fans a visual feast and spiritual shock. Let's look forward to the arrival of this basketball feast and witness the birth of history!