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Paris 2024 Olympics: What to know and who to follow during the men’s basketball competition

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A sport that has the potential to be the least exciting competition in Paris as the US continues its relentless pursuit of a fifth straight gold medal in men’s basketball.

Well, not so fast. NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and France think they have a chance, and surprises always happen, just look at 2004.

Athletes to watch

LeBron James (United States): The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is seeking his third Olympic gold medal after winning in 2008 and 2012, and is returning to the Games for the first time in 12 years. At 39, James is likely playing in his last Olympics.

US’s LeBron James is seeking his third gold medal in what will likely be his final Olympic Games. Photo: AFP

Kevin Durant (US): He is aiming to become the first four-time gold medalist in men’s basketball, after helping the US win gold in Tokyo in 2021, Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and London in 2012.

Victor Wembanyama (France): The NBA rookie of the year and second in the category of best defensive player of the year, behind his French teammate Rudy Gobert, will be one of the faces of the Olympic Games in Paris.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada): The runner-up in this season’s NBA MVP voting, behind Serbia’s Nikola Jokic, another likely Olympian this summer, will be asked to deliver Canada a medal. That’s not out of reach, as Canada’s bronze at the World Cup last summer shows.

Stephen Curry, practicing his three-pointers during the US training, will make his Olympic debut in Paris at the age of 36. Photo: AFP

Stephen Curry (US): The NBA’s all-time best 3-pointer makes his Olympic debut at age 36.

Storylines to follow

The ride for five Can the U.S. win a fifth straight Olympic gold, or has the world caught up to the Americans? France likely has the best chance of ending the U.S. reign. And four teams will secure their spots to round out the 12-nation field in July, just two weeks before the Olympics begin, so they’ll have some momentum.

Frenchman Victor Wembanyama pauses during a speech during a media day at the French National Sports Institute. Photo: AP

Wemby Victor Wembanyama’s first season in the NBA did not disappoint and now he’s looking to take his game to the biggest stage in the sport.

Southern Sudan The African country has only officially existed for 13 years, but is now participating in the Olympic Games for the first time.

Important data

July 27-August 3: group games

August 6: quarter finals

August the 8th: semi-finals

10 August: gold and bronze medal games

Reigning champions

The US defeated France for gold at the Tokyo Games, marking the Americans’ fourth consecutive Olympic title.

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