Team USA just finished fourth in the FIBA World Cup, and after losing their last two games of the tournament, which denied them a shot at a medal, it was clear that changes needed to be made.
Almost right away, a number of American-born NBA stars and superstars indicated that they would be ready to commit to playing for Team USA at next year’s Summer Olympics in Paris. The squad is thus set to boast an impressive roster and hopefully regain the gold medal it has always felt entitled to, especially ever since pro players were allowed to compete just over 30 years ago.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, one of the most hyped players to ever enter the NBA, says that he will play for his native France in next summer’s Olympics, which could make things a bit more interesting.
“Succeeding in the Olympics would be a great story,” said Wembanyama. “And there will be no goal other than gold. I will of course be present at the Olympics. I watched the World Cup and the result was very disappointing. However, I am not worried. I have no other criticism to make, I was not in the team and it is in the hands of top-level players. I feel that this does not alter the opportunity to do something big in Paris next year.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembanyama & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The 7-foot-4 phenom didn’t play for France in the World Cup, but he said not doing so actually helped him.
“It was the first time in my life that I felt tired in my head, because of all the events that happened one after the other,” he continued. “Nothing negative. But the vacation, after the Summer League, was a necessity to continue calmly on a mental level. I took the time to isolate myself. This is the first time I have appeared in the media in three months. It did me good.”
France already has a solid roster, which currently includes NBA players such as Rudy Gobert, a three-time All-Star, Evan Fournier and Nicolas Batum.
In fact, it was France that the United States defeated in the gold medal game of the previous Olympic games. The contest was competitive, as France came close in the waning minutes, and it took a 29-point effort from Kevin Durant to secure victory for the Americans.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembanyama & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Wembanyama played in just two Summer League contests in July as the Spurs organization decided to allow him to rest after he had played for Metropolitans 92 from September until June. In his second Summer League contest, he teased his immense potential with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots.
While the French national basketball team has won three Olympic silver medals, it has never won the gold in any Olympic competition.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
