"In 2024, a Team USA squad full of NBA stars, role players, up-and-comers and legends, survived two thrillers -- a 95-91 win over Nikola Jokic-led Serbia squad and an exhausting 98-87 clincher over host France -- on its way to the Olympic gold medal. But while 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama has vowed vengeance after coming up short in his home city of Paris and 31-year-old Jokic is sure to have similar feelings after Serbia settled for the bronze medal,"
"Hell yeah, I want to play, Durant said. But I gotta stay on top of my game. I'm not expecting. I want to produce on the floor and make Grant [Hill, USA Basketball managing director since 2021] and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. Not just for seniority; I want to still prove I can help the team win. Today, yeah, I feel like I'll put my name in that hat."
Team USA captured 2024 Olympic gold with narrow victories over Serbia and host France. Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic expressed strong motivation after missing gold in Paris. The veteran core that won the title is unlikely to reunite fully for another Olympic run. Kevin Durant has declared his intent to pursue a place on the 2028 roster and stressed the need to remain productive and earn selection rather than rely on seniority. Grant Hill and USA Basketball officials will face roster decisions as several American players have already indicated interest publicly and privately.
Read at ESPN.com
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