Hoops enthusiasts from all around the world are gearing up for an exciting basketball showcase at the Paris Olympics, with NBA players set to represent their respective countries with pride. While Team USA boasts a strong lineup, there are talents from various NBA teams sprinkled throughout the 12 nations competing on the Olympic stage.
A staggering 26 out of the 30 NBA teams have at least one player participating in the Paris Olympics, showcasing the global reach and influence of the league. However, there are four notable NBA teams that will not have a player donning their colors in the coveted tournament.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that struggled in the previous season with a record of 14-68, have no representation in the Olympic basketball event. Former Cavaliers players such as Evan Fournier, currently a free agent, will be suiting up for Team France. The Pistons, who acquired Fournier from the Knicks last season, will also see former players like Jerami Grant, Kelly Olynyk, and Trey Lyles representing their respective countries.
Moving to the Big Apple, the New York Knicks will not have any current players in the Paris Olympics, despite a strong showing from former Knicks players like Fournier and RJ Barrett, who will be showcasing their skills for France and Canada, respectively. The Knicks have a rich history of producing international talent, with legends like Patrick Ewing having won gold with the U.S. Dream Team in 1992.
Over in Detroit, the Pistons will also be without a player in the Olympics, as former players like Fournier, Olynyk, and Lyles take the court for their national teams. The competition promises to be fierce, with teams like Team USA heavily favored to secure the gold medal once again.
Despite facing challenges in exhibition games, Team USA remains the team to beat, with sportsbooks pegging them as -500 favorites to clinch the gold. However, countries like Canada, France, and Serbia are not far behind in the odds, making for an intense battle on the hardwood. With NBA stars shining bright on the Olympic stage, fans can expect a thrilling display of basketball talent at the Paris Olympics.
