On August 2, Beijing time, the official website of the NBA selected the top 10 stars in the history of the United States men's basketball Olympic Games, and it should be noted that the selection range began with the 1992 Dream Team. Before the top 10 list was announced, the official also made a point of apology to Wade, who did not make the list despite his outstanding performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Here are the top 10 men's basketball stars in United States rankings and reviews -
1. Kevin Durant
His love for the United States team runs deeper than any NBA team he represents. Unlike other stars of his generation, he never turned down an invitation to represent the United States men's basketball team at the Olympics, dedicating his entire summer to the cause. When it comes to the Olympics, Durant has a sense of pride, and that is reflected in that. He is the all-time leading scorer of the United States men's basketball team.
Give him flowers, and give him medals: If United States wins in Paris, Durant will win an unprecedented fourth Olympic men's basketball gold medal.
2. Carmelo Anthony
One could argue that Anthony's peak basketball career was a difficult game between the Knicks and the United States. But one thing is for sure – in 2012 against Nigeria, he scored 37 points on 14 minutes off the bench (13-of-16 shooting), breaking Marbury's 2004 single-game scoring record, unlike any Anthony accomplished in the NBA.
Before Durant surpassed Anthony, Anthony was the all-time scoring leader of the United States men's basketball team. Anthony has three Olympic gold medals and one Olympic bronze medal, the most decorated United States men's basketball player to date.
3. Charles Barkley
Barkley famously said, "I don't know anything about Angola, but Angola is in trouble." And so, "Sir Charles" broke into the Olympics as part of the iconic Dream Team, with his sharp elbows and excellent eloquence.
In the '92 Dream Team, Barkley averaged 18 points per game and was the team's leading scorer. He was re-named to the United States men's basketball team in 1996 and led the team in scoring and rebounding. Barkley also came close to being selected for the 1984 United States men's basketball team, and Knight later admitted that it was a mistake not to let Barkley stay at the time.
4. Michael Jordan
Is there a more important figure in the history of Olympic basketball? Hard. In 1992, Jordan's popularity in the Dream Team peaked. It was Jordan's aura that ignited basketball awareness all over the world.
However, he was already a member of the United States team in 1984, and Knight declared Jordan to be "the best basketball player he has ever seen." Jordan led the team with an average of 17 points per game, and a superstar was born.
5. LeBron James
James is competing in his fourth Olympic Games, and if it weren't for injury and/or wanting to rest, he could have competed in many more. James was a key figure in the talented Redemption Team in 2008.
When he first competed at the Olympics in 2004, shortly after graduating from high school, James' United States team won only a bronze medal. Now, at 39 years old, he is in high spirits and wants to win a third gold medal and complete his Olympic journey.
6. Kobe Bryant
Bryant is undefeated in 16 Olympic appearances, cementing himself in 2008 and 2012. United States men's basketball teammates are respectful, and many stars, including Durant, have said that their basketball careers have been inspired by Kobe.
Bryant averaged 15 points per game at the 2008 Olympics and 12 points per game in 2012, becoming one of the most influential United States athletes in Olympic history.
7. Scottie Pippen
He deserves a mention just because of the way he chased Kukoc in 1992. Pippen personally believes that Kukoc, who plays the same position as himself, is the new favorite of Bulls general manager Jerry Kraus, and he wants to see if Kukoc can handle high-pressure defense.
Pippen was a formidable defensive force on the Dream Team, and was named again in the United States men's basketball team in 1996, averaging double-doubles per game and eventually winning two Olympic gold medals.
8. Chris Mullin
Mullin was probably the best shooter on the 1992 United States Dream Team, and having a shooter is valuable in international competitions, especially given the shorter three-point line on the international stage.
Mullin was already a sought-after player in 1984, second only to Jordan in scoring and leading the team in steals and assists. Eight years later, playing with Jordan and many other stars allowed him to get a lot of open shots.
9. Patrick Ewing
Ewing had already shocked the world in 1984. Eight years later, he was selected to the Dream Team, and his job was to score under the basket, lead the team in blocks and equal in rebounds with Karl Malone.
10. David Robinson
A member of the '92 Dream Team again? Loyal to his country, the admiral competed in three Olympic Games, and he was also the main piece of the puzzle in the team at the time.