USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said that fans will probably never see LeBron James don the Team USA jersey once again. This isn't shocking news as the man is already 36-years-old — still in his prime but has gone through years of wear and tear. Only a fool would lash out at James for not wanting to represent his country in the upcoming Olympics. The forward has given it his all whenever he was tapped to represent the country. Before we bid goodbye and wipe our tears, let's take a look at four memorable moments of LeBron James' Team USA Career.
LeBron James' Memorable Team USA moments
Getting Benched (and Losing) in 2004 Olympics
LeBron James' first foray for Team USA as a pro wasn't one for the books. He just came a stellar first season in the NBA which proved that the hype that had surrounded him was real. However, these things just didn't pass to head coach Larry Brown who fielded him just 14.6 minutes per game. James averaged a mere 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds.
Debates have been going on since that tumultuous year with regard to Brown's decision to bench LeBron James as well as fellow young guns Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade. Some say Brown did the right thing: to treat the young guys as young guys. On the flip side of the coin, some say Brown should've given them more minutes since, despite their lack of experience, they still had the talent to produce. Years later, James went on to say that the team “didn't have the structure” to play on the world stage.
Whatever the case may be, 2004 was the darkest year in Team USA basketball. They took home the bronze for just the second time in their illustrious history.
Falling short in the 2006 FIBA World Cup
James had an opportunity to show off his basketball chops once again on the international stage at the 2006 FIBA World Cup. This time, legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski inserted James into the starting line up where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. The then 22-year-old James was also named tri-captains with Wade and Anthony.
The group stage was a mixture of close calls and dominating wins but in the end, Team USA managed to win all five games. At the knockout stage, they pummeled Australia and Germany which seemed to give them all the momentum to topple the powerhouse Greece squad. However, the Europeans exposed the Americans and at the same time, showed off that their own brand of basketball — which hinges on teamwork and IQ (not just athleticism) — reigns supreme on the international stage. It was a high-point in European basketball, and not so much for the Americans. LeBron James and Team USA went home with the bronze.
2008 The Redeem Team with Kobe Bryant
After two heartbreaking losses on the international stage, Team USA had enough by collecting the most talented players of their generation. Kobe Bryant finally suited up for Team USA, the player, who many say, was the most important piece to the puzzle. After all, he was the most experienced and most successful member of the team at that point, having won multiple titles already.
Fans are well-aware of Kobe's clutch performance against Spain. But outside the court, LeBron James and his fellow young guns saw the legendary work ethic of Bryant first-hand. We can say that James' stint aided in his development as one of the greatest of all time. There was no question that he already had that discipline in him. But things were elevated several notches up when they saw Bryant already in full sweat hours before the start of official practice.
The Year 2012
Amid all the criticisms hurled at LeBron James since entering the league in 2004, analysts knew deep inside that the forward would eventually win a title. It was just a question of when and how many. 2012 marked the year James won his first-ever title donning the Miami Heat jersey. Say what you will on how he forged his path to it, but it's already etched in the history books. Nobody can take that away from James. Oh, lest we forget, James also won his third MVP trophy.
In the same year, LeBron James donned the Team USA jersey once again. It was simply a joy for Americans and basketball diehards alike to see James back to his old role as a slasher, alley-oop finisher, chase-down blocker, and everything in between. James won his second Olympic gold medal that year. This made him the second player to win NBA MVP, an NBA Championship, and an Olympic Gold Medal in the same year. The first player is none other than his idol Michael Jordan. Once James finally hangs his sneakers and jersey up for good, analysts will likely conclude 2012 was when James reigned supreme over the sporting world.
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