Looking to win their fourth straight gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the stakes are as high as ever for Team USA. Especially after their rough start in Olympic qualifiers with tough losses to Australia and Nigeria. Coming off big wins against Argentina and Spain, this newly assembled US team seems to be coming into their own as of late.
This time around things will be different for Team USA with Gregg Popovich coming on as their new head coach and a ton of new players joining the team and playing in their first Olympics. Not to mention the set-backs the team has gone through with multiple players in healthy and safety protocols.
Now that the competition is set to be tougher than ever at this year’s Tokyo Olympics, and the US not coming into this tournament as the top-seeded team, it’s safe to say that the Americans will have their work cut out for them in Tokyo. Having said all this, let’s take a look at the three biggest gold medal threats to Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics.
Australia
Already having pulled off a huge upset during the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers, the Australians could have an edge against Team USA during their highly anticipated rematch in Tokyo. Australia is a complete two-way team lead by NBA veterans Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles, and Aron Baynes.
Not to mention they’ve got great depth with young studs Dante Exum, Matisse Thybulle, and Josh Green joining the rotation of this lethal and dynamic Boomers squad. Between their size, shooting, ball movement, and aggressive defense, the Australians will pose a legitimate threat to denying the Americans of their fourth straight gold medal.
Spain
Always a deep and dangerous team comprised of some of the top talent from the NBA and Europe, Spain is never to be counted out in their quest for Olympic gold. Already having gone toe-to-toe with the Americans at previous Olympic tournaments, they will be looking to get over the hump and reign supreme as the best basketball country in the world.
With Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, Marc Gasol, and Pau Gasol returning to play for the Spanish national team, you can definitely expect them to give Team USA a run for their money. Especially with them now adding Juan and Willy Hernangomez to bolster their frontline and give them more depth and versatility. Given their previous run-ins, Spain will without question be another major roadblock in Team USA’s journey to recapture the gold.
Nigeria
A young and athletic squad lead by former Cavs head coach and Warriors assistant Mike Brown, Nigeria has emerged as a serious contender for the gold medal. As another country that has previously beaten the US during Olympic scrimmages, the Nigerians are hungry and ready to build off of their momentum in Tokyo.
Currently boasting some of the NBA’s rising young talent on their roster, the Nigerians have developed strong rapport in a short period of time and will be able to mesmerize opposing countries all tournament long with their athleticism, grit, and selfless team play. With Gabe Vincent, KZ Okpala, Precious Achiuwa, Josh Okogie, and Jordan Nwora paving the way for Nigeria to climb up the basketball ranks at this year’s Olympics, they’re without a doubt going to create trouble for Team USA.