On a team full of veteran NBA stars with experience in international competitions, it’s one first time Olympic athlete that is stealing the headlines and apparently steering the ship for Team USA. Following a practice in the build up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, 22-year-old Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards had some interesting quotes regarding the pecking order for this year’s squad.
“I’m still the number one option,” Edwards said. “Y’all might look at it differently, but I don't.” Edwards is fresh off of his first deep playoff run with the Timberwolves in which he averaged 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. He's also the youngest member of this Team USA squad that also features Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. That won’t stop Edwards from playing his game though.
Edwards continued after practice saying, “I just go out there and be myself, shoot my shots, play defense. They’ve got to fit in around me. That’s how I feel.” Edwards certainly doesn’t lack confidence approaching these Paris Olympics and many pundits are comparing this Team USA squad to legendary teams in the past saying the practices may be more competitive than the Olympic games.
Expect to see and hear about some epic scrimmages featuring the stars of this USA team behind closed doors as Anthony Edwards seeks to assert his top dog status in the basketball world. Could this be his MJ moment where he shows he's the alpha dog? Edwards is the closest thing we’ve seen in the line alpha dog scorers like MJ and Kobe. Team USA will most certainly be must watch offensive during these Olympics.
Team USA opens up with Serbia in Round 1 of the group phase on July 28th.
