The 2024 Paris Olympics have kicked off, bringing together the world’s top basketball players to compete for the coveted gold medal. While the US boasts a wealth of basketball talent, many NBA players have chosen to represent their home countries in the games. From former MVPs and champions to seasoned veterans and role players, here’s a rundown of the NBA stars to watch out for in the upcoming Olympic matchups.
Spain vs. Greece
Spain
- Santi Aldama: The Memphis Grizzlies player had a breakout season, leading Spain in scoring with 27 points against Australia.
- Usman Garuba: Currently a free agent, Garuba contributed three points and seven rebounds against Australia.
Greece
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: The two-time NBA MVP showcased his skills by leading Greece with 34 points against Canada.
Canada vs. Australia
Canada
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Oklahoma City guard put up 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds against Greece.
- Jamal Murray: The NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets scored eight points and three assists.
- Dillon Brooks: Known for his physical play, Brooks scored 14 points against Greece.
- RJ Barrett: Led Canada with 23 points against Greece.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: A sharpshooter, Alexander-Walker is a key shooter for Canada.
- Luguentz Dort: Known for his defensive impact, Dort had eight points against Greece.
Australia
- Dyson Daniels: Scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds against Spain.
- Dante Exum: Yet to play due to a finger injury.
- Josh Giddey: Impressed with a 17-8-8 stat line against Spain.
- Josh Green: Contributed two rebounds and four assists against Spain.
- Joe Ingles: The veteran had minimal impact against Spain.
- Jock Landale: Led Australia with 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
- Jack McVeigh: Scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds against Spain.
- Duop Reath: Did not play in Australia’s first match.
Japan vs. France
Japan
- Rui Hachimura: Recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Germany.
- Keisei Tominaga: Played sparingly in Japan’s first match.
- Yuta Watanabe: Scored 16 points against Germany.
France
- Victor Wembanyama: The Rookie of the Year had 19 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocks against Brazil.
- Rudy Gobert: The Defensive Player of the Year had seven points, three rebounds, and two blocks against Brazil.
- Nicolas Batum: Scored 19 points against Brazil.
- Bilal Coulibaly: Scored three points and had a block in his Olympics debut.
Brazil vs. Germany
Brazil
- Gui Santos: Contributed nine points, three assists, three steals, and two rebounds against France.
Germany
- Dennis Schröder: Scored 13 points and dished out 12 assists against Japan.
- Daniel Theis: Scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
- Franz Wagner: Impressive performance with 22 points and six rebounds against Japan.
- Moritz Wagner: Contributed 15 points and five rebounds in the matchup with Japan.
Stay tuned for more exciting basketball action at the 2024 Paris Olympics!