Paris Olympics 2024: Nikola Jokic May Threaten LeBron James and Team USA’s Redemption Tour Early

While the 2023–24 NBA regular season is reaching a thrilling climax, several NBA stars will also keep a keen eye on the 2024 Paris Olympics. In around five months’ time, the Olympic Games will commence, widely regarded as one of the biggest sporting spectacles. The United States of America is the most successful nation in the history of the Olympics, and their basketball team is always expected to clinch the gold.

However, in recent years, winning a gold medal in basketball has become increasingly challenging for Team USA. Several European countries, like Serbia, Slovenia, France, and Germany, have caught up with the USA. In fact, Team USA endured an embarrassing 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign in which they finished fourth. Many expect Team USA to field a formidable lineup for the Olympics, aiming to restore the reputation of USA basketball.

However, their task has become a whole lot harder, as the groups for the 2024 Paris Olympics have been revealed. Team USA is drawn in the exact same group as Serbia, whose star player is none other than 2x NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. Serbia defeated Team USA as recently as the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Team USA lost the game by a scoreline of 94-89, with 24-year-old Nikola Jokić scoring 9 points in the victory.

A dominating performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics is the utmost priority for Team USA. NBA superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and many others have already committed to play for Team USA. Many have dubbed them the ‘Redeem Team 2.0’. But other than Serbia, who would they face in the Olympics?

Team USA’s group and schedule for Paris Olympics 2024

The men’s basketball group stage matches are set to kick off on July 27th in the city of Lille. The group stage games will be played in an outdoor soccer stadium, but the knockout stages are scheduled to take place at the Accor Arena in Paris. Other than Serbia, Team USA will face South Sudan in the group stage. South Sudan are making their Olympic debut in the men’s basketball event.

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While no player from South Sudan plays in the NBA currently, 17-year-old prodigy Khaman Maluach is a potential No.1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Team USA’s third group stage opponent is yet to be decided. However, Italy, Bahrain, Ivory Coast, Lithuania, Mexico and Puerto Rico are all in the fray for qualification. Lithuania were one of the three teams to defeat Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Lithuanian men’s basketball team, ranked 10th globally, is led by New Orleans Pelicans’ center Jonas Valanciunas.