This year’s Team USA roster features some of the best veteran talents the NBA has to offer. You’d think they are well past the prime of factors that would have them excited, like schoolboys. Or somewhat close to that. For one, these grown men pretty much have indulged in everything their heart desires. A billionaire NBA legend like LeBron James would only need to place a call to have things sorted out on the other end. And yet, this year’s Olympics have these guys thrilled for a reason that is not a gold medal. Or basketball.

Of course, those do come first. But they can’t help contain their excitement at the return of one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time – Simone Biles. Back for her first Olympics after her two-year break, the 27-year-old is one athlete the world is looking forward to the most! And the USA men’s basketball team is just as excited to watch what could probably be Biles’ final Olympics.

The Heat’s Bam Adebayo seems to be practically in reverence of the 4’8 gymnast. “To be that good — well, excuse me, to be that great — and she still keeps breaking barriers. To be able to see that just one time and hopefully get a picture with her, it’d mean a lot because she’s done a lot for not only the faces of us but for her sport as a whole,” he said.

He wasn’t alone, though.

LeBron James couldn’t stop himself from lauding the 4x Olympic gold medalist too! “She’s the best. It’s that simple. She’s the best.” The ‘Akron Hammer’ also spoke about how she is an influential figure for girls and women around the world. “Simone is super dope. And she’s an inspiration to my daughter and to all, not only Black girls in the world, but also, kids, anyone, not only just in gymnastics but any field.”

Kevin Durant was not far behind in his admiration and respect for the iconic athlete. “Simone is somebody who set the tone for what a champion, an Olympian, a winner in life should be.” And what contributed to such high praise?

A conversation with another gymnast opened his eyes to just how dominant Simone was in her field. “I didn’t know their peak is from like 15 to like 18 or 19 … So, for her to be at that age and still elite, of course, yeah, I want to go check her out,” KD said.

Hilariously enough, Tyrese Haliburton is scratching his head about something more practical – how to afford the ticket! “I heard it’s really expensive to get in. But I think I can make that work,” the $245 million rich Pacers superstar said. Hearing these world-renowned legends of their field turn on their fan mode had their fans just as excited and proud.

Fans unite to give flowers for the unadulterated love and support fellow athletes give each other!

“If you’re a true fan of sports you love to witness greatness no matter the sport 💯🐐,” said a fan. At first look, it almost sounds like a quote by a well-known philosopher. However, it’s clear that this user clearly has deep respect and admiration for athletes in every field. Not to mention, shows a level of maturity that’s quite rare these days across social media. Pretty sure it is something the above-mentioned legend would wholeheartedly agree, too.

Following a similar tone, this next fan commented, “This is the support Simone deserves !!” If you read this again, you might understand the emotion behind those words. Biles had arrived for the Tokyo Olympics as the entire world waited to see her with yet another gold medal. But the events that transpired shocked everyone, including the woman.

Deciding to drop out to prioritize her mental health, Simone was steadfast in her decision. Of course, this naturally led to heavy ridicule with terms like ‘drop-out’, ‘quitter’, ‘selfish’, and more flooding every comment box of articles and posts about her.

It continues to this day as that one instance seemed to have been enough for many to disregard every single milestone she achieved to reach the status she holds now. Biles, though, couldn’t care less about them or their hateful comments. But her true fans always step up to defend her and give her and those who recognize her talent their due flowers.

Here’s one such fan. “Simone is the G.O.A.T & deserves all the accolades. I’m glad that they are giving her, her flowers. ❤️” Yet another fan brings attention to an important aspect of these praises from the NBA stars. “I love them giving her the credit she deserves. Not even just a female athlete, but athlete in general.”

And finally, the former 4x alpine ski racer World Cup champion, Lindsey Vonn, had just two words and an emoji to express her feelings on the matter. “All true! 🐐”

Well, what do you have to say about this appreciation of Game Recognizing Game? Tell us in the comments below!