The pre-Olympics exhibition games have come to a close. Now all the national teams will take the flight to the city of love. Team USA stood out of the lot, grabbing all the attention during their 5-game run ahead of the Paris Olympics. The attention wasn’t only for the star-studded roster but also the thrilling nature of the game. Notably, South Sudan, which is all set to make its Olympic appearance, missed the win by a whisker. However, the drama isn’t over yet as it will continue with the ‘Group of Death’.

It isn’t an easy task to qualify for the Olympics. The European and African teams went toe-to-toe in the qualifying games and finally found themselves in a spot in the big tournament. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s Greece went after Luka Doncic‘s Slovenia in an intense showdown for the Olympic qualification and kicked the Dallas Mavericks guard out. Moreover, the grind doesn’t end there for the Greek Freak.

After making a tough run into the Olympics, Giannis found himself amidst the threatening Group A. It is called the ‘Group of Death’ because of its competitive nature. The four teams that make Group A are Canada, Greece, Spain, and Australia. Each team brings its own style of aggressive basketball into the group, along with superstars in their rosters, making it the toughest group in the competition.

Who are the notable players from Group A that make this the ‘Death Group’?

It isn’t just the names of the countries that make the group a competitive one, but also the superstars involved in it. Notably, this group has the most number of NBA players than the other two groups. Team USA may have a stacked roster with superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, but other international teams also have an impressive roster to look out for.

Not to take away the greatness of other leagues around the globe, but going by Anthony Davis’ earlier statement, “The best players in the world you go to the NBA… to prove that you’re one of the best players in the world,” the number NBA players in a group does make a parameter to determine the competitiveness of the group.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the menacing Canada roster. It has none other than the 2024 regular season MVP runner-up, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with Jamal Murray, the threatening point guard from the Denver Nuggets. And out of the other three teams in the group, the Canadian side has the most number of players from the NBA.

Next in the lineup is the Australian side. Coming from the down under, their roster is also packed with NBA players. The most notable players are, Josh Giddey and Josh Green. In the recent outing against Team USA, the Aussie side almost chipped away with a win. Here is the list of NBA players in the team.

Next up, we have the mighty Spain side. Even though this roster doesn’t have any notable NBA stars, it sure does have the firepower to threaten the rest of the teams in the tournament.

Last but not least, the Greek side. It says without going. Arguably the most impressive player is from his roster, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Finals MVP and a 7-foot wonder. Here are the other NBA players to watch out for on the side.

Importantly, there are high chances for fans to witness surprise packages from these rosters. The players who haven’t made their NBA appearance may break out during this tournament.

Who is likely to make it to the quarter-finals?

While there are three groups, the top two teams from each group will make it to the quarter-finals. Apart from that, the two best 3rd-placed teams from the three groups will also get a chance. So, there are high chances that three teams from Group A can make it to the knockouts. Considering the aggressive nature and the all-around team, Essentially Sports picks Spain and Canada to make it to the quarter-finals.

Not to forget the 2008 and 2012 Gold Medal games between Team USA and Spain, Kobe Bryant led the team to a glorious win against his Lakers teammate Pau Gasol. On the other hand, team Canada also has all the potential to win the gold. Recently, the team stunned the home side, France, in an exhibition game.

Who do you think will make it to the quarter-final round from Group A? Let us know in the comments below.