The compilation of the USA men’s basketball team for the Paris Olympics, has head coach Stever Kerr calling it the “most special.” So much so that he believes it to be right up there with the 1992 Dream Team as per The Ringer. The presence of names like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, has guaranteed a gold in numerous minds. But Dwyane Wade, who will be making his debut as an announcer for NBC during Team USA basketball games in Paris, has reasons to believe that gathering alone could be their Olympic roadblock. 

“This team is scary, but not it that way,” D-Wade began on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast with Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero. He then went on to explain his concern that stems from the high expectations and the evolving dynamics of international basketball. “Everybody automatically looks at this roster, and they’re like, oh, we got this. It’s gold; it’s our gold. It doesn’t work like that,” said Wade.

The real point of concern in meeting these expectations, for Wade, is the star-studded roster itself. He is impressed with the presence of notable names but unlike his roster back in 2008, the talent pool here, he believes, could blur the roles for each. “I know what that squad gotta do to bring the gold back and it’s a little harder because they have a ‘squad’. Like we had a squad but we had the right amount of role players.” 

Wade and Carmelo Anthony — who attested to the points in the podcast — would sure know of expectations and roles a little. Though they ended up with a gold in 2008, their performance 4 years prior was one of disappointment. Not because they were below par, but because of the expectations that were hoarded on them despite being the youngest team the USA had ever sent.

Thus, speaking from experience, Wade explained, prior to the observation, that each player will need to adapt to a role that best serves the team, a challenge that is not easily met. “Everyone that will play and not play, is gonna have to figure out how to be a star, but in the role that you have to play for the team, for them to be successful. And you know how hard that is?” Wade questioned.

In one incident, Wade mentions speaking with Anthony Edwards and questioning him, “What attitude are you bringing to this team that is going to allow you individually to stand out?” He, alongside Melo recalls allotting him a specific role to play, highlighting the importance of individual contributions aligning with the team’s overall strategy.

Being on both ends, Dwyane Wade would, of course, be the one to point out the concern. More so, as he readies to offer insights on the big stage.

Revisiting Dwyane Wade’s Olympic legacy as he takes on new role

In the 2004 Athens Olympics, Dwyane Wade was part of a young and inexperienced Team USA squad that ultimately secured the bronze medal. Wade was coming off the bench for the games, bringing his average to 7.3 points per game. The 3X champion was disappointed naturally, wishing to have found more opportunities alongside Melo and LeBron James. So when the next roster was rebuilt, he wanted to make the most of it.

“We have to go over and prove to the world that we’re just not high-paid showboat athletes,” Wade had said. And as expected, the 2008 Beijing Olympics marked a redemption arc for him and Team USA.

As a pivotal member of the Mamba-led “Redeem Team,” Wade played a crucial role in restoring USA’s dominance. He emerged as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 16.7 points per game and totaling 167 points across eight games. 27 of those came from the last game against Spain, leading the team to a 118-107 victory. As for individual roles, a different name led the Olympics in different aspects that year. Wade with scoring, Chris Bosh with rebounds, and Chris Paul with the assists.

Wade will be returning to the Olympics again, but this time as a rookie in announcer’s role. He reveals to be rather nervous compared to being a player and will be channelling his focus to ‘understand the moment’. Players, coaches, refs, and the atmosphere are all perspectives Wade is planning to touch upon for the listeners.

Drawing from his 2008 Olympic success, Wade’s insights as an NBC commentator would sure prove crucial. But having won all three of their exhibition games so far, let’s hope the 2024 Olympic roster stays aware of individual roles.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.