No one can take the World’s Fastest Man crown away from Noah Lyles. Winning the 100m with just a difference of 0.005 seconds, he brought home the Gold for Team USA after 20 years. Rightfully so, he is part of the news circle now with a 200m race yet to come. Previously, though, he was in the news for a statement that triggered many emotions from a few NBA players, veterans, and NBA fans worldwide. Just like the majority of players, former Olympian DeMarcus Cousins also defended the league.

After winning gold at the world championship in Budapest last year, Noah Lyles spared a stinging comment for the NBA. He shared that the league champions should stay away from using the ‘World Champions’ moniker. DeMarcus Cousins recently on a podcast said, “It makes sense, makes sense. It’s understandable, I can disagree with him.”

The 2016 Olympian disagreed because he thinks the NBA has the best talent from all over the world. “Especially the top part. Like top heavy the lead of the league,” DeMarcus Cousins said, via Above The Rim with DH 12. Cousins further explained that there are 10 to 15 players in the league and that one can call the best player anytime. Speaking about the Olympics, he also shared why he felt that basketball players don’t feel the same respect for winning the Gold in comparison with the NBA championship.

“Your legacy is within the States,” so he understood why NBA championships are celebrated more. Also, he shared that the players don’t get paid while representing Team USA, unlike playing for the NBA teams. So, when players sometimes prioritize their off-season recovery over representing their country, it is not wrong, as per Boogie.

He also wanted the players to receive their flowers for winning the Gold medal, even though they are expected to win one every time they set their foot on the court. Similarly, former NBA legends, Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade appreciated Lyles for the victory. But the appreciation that followed was not as loud as the opinions of a few NBA players who had disagreed with Lyles World Champions comments.

DeMarcus Cousins did not make any harsh comments, unlike few NBA players

Kevin Durant commented on an Instagram post. Durant wrote, “Somebody help this brother,” to which numerous NBA pros voiced their support in disagreement with Noah Lyles. His current Team USA and Suns teammate Devin Booker also reacted to the post with a ‘facepalm emoji’. Later, Booker also explained his true feelings about the situation.

“The statement was said. I think how it was said — you know, it was just out of context. I feel like it was something that was weighing on his heart for a long time. He’s gained a following since then. He held it down, though, so congrats to him,” The Suns guard said about Noah Lyles’ win to The Athletic.

Even Noah Lyles had previously clarified that he did not mean it to gain virality. “This was the time it actually picked up traction, which was never the actual goal. The question was talking about how the sport views us in the U.S., and how does that feel,” said Lyles.

Whatever it is, it’s said and done. Noah Lyles delivered the Gold and earned his title. And with that, Team USA would also be expected to win and earn their title. So, will that mean Team USA and Boston Celtics are the two best teams in the world?

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.