huge long-term contract from the Los Angeles Lakers, Schroder has been a killer in international play. Paired with the Orlando Magic’s Wagner brothers (Franz and Mo), Schroder has a chance to redefine his legacy — as long as he doesn’t fumble a medal as well.
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece
The Greek Freak was injured for each of the last two NBA playoffs, which has made NBA fans underestimate the two-time MVP after the Milwaukee Bucks lost in the first round in 2023 and 2024. But Antetokounmpo might still be the best basketball player in the world when he’s healthy, and he appears to be so heading into the Paris Games. He and his Greek team have a brutal initial group alongside Germany, Canada and the world’s No. 2 team, Spain, but Antetokounmpo could deliver a big message by knocking off one or more of the powerhouses.
8. Nikola Jokic, Serbia
Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP whose Serbian team made the FIBA World Cup final last summer without him. Now he’s back on the team and in a group with Team USA, South Sudan and Puerto Rico, where Serbia should advance. The only upside to Jokic’s early playoff exit with the Denver Nuggets is that he had an extra month to rest, watch horse racing and prepare to take out his NBA frustration on other national teams.
9. Rudy Gobert, France
Gobert gets to play in front of his home fans for the Olympics after a run to the conference finals with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, the most successful playoffs of Gobert’s career was marred by constant criticism of his defense even after he won Defensive Player of the Year. For France, Gobert needs to prove he can play offense alongside Wembanyama. Plus, after losing the gold medal game by just five points in Tokyo, Gobert wants revenge on Team USA, and all his critics.
10. Jayson Tatum, USA
For a guy who just won his first NBA title with the Boston Celtics, Tatum has spent the summer catching plenty of strays. Carmelo Anthony said Tatum didn’t have the “aura” to be the face of the NBA. Team USA’s Joel Embiid discredited Tatum’s championship by complaining that Tatum had a “super-team” around him in Boston. But the aging Team USA is going to need Tatum at some point in Paris. Would winning gold and an NBA title in the same summer finally silence his haters?
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