Author: Brian Windhorst

Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterJul 26, 2024, 07:51 AM ET

CloseESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two booksOpen Extended Reactions

PARIS — The most competitive international men’s basketball tournament in history is finally here.

Just being one of the 12 teams to qualify for the 2024 Olympics is a major accomplishment. There are loaded teams and world-class players who are wishing they were in France now, including the Luka Doncic-led Slovenia squad that reached the semifinals in Tokyo three years ago, but lost in a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament earlier this month.

Here’s a look at what you need to know to get ready for the tournament, which tips off Saturday with Australia vs. Spain (11 a.m. local time/5 a.m. ET).

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

The 12 nations competing for gold will be divided into three groups of four teams for the opening round. Each team plays the other

Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterJul 24, 2024, 01:04 PM ET

CloseESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two booksOpen Extended Reactions

LILLE, France — Kevin Durant practiced Wednesday, and coach Steve Kerr said there will be a “big collaboration” in determining when the program’s all-time leading Olympic scorer will make his debut for Team USA.

The team’s training staff, Durant’s Phoenix Suns and his representation are all involved as they manage the delicate issue of Durant returning from a calf injury and his intense desire to play for his national team.

“It’s not just our training staff, but [USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill] is constantly in touch with Kevin’s people and with the Suns,” Kerr said. “This is not going to be like us going out and saying, ‘Hey, let’s just throw him out there.’ This will be a big collaboration.”

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Rich

Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterJul 25, 2024, 09:04 AM ET

CloseESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two booksOpen Extended Reactions

PARIS — After games on three continents and a whirlwind of ceremonies and travel, Team USA has finally arrived in the Olympics’ host city.

And coach Steve Kerr had a corresponding message: It’s time to act like it.

After a sobering film session Thursday that showed clips of some lackadaisical play, Kerr put Team USA through its most aggressive practice since coming overseas, hoping to ignite more spirit ahead of its Olympic opener Sunday against Serbia.

“That’s what today is about. It’s the reminder. It’s time. We’re here,” Kerr said. “So it’s got to be 40 minutes of force and attention and focus, and we can’t let teams outplay us effort- and energy-wise like we did the other night against Germany, like we did against South Sudan.”

Editor’s Picks

2