Team USA’s Age Debate
Joel Embiid recently stirred up a discussion by suggesting that the age of Team USA’s stars might lead to an overestimation of their abilities. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, two of the players in question, shared their perspectives on the matter.
Kevin Durant, at 35 years old, acknowledged that the team’s players are older and have accumulated a lot of wear and tear on their bodies. He highlighted the importance of finding ways to remain effective despite the challenges of aging and injuries.
Steph Curry, who is 36, expressed some skepticism about the impact of age on the team’s performance, humorously attributing the abundance of opinions to the proliferation of podcasts.
Embiid’s comments, made in an interview before Team USA’s training camp, raised questions about whether the team’s reputation as a dominant force was justified. He pointed out that the older players on the team may not be at the peak of their abilities compared to their younger selves.
The debate intensified when Embiid cited LeBron James, 39, as an example of a player whose performance might have declined with age. However, James has been a standout player for Team USA during the exhibition games, demonstrating that experience and skill can still make a significant impact.
Despite the focus on age, the team’s coach, Steve Kerr, emphasized the importance of a balanced roster that combines veterans with younger talent. He believes that the team’s collective competitive spirit will be the key to success at the Olympics.
Team USA’s first game at the Olympics is set against Serbia, and the team is gearing up for the Opening Ceremony in Paris. LeBron James will make history as the first U.S. men’s player to serve as the flag bearer.
Required reading
- Steve Kerr criticises Team USA’s performance in Germany tune-up
- Men’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics: NBA player list, how to watch
- Why Team USA is willing to wait for Durant’s Olympic debut
(Top photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
