As Team USA gears up for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, hoops fans couldn't help but talk about the previous teams that competed on the international stage. Expectedly, many have been mentioning the original Dream Team , which included NBA icons such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.
In line with the subject, two-time NBA All-Star Larry Johnson , a member of the Dream Team II in 1994, also posted a call to action to commemorate their team's legacy.
"To all the basketball and sports reporters out there. Never forget the team that could, and did. We were beating teams by 50," Johnson wrote on Facebook.
This team is often overlooked
The Dream Team II was the United States men's basketball team that competed in the '94 FIBA World Championship held in Canada. Right from the start, the squad already instilled fear in their opponents as it was stacked by a blend of athletic and highly competitive NBA stars such as LJ, Shaquille O'Neal , Reggie Miller, Alonzo Mourning, and Dominique Wilkins , among others.
Despite facing high expectations following the success of the original Dream Team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Dream Team II showcased exceptional talent and team chemistry throughout the tournament. As per Johnson, he does not boast they are the best team in US basketball ever assembled. Still, it's only proper that fans also recognize them as they do with other star-studded Team USA squads.
"I'm not stating we are better than anyone else. I'm stating that our team gets overlooked in discussions," Johnson added.
Dream Team II dominated the tournament
Indeed, this squad was equally dominant as the original Dream Team. Shaq was the evident driving force down low. At the same time, explosive scorers such as Johnson, Miller, Wilkins, and Shawn Kemp worked hand in hand to provide scoring from other areas of the floor. Conversely, Mourning and Joe Dumars anchored the team's defense.
Dream Team II unsurprisingly took home the gold after beating their opponents in every round in lopsided matches. They defeated Russia to cap off the campaign. Still, in the win against Australia, Dream Team II mauled the Aussies to a staggering 56-point lead victory, 130-74, their largest margin of win in the tournament.
In conclusion, it's safe to say that Johnson would be overwhelmed with joy if Dream Team II got the credit it deserves and served as an inspiration to the current and future USA men's basketball teams.
Related: Michael Jordan had one potential issue when playing for Team USA at the 1992 Olympics: "They can kick me off"
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