30 Best Basketball Players At The 2024 Olympics In Paris

The 2024 Olympics in Paris is heating up after seeing Team USA impressively handle Canada (86-72) and Australia (98-92) in back-to-back fashion. Team USA is looking to win their third-straight gold medal, with key stars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry leading the way for the Americans.

However, other superstars such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are leading their teams just as well and international competition could be at an all-time high right now. We have collected the 30 best basketball players at the 2024 Olympics and it won’t be an easy list to create considering some players perform better on the international stage versus in their club careers.

1. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic , the Denver Nuggets' superstar center, is poised to lead Serbia at the 2024 Olympics after another remarkable NBA season where he continued to redefine the center position with his extraordinary playmaking and scoring abilities en route to his third MVP award.

Jokic led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023 so his unique skill set, combining vision, shooting, and basketball IQ, makes him a pivotal figure for Serbia's chances in Paris. The question is, can he find support from some of his teammates to counter Team USA's brilliance?

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo , the "Greek Freak," will be a centerpiece for Greece's Olympic team. Fresh off another dominant season with the Milwaukee Bucks where he made the All-NBA First Team, Giannis' blend of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent.

Giannis will undoubtedly be looking to impact the international stage significantly but again, it comes down to the rest of the team. Antetokounmpo will do his usual things on both ends of the court but carrying his team to the deepest stages of the Olympics would require some superhuman efforts.

3. LeBron James

LeBron James , one of the greatest basketball players of all time, will be making his final Olympic appearance in Paris as he looks to win his third Olympic medal which would place him alongside Carmelo Anthony (and Kevin Durant who will look to win his fourth) in that regard.

The Los Angeles Lakers star continues to defy age with his exceptional performances, and being voted the best player on Team USA solidifies his status as a top-three player on the international stage. Even if James is no longer the best player in the NBA, having the most experience internationally will give him a major boost in terms of impact.

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry , the greatest shooter in NBA history, made his Olympic debut and was impressive after posting 12 points on 3-6 from three. The Golden State Warriors guard revolutionized the game with his deep three-point shooting and quick release, making him a constant threat from anywhere on the court and he will be devastating playing alongside a host of superstar players including LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Curry also has something to prove: winning on the international stage. Not winning a Finals MVP award gave his haters tons of ammunition but winning that and following that up with a gold medal two years later would greatly boost the point guard's legacy.

5. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant , a three-time Olympic gold medalist, brings his scoring prowess and veteran leadership to Team USA once more as he looks to win a record-breaking fourth gold medal. Known for his silky-smooth shooting and versatility, Durant has consistently been one of the most reliable scorers in the NBA.

The superstar was unavailable against Canada but once he returns , Durant will make Team USA even more unstoppable. No doubt, Durant wants that fourth gold medal to solidify his status as arguably the greatest player in Team USA history.

6. Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards , the young and explosive guard from the Minnesota Timberwolves, has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the NBA and is ready to take the throne for America . With his athleticism and scoring ability, Edwards will be a dynamic presence for Team USA in Paris.

Edwards dropped 13 points in 19 minutes as he finished as the leading scorer for his side against Canada. The budding superstar truly believes he is the best player on the team and if he can keep up this level of scoring off the bench, it won't be long before Steve Kerr places him in the starting lineup.

7. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is expected to anchor Team USA's defense at the Olympics. Known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring abilities, Davis provides a strong interior presence on a team that has three All-Star-caliber centers who provide versatility.

Davis' uniqueness as a big man allows him to play both power forward and center, making him a key player in the USA's quest for gold and he got off to a great start by dropping 10 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks off the bench behind Joel Embiid. Could Anthony Davis find a way to start for Team USA, eventually?

8. Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum , the Boston Celtics' star forward, is one of the most versatile players in the NBA who has seen tremendous growth after finally winning his first NBA championship. Tatum's scoring ability, combined with his defensive capabilities, makes him a crucial player for Team USA.

As Tatum looks to win his second gold medal, he dropped eight points in 17 minutes against Canada in game 1 of the 2024 Olympics and will be a key contributor off the bench throughout the tournament. No doubt, winning a gold medal and an NBA title will make this Tatum's greatest year in his basketball career.

9. Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid has decided to represent the USA in the 2024 Olympics. With much to prove on the international stage after suffering more playoff failure in the NBA, Embiid adds a significant boost to the American squad and might make them completely unstoppable.

The big man started for Team USA against Canada, dropping five points and six rebounds in 12 minutes of action. There are always doubts about the Cameroonian-born star's health but if he is healthy, it might not be possible for Team USA to lose a single game against anybody.

10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , the star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be leading Canada’s charge in Paris. Known for his smooth playing style and ability to score in various ways, Gilgeous-Alexander has rapidly become one of the top-five players in the league and he will strike fear in the competition despite posting only 10 points in 19 minutes of action against the USA.

Canada will need some superhuman efforts from Gilgeous-Alexander if they want to win the gold medal because it is obvious they will need as much help as possible to tackle Team USA. Gilgeous-Alexander will show he can do more as the games pass by in the Olympics.

11. Devin Booker

Devin Booker will be a critical component of Team USA's offense. Booker's ability to score from anywhere on the court and his clutch performances have made him one of the NBA's top scorers. Posting 27.1 points per game in the 2023-24 NBA season, Booker is a professional scorer.

With so much talent at the guard spots for Team USA, Booker’s shooting and playmaking will be essential for the USA as they look to dominate in Paris which is why he started against Canada but there will be competition from Anthony Edwards.

12. Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama , the highly touted French prodigy, is set to make his Olympic debut on home soil. Known for his incredible height, shot-blocking, and shooting ability, Wembanyama is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in basketball.

The 7'4" phenom's presence will be a significant boost for France's chances in the tournament even if they have another big man in Rudy Gobert patrolling the paint. We could be seeing the first true coming-out party from Wembanyama and we can't wait to see him provide himself as a budding superstar.

13. Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday , a two-time NBA champion following the 2023-24 championship season with the Boston Celtics , brings his elite perimeter defense and playmaking to Team USA. Holiday isn't always flashy but is reliable and could start for any basketball team in the world because of that.

Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and his steady offensive game, Holiday is a vital piece of the team's backcourt which is why he was trusted to start alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt against Canada, dropping 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

14. Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo , the versatile big man for the Miami Heat, will be a key player for Team USA. Steve Kerr and the coaching staff love Adebayo's athleticism and versatility because he can run and handle tasks down low so there isn't a drop-off when he comes into the game.

Known for his defensive prowess, passing ability, and scoring around the rim, Adebayo's versatility allows him to play multiple positions although he will likely play a third-string role behind Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis.

15. Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the pecking order, will be a significant contributor to Canada in the Olympics. Known for his scoring outbursts and clutch performances, Murray's ability to take over games will be vital for Canada's chances.

However, he did not have the best season as a whole after posting 20.6 points per game on 31.5% shooting from three in the 2024 NBA playoffs and only scoring five points against Team USA. If Murray can find his form again, Canada will be a major problem in the Olympics.

Related: 2024 Team USA vs. 1992 Dream Team: Who Would Win An Olympic Gold Medal Game?

16. Bogdan Bogdanovic

Bogdan Bogdanovic will be leading Serbia's backcourt in Paris with Nikola Jokic dominating down low. Known for his shooting and playmaking, Bogdanovic's experience and basketball IQ make him a key player for Serbia.

His ability to hit clutch shots and create plays will be crucial for Serbia's success. The key for Bogdan is to strive to prove himself to be an international star which he truly is with Serbia. Watch out for Serbia because they are challenging some of the best teams in the tournament including Team USA.

17. Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert, the dominant defensive center and reigning four-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) winner for the Minnesota Timberwolves, will anchor France's defense at the Olympics. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, Gobert's presence in the paint deters opponents from attacking the rim and will form one of the most terrifying twin-towers pairing in recent memory with Victor Wembanyama.

We still don't know how well Gobert and Wembanyama will work throughout the Olympics because France will want to have an offensive lineup just as much as they want to stifle teams defensively. Regardless, the reigning DPOY winner will do a job as he has done over his career.

18. Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton, a backup guard, is expected to bring his playmaking and shooting to Team USA. Known for his high basketball IQ and versatility, Haliburton's ability to create for others and score efficiently will be a significant asset.

After only posting two points in 20 minutes, some might wonder why Haliburton ranks so highly but he added six assists and four steals in an impressive Olympics debut. The point guard knows how to run the show off the bench for Team USA and Steve Kerr will absolutely love that.

19. Mathias Lessort

Mathias Lessort, the powerful French forward, will be a key figure in France's frontcourt. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and physical play, Lessort brings toughness and energy to the team. The big man had an excellent season for Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague by averaging 13.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

20. RJ Barrett

RJ Barrett, the talented wing for the Toronto Raptors, will be a focal point for Canada's Olympic team. Known for his scoring ability and versatility, Barrett's all-around game makes him a vital player for Canada alongside stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray.

Hopefully, Barrett can continue showcasing his scoring talents more than simply posting 12 points in 17 minutes in the blowout loss against Team USA. Canada has the offensive firepower to go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the Olympics and Barrett is a part of that.

21. Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder will be leading Germany's attack in Paris. Known for his quickness and playmaking, Schroder's ability to penetrate defenses and create opportunities for his teammates will be essential for his side to surprise people again.

Schroder led Germany to the 2022 FIBA World Cup so teams will be wary of defending the speedy guard when he has the ball in his hands. The point guard had an up-and-down season in the NBA after moving teams again but assuming he is in the right form, Schroder will be tough to handle.

22. Franz Wagner

Franz Wagner, the versatile forward for the Orlando Magic, will be a key player for Germany. Known for his scoring, defense, and basketball IQ, Wagner's all-around game makes him a crucial asset alongside Dennis Schroder.

His ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor will be vital for Germany's success, especially after the 22-year-old posted 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 2023-24. No doubt, Germany will need more from their second-most-reliable NBA player.

23. Willy Hernangomez

Willy Hernangomez, the skilled big man for FC Barcelona, will be a pivotal figure for Spain. His presence in the paint will be crucial for Spain's quest for another Olympic medal after the forward averaged 11.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in the EuroLeague.

Known for his scoring and rebounding, Hernangomez's experience and versatility in the post make him a key player for a Spanish side that wants to continue celebrations in their country following Spain's 2024 Euro Cup victory over England.

24. Lorenzo Brown

Lorenzo Brown, the naturalized Spanish guard, will be orchestrating Spain's offense. Known for his playmaking and defensive abilities, Brown's leadership at the point guard position will be crucial because he takes it up a notch on the international stage.

Brown only averaged 11.5 minutes per game over his NBA career but his experience and ability to control the tempo will be vital for Spain's chances in Paris since he is a far different player on the international stage than he was in the NBA.

25. Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks, the tenacious defender and forward for the Houston Rockets, will bring his grit and intensity to Canada's Olympic team. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to score, Brooks' versatility and toughness make him a key player.

As one of the best defenders on Team Canada, the swingman will have to handle some of the toughest defensive assignments. Brooks’ trash-talk and never-ending beef with the opposition will make Canada a team to watch but also one to follow throughout the 2024 Olympics.

26. Luguentz Dort

Luguentz Dort, a defensive specialist and perennial NBA All-Defensive Team contender, will be a significant asset for Canada. Known for his lockdown defense and physical play, Dort's ability to guard multiple positions will be crucial as he takes on a similar role to Dillon Brooks.

Even if he went scoreless in 14 minutes against Team USA, Dort will have a major impact throughout the Olympics and we might see the player take a different level as a two-way player, much to the benefit of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

27. Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura will be leading Japan's charge in Paris. Known for his scoring and athleticism, Hachimura's ability to play inside and out makes him a tough matchup. His leadership and experience will be crucial for Japan as they aim to make an impact on the international stage after the forward averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Japan is slightly overlooked in the 2024 Olympics considering the level of talent on many teams, but don't ignore what Hachimura can do on the international stage. Hopefully, the Japanese forward can hit a different level and prove he hasn't reached his ceiling as a player yet.

28. Santi Aldama

The 6’11” Santi Aldama, the promising forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, will be a key player for Spain. Known for his scoring and rebounding, Aldama's versatility and skill set make him a significant asset as he competes in the paint.

His ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions will be important for Spain's success because the big man quietly had a strong season in the NBA by averaging 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Spain once again has an interesting lineup of NBA-ready players to try to sneak up on teams.

29. Jose Alvarado

Jose Alvarado will be representing Puerto Rico. Known for his defensive prowess and high energy, Alvarado's ability to disrupt opponents and create plays will be crucial. His competitive spirit and leadership will be vital for Puerto Rico's chances in a tough field right now.

Regardless of Puerto Rico's rather slimmer chances to win a medal, Alvarado plays hard, plays passing lanes, and can score enough around the rim to be effective and a standout player in the Olympics.

30. Patty Mills

Finally, Patty Mills, a confident veteran guard, will once again lead Australia in the Olympics. Known for his scoring and leadership, Mills has been a consistent performer on the international stage and even if he is nearly 36 years old, we can never count out the guard from getting hot from the perimeter more than consistently.

If Mills gets hot from deep and can make a couple of threes per game, Australia will be tough to handle considering they have some other exciting talent including Josh Giddey who wants to prove himself in the Olympics.

Related: Team USA Olympic Stats Leaders Since 1984-85

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