Despite Team USA's impressive performance in their three exhibition games, where they have secured victories by an average margin of 15.3 points, Skip Bayless remains skeptical about their potential dominance in the forthcoming Olympic competition. Speaking on an episode of 'Undisputed,' the 72-year-old analyst emphasized that the international playing style and format significantly reduce the margin for error.
Consequently, Skip contends that the high-tempo nature of international play could potentially hinder LeBron & Co.'s performance, particularly if their opponent finds themselves in peak shooting form and accustomed to exploiting the system; Team USA could be in for a shock.
"This basketball is way different than our basketball. It's a weird form. It's like a hybrid form, " Bayless said . "Where the courts are shorter, the games are definitely 8 minutes shorter, a lot go wrong quickly and you get only five fouls. We are going to get in a one-and-done situation against some very dangerous teams."
Bayless says no team is afraid of the American
Though Skip acknowledges that every player on the roster has the potential to win games individually, he emphasizes that other teams are likely to perform well because their players have played together for years, unlike Team USA, which was assembled only in 2024.
Additionally, he noted that many international players are accustomed to playing against the stars of Team USA, which diminishes the element of fear. This similarity could affect Steve Kerr's team performance, especially if opposing teams seem to get more confident in resisting their star-studded presence.
"Only five can play and very quickly you have to find a chemistry that these other squads already have. These other squads have literally grown up together," Bayless added. "They love each other, they play hard for their countries, they ain't quitting. The main thing about all these teams is they ain't afraid of no Americans."
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Team USA has imposed its authority so far
While Skip is correct in suggesting that the 2024 Team USA stars have revealed their strengths and weaknesses to international opponents, making it easier for them to counter, he overlooked a critical point. Every veteran and young star on the team is fully aware of their respective role.
In their first game against Canada, despite their starting five consisting of prominent NBA players, Team USA limited them to a mere 28.5% shooting from the field. In contrast, each of the starters shot 40% or better. Similarly, in the second game against Australia, six different Team USA players scored in double digits, compared to only three Aussies.
However, they learned an important lesson to maintain their intensity until the final whistle. In their most recent game against Serbia, when centers like Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid struggled to dominate, Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards took charge, combining for 40 points.
Therefore, it seems safe to say that while Kerr's team has recently formed, some potential ego clashes may happen. The team composition is performing well, improving in different aspects with each successive game.
Related: "Woefully out of shape; like scary out of shape" - Skip Bayless calls out Joel Embiid after his first game for the Team USA
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