Steve Kerr spoke to Tim Reynolds about Team USA's near defeat to South Sudan on Saturday. He noted that the team didn't prepare well, and that is entirely on him for failing to get them ready for the game. He added that the squad failed to acknowledge what South Sudan was capable of, which is also his fault.
“I did not do a great job preparing our team… We did not focus enough on what they’re capable of, and that’s on me.”
Steve Kerr clearly isn't happy with the way Team USA struggled against South Sudan. With all due respect to the young nation, very few expected them to put up this tough a fight against Team USA, who are considered the absolute runaway favorites to win the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
And while LeBron James had a great performance, putting up 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists - even putting up the game-winning lay-up for the squad, the rest of the team definitely showed a lack of focus and determination against what is a much weaker team in South Sudan.
LeBron James exclaimed his enjoyment of close game wins compared to blowouts in the aftermath of their late win against South Sudan. While LeBron can have his opinion, but very few people think that their showing against South Sudan spells anything positive for Team USA at the Olympics.
Joel Embiid had expressed concerns about Team USA's age coming into the Olympics when talking about their role as favorites at the tournament. Perhaps there is some merit to Embiid's comments about other countries in the world catching up to the USA's level.
Steve Kerr Heaps Praise On LeBron James
Steve Kerr also spoke about LeBron James after Team USA's win. Kerr had nothing but kind words for the player who his Warriors faced in the NBA Finals four times. He also commended James for his leadership and overall basketball IQ and lauded him for being such a key piece for their team.
“Pretty amazing. I’m just blown away by his effort, concentration, and focus in every single drill. He talks. Even in a shoot-around [or] walk-through, his voice [is] behind the play yelling out what’s happening, yelling out the scheme. His leadership by example -- the guy is incredible,” Kerr added. “I’ve known that forever, but to see it up close is pretty special.”
Kerr has confirmed that LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid are the only guaranteed starters for Team USA at the Olympics, with the rest of the starting spots up for grabs. Players like Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White will probably be considered for the remaining spots in Paris.
Team USA are looking to avenge their humiliating defeat at the FIBA World Cup last year, where they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Germany. With the roster they have, they are undoubtedly the favorites to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics this year, even if certain players on the squad don't believe that to be the case.
Related: Anthony Edwards Reveals The Key To Team USA's Clutch Victory Over South Sudan
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