

The game of basketball has always been synonymous with the United States of America. After all, basketball was first played in Springfield, Massachusetts. Now a globally followed pastime, the sport has picked up traction with the introduction of the NBA and superstars like Michael Jordan. Although Team USA has predominantly been the favorite to win any basketball event. Recent results have stated otherwise as the American team has faltered in major tournaments. Best seen during their exodus to France in the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The competition in the global game of basketball today is quite vicious.
A young USA team recently earned a win reminiscent of the 1992 Dream Team. Not only that, the drama surrounding that era seems to have resurfaced alongside it.
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Team USA replicates numbers set by the 1992 Dream Team
The United States Basketball Association has had some wonderful teams over the years. The 1992 Dream Team is an obvious example while the Redeem Team from the 2010s is another one that fits the billing. Despite their immense success in the past, the most recent FIBA world cup was a disappointment for Team USA. The Stars and Stripes exited in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 as they left China prematurely.

via Getty
Aug. 12, 2012 – London, England, United Kingdom – Members of team USA, the ‘Dream Team,’ (L-R) JAMES HARDEN, LEBRON JAMES, CHRIS PAUL, ANTHONY DAVIS, RUSSELL WESTBROOK, and KEVIN LOVE confer on the bench during the gold medal basketball game against Spain during the 2012 London Summer Olympics. (Credit Image: �� Mark Makela) (Photo by Mark Makela/Corbis via Getty Images)
While 2019 was certainly disappointing, this year’s FIBA World Cup offers a new opportunity for the young squad to make an uproar. Ranked second behind Spain the team is filled with NBA youngsters that could form a dynasty in the long run.
Recently dismantling Puerto Rico with a score line of 117-74 the young guns were on fire during the tune-up game. Winning by a difference of 43 points, this margin was also the difference that the 1992 Dream Team averaged in Barcelona.
With the onus of winning a gold falling on the young team, the early similarities to the Dream Team may be a promising sign of things to come. But it won’t be easy.
A return of the Isiah Thomas x Michael Jordan drama?
The current roster, filled with young NBA talents such as Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, is preparing for the world cup. The star power is nowhere near the standards of the Dream Team. Possessing the biggest names from the NBA, there was one notable omission from the squad that created headlines.
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Although Steve Kerr has natural leaders at his disposal, the 1992 Olympics team was something straight out of an Avengers movie. And that was without one of the NBA’s best players.
Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas was left out of the team despite his flawless record. The legendary guard always blamed Jordan for his absence claiming that the basketball god never liked him.
While the claims have no substance, the omission of Isiah remains a controversial decision. Brought up every time the USA prepares for a tournament, the controversy will live in the memory of every basketball fan.
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Do you think Zeke was done dirty by Michael Jordan? Or was it deserved? One can only hope similar tensions don’t seep into the new Team USA.
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