As Team USA Basketball prepares for the Paris Olympics, head coach Steve Kerr is focusing on a crucial aspect of the game that could determine their success: defense. Despite boasting a roster filled with NBA superstars and scoring machines, Kerr believes that the team’s ability to prevent opponents from scoring will be the deciding factor in their quest for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
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During a press conference in London ahead of the team’s exhibition match against South Sudan, Kerr emphasized the importance of defensive play. “Defense, defense, defense,” he stated emphatically. “We’re going to score, we have all these guys who can score. It has to be about defense.”
The 12-man roster assembled for the Olympics is arguably one of the most formidable in basketball history. Led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, the team features the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, multiple championship winners, and what many consider to be the greatest shooter in the sport’s history. However, Kerr is acutely aware that offensive prowess alone may not be sufficient to secure victory on the international stage.
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The challenge for Kerr lies in finding the optimal lineup that can effectively shut down their opponents. “Whatever gives us the best chance to defend our opponents, that’s what we’ll do,” he explained. “If we can keep defending teams like we have – at times – then I like our chances to win.”
Team USA has shown promise in their preparations, remaining undefeated in three warm-up games. Their most recent victory, a commanding 105-79 win over Serbia led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, demonstrated the team’s potential. The USA will face Serbia again in their opening group stage match on July 28th in Lille, France.
Addressing questions about the starting lineup, Kerr confirmed that Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid would retain his starting position, despite some initial struggles adapting to international play. “Joel is going to start. It’s the two wing spots next to Steph and LeBron that we’re contemplating,” Kerr revealed. “But we’re getting a good feel for different lineups.”
The coach also provided an update on Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined with a calf strain. Durant was scheduled to participate in team practice later on Friday, with Kerr expressing cautious optimism about his potential return to game action. “I would love for him to play in a game, but we have to take it day by day,” Kerr said. “He’ll get some practice in today, and we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
As the Olympics draw near, Team USA’s preparation continues to intensify. While their offensive capabilities are undeniable, it is clear that Kerr and his coaching staff are placing a premium on defensive execution. The coming weeks will reveal whether this strategy will lead Team USA to another gold medal and further cement their legacy in Olympic basketball history.
