The Paris Olympics 2024 have brought out some of the best performances from athletes worldwide. The men’s basketball tournament has brought out good to great performances from the likes of LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and other stars. But among those superstars, one will be crowned the MVP.
FIBA released its rankings after the second round of games had finished. With still another round to go, their list of Top 10 MVP frontrunners contains all the above three and more. Not surprisingly, all of them are NBA superstars who have used their play to elevate their national teams. They are led by the 39-year-old LeBron James. Team USA’s leading superstar has put up 16.5 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in those two games so far.
There is one more game left in the group stage and at least one more game in the knockout stage. James, as the primary playmaker, is putting up all-around numbers that work well for an MVP ladder. Team USA should theoretically finish the group stage as the overall leader of the men’s basketball tournament.
However, it could all change from now on if other players leapfrog the superstar if they go by pure numbers. In fact, the reason he may not win the MVP award is if Kevin Durant, who is No. 5 on the ladder, takes over as the main focus of Team USA. It could also happen if they don’t win the gold. This is unlikely, considering the talent they have at their disposal.
Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson join LeBron James in USA domination of MVP voting
LeBron James is not the only American to top the MVP voting at the Paris Olympics 2024. Team USA and WNBA stalwarts Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson head the FIBA MVP ranking in the women’s game. The two have been formidable, scoring the most points for the women’s team and outrebounding everyone.
They should technically be co-MVPs in the women’s game if things stand the way it is. The two have been unstoppable so far. It should be noted, though, that both hold the last three WNBA MVP awards. More importantly, they battled against each other in the WNBA Finals last season and look set to repeat the same this year.
However, when it comes to national duty, the two have a deep understanding of the game, which they exploit together. Add to that, they have mutual respect for each other and do not let their league rivalry affect their national interests.
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