Team USA might have eventually won the semifinal match against Serbia at the Paris Olympics. Nevertheless, the first three quarters were concerning for American fans. After all, the Serbians with two NBA stars looked like they were hungrier for gold. That led two-time Olympic gold medalist Charles Barkley to slam the team’s performance.
Insider Brian Windhorst retorted back to the Hall of Famer and didn’t take the criticism kindly. The longtime insider was speaking on ESPN’s Get Up show with Mike Greenberg. When discussing what Charles Barkley said when calling out the team, Brian Windhorst essentially slammed the Hall of Famer on his views. He feels Charles Barkley took the historical view of Team USA and went with it.
I do not agree with Charles whatsoever in that they would not be tested. That is just a miss read of the current state of the world of basketball. The US has been holding off the wolf at the door for the last two Olympics now. I’m sorry, you haven’t been watching, you haven’t got a good sense of the challenge of winning in the world of basketball right now.
Brian Windhorst via ESPN Get Up
As in the past, the level of international competition is nothing compared to what it is today. During the Dream Team years which Charles Barkley was a part of, they beat international teams by approximately 40 points. Those days have long gone as the world has caught up.
Now, it is normal for international teams to try and win a game against Team USA. This is the reason why LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant decided to team up with the younger stars for the Paris Olympics. Even Team USA’s selection committee has admitted the gap has closed down.
Team USA set for tough Olympics future
Going by what was evident in the semifinals, there is no doubt that international has caught up. With this being the last time the Big 3 of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant possibly team up, the outlook for Team USA is bleak.
International teams will be better by the time the Los Angeles Olympics come around in four years. For instance, their gold medal opponents, France, will possibly have a few more NBA stars teaming up with Victor Wembanyama. That is without considering the development of other French players in the European basketball circuit.
Then there will be other teams, such as Canada, Germany, Japan, Australia, etc., who all showed promising signs. Therefore, Charles Barkley and other greats of the game should not be shocked if Team USA struggles in a few games at the 2028 Olympics.
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