As the 2024 Paris Olympics loom, all eyes are on Team USA's men's basketball roster, set to feature Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Transitioning smoothly from his impressive NBA season, Edwards is quickly becoming a key asset for the national team, being touted as one of its cornerstones.
The journey for Edwards into international basketball has been marked not just by his skill on the court, but also by his engaging personality off it. Known for his humorous takes, Edwards recently turned to assessing his fellow basketball peers on an unlikely battlefield: freestyle swimming. When asked if any of his teammates could rival him in the pool, Edwards did not hold back. "For sure. They ain't no swimmers," he joked, adding, "They’re not swimming fast at all."
He went on to express who he felt might barely pose a challenge, humorously singling out, "So my only challengers are [Devin Booker], when he might not know how to swim. Jrue [Holiday], he might drown. And [Tyrese] Haliburton, oh my God. If Haliburton beat me then I just need to never touch the water again." The light-hearted banter has been a refreshing display of camaraderie and confidence in the lead-up to the global event.
Expected Rivals on the Court
Despite the playful jabs, Edwards has fierce competition waiting for him on the court rather than in the water. Notable NBA stars such as Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Jayson Tatum are all tagged to make substantial impacts in the international arena. Yet, Edwards' past season with the Timberwolves has set him apart, demonstrating not just scoring prowess but also remarkable leadership skills.
Preparation and Performance
Team USA has already shown formidable form in their warm-up games, clinching decisive victories over both Canada and Australia. These performances are being touted as promising preludes to their campaign in Paris. Edwards, in his role, has stood out amongst a team of talented individuals, bolstering his position as a central figure in the squad's strategy.
His development over the past season has not gone unnoticed, with high expectations now placed on his shoulders. Balancing his scoring ability with a leadership role will be crucial for Team USA's success. Edwards' unique blend of athleticism, skill, and charisma could very well be the driving force that the team needs to excel on the world stage.
As Team USA prepares to embark on their journey to the Paris Olympics, the integration of a player like Edwards, who combines humor and humility with sheer talent, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential heights they could achieve. The national team seems poised for a thrilling Olympic campaign, with Anthony Edwards set to make waves—both in the pool of basketball talent and, as he humorously suggests, perhaps even literally in a swimming race.