Wemby Comes Home! And Other International Ball Stars this Olympics

Wemby commence son show ✨#TeamFranceBasket | #PassionnémentBleu | #FRASRB pic.twitter.com/qZfFkibSs0

— Équipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) July 12, 2024

2024 Olympics Basketball: Non-Americans Leading the Way

It is not hyperbole to state that Victor Wembanyama is already the biggest basketball star. If we’re talking about his popularity and significance to the sport, Wembanyama is already as big as Stephen Curry or LeBron James. Sure, he’s got a long way to go to match their accolades. But he’s a blockbuster and further makes the NBA a global ticket. The league even booked regular-season games in Paris because of him.

Wembanyama leads France, which also features NBA star center Rudy Gobert. The duo form the toughest frontcourt duo as far as defense is concerned. Good luck scoring on the inside when Wemby and the “Stifle Tower” are on the floor. France will outduel Germany for the top spot in Group B. They split their exhibition games so the online sports betting odds will be one to watch.

France does not play the USA in the Group Stage. But they could tussle in the knockout round. They could match up against superstar center Joel Embiid, who was eligible to compete for France but spurned them to gold-medal chase with America instead.

“I can’t wait to face them, it will be a very interesting matchup,” Wembanyama said at a news conference in Paris. “As a basketball player, it’s also a dream to play against Team USA and even against all those players, all those legends.”

We can’t wait either, Victor.

The Best Basketball Players are Not American

Team USA is a -675 to finish in first place and win the gold medal. But that’s due to the depth of the team, which features a line-up filled with All-Stars and NBA MVPs. However, the best players in this Olympics are not in Team USA. Nikola Jokic plays for Serbia while Giannis Antetokounmpo plays for Greece.

Jokic is a three-time MVP and a recent champion and Finals MVP. Antetokounmpo is also a two-time MVP and one of just three players to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year simultaneously. He too led his team to an NBA title.

When Nikola Jokic did this in front of Giannis Antetokounmpo 🥶🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/y1EJyoDxW6

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 11, 2024

However, Serbia and Greece are listed at +1800 and +3000 to win the gold medal. They do not have the same depth as Team USA, Canada, or even France. Jokic will be joined by four others who are currently in the NBA or had recent experience in it. As for Greece, Antetokounmpo is the lone NBA player on his squad.

Greece will have a rough time making it out of Group A, including Australia, Canada and Spain. Canada should be the top dog here though Australia and Spain have plenty of pedigree as far as being international outfits.

Canadians Can Ball Too

Few countries can say they kick the USA’s butt in a sport. But Canada is one of them as they own the USA in ice hockey. But wait, the Canadians now look to do the same in basketball. At +1100, Canada has the next-shortest odds to win the gold medal. The roster boasts eight NBA players led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

‘SGA’ was not only an MVP finalist but also averaged 30+ points a game and led his Thunder to the second round of the NBA playoffs. He’ll be flanked by Jamal Murray, who won an NBA title with Jokic in Denver. Murray may not have many accolades to his name, but he’s a big game baller – the higher the stakes, the better Murray plays. And what’s a bigger stake than a gold medal at the Olympics?

LeBron James laying NFL-like blocks on Dillon Brooks to get Stephen Curry open for three 😂💀

LeBron vs. ‘Dillon the Villain’ 🍿 pic.twitter.com/qaQoDLQxcP

— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 11, 2024

We also won’t be caught dead calling Dillon Brooks a “star.” But the infamous agitator will make Olympic news in Paris – and maybe for the wrong reasons. Brooks rekindled his “rivalry” with James in their exhibition contest. And you can bet online on the swingman to ruffle feathers with other stars.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets

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