Storyline: Pros earning millions now participate in an event founded to display the best amateurism has to offer. Written by Kyle Hemenway, Winthrop Harbor, IL
Team USA won the Gold in 2016 with NBA players (photo, thebiglead.com)
First, I’d like to congratulate Team USA Basketball on winning Gold in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
But let me ask: Why, oh why, do NBA stars still compete in the Olympics? USA basketball has not lost an Olympic game since 2004–evver since Team USA consisted of NBA stars. The US team has dominated the competition.
Basketball in the Olympics is nowhere near a level playing field. I would compare it to an Olympic track runner or swimmer on steroids. US players are just that much better than everyone else. It’s just not fair to athletes representing other countries.
Why wouldn’t America use its best basketball players in the Olympics? Well, at issue is whether the world wants a non-competitive tournament–when everyone knows who will win. Yes, it’s fun for Americans to watch their country dominate. But sometimes it’s downright embarrassing–and frankly boring–to witness uncompetitive games. I think most fans would prefer close games to blowouts.
USA Olympic champions, 1936–won with amateurs (photo, usab.com)
There was a time when Team USA consisted of top amateur players. 1988 (when the US won the Bronze) was the last year the roster was full of college players. Then, I guess, U.S. pride kicked in and the roster turned professional. Pros earning millions now participate in an event founded to display the best amateurism has to offer.
Given the change it’s not surprising that top NBA players, like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and James Harden, decided to rest this summer and not risk injury. I think that was a smart and important choice. As pros, their priority is to keep healthy and protect their careers.
