World Champion, or is it??!!

For many years, the NBA has referred to its champions as "World Champions." While this designation may seem inappropriate to those outside the United States, it has generally gone unchallenged and is often regarded as more flamboyant than factual. However, American sprinter Noah Lyles recently expressed his frustration regarding the NBA’s self-proclaimed world champion status in contrast to his own achievements on a global stage, sparking widespread debate fuelled by social media, with individuals taking various positions on the issue.

Lyles’ perspective was further validated when Team USA failed to secure a medal at the FIBA World Cup multiple times, highlighting that international teams no longer view Team USA with the same apprehension as during the era of the renowned Dream Team. The global standard for basketball has risen significantly, owing much to the increased popularity of the sport since the emergence of the Dream Team.

In response to these developments, LeBron James has sought to encourage top-tier NBA players to participate in the Olympics, aiming to prevent another disappointing result. Many Americans believe that assembling their best players—echoing previous efforts like the Redeem Team—will restore dominance in international competition.

It is important to recognize, however, that legendary figures from prior American teams such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson (Dream Team), Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon (Dream Team III), Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, and a young LeBron James (Redeem Team) are no longer representing Team USA. During their tenures, these athletes faced few equals on the world stage. In contrast, over the past five years, most NBA MVP awards have gone to international players, and the majority of the All-NBA First Team selections are now comprised of non-U.S. athletes—with Jayson Tatum being a notable exception.

Consequently, success for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics is not guaranteed, regardless of the lineup. The team must acknowledge that basketball has truly become a global sport, akin to football (soccer), where pre-tournament favorites do not always emerge victorious. If Team USA fails to consistently perform at its highest level, it may face further disappointment in future competitions, calling into question the validity of claiming the "World Champion" title.