James, Curry, Durant: In London, basketball world champion Germany will get the ultimate assessment of its position. A defeat could even be a good omen.
When world champion Franz Wagner is asked about the US superstars around LeBron James, he remembers his childhood and exciting basketball nights. “I definitely got up at night. I had a LeBron jersey, he was one of my role models. I watched countless hours of his highlights,” said the 22-year-old Wagner about the 39-year-old James. “Of course, part of me is still a fan, but when we play against each other, of course I want to win.”
“We’re not fans”
When the Olympic dress rehearsal against gold favorite USA takes place on Monday (9 p.m. CEST/ProSieben) in the sold-out arena in London, world champion Germany and captain Dennis Schröder will be faced with the ultimate test of their position. And Wagner is no longer a teenager who lusts after jerseys or signatures. Quite the opposite. “At the end of the day, it’s just a team. We’re not fans – we have to make sure we play well,” the Orlando Magic professional clarified.
318 days after the thrilling World Cup semi-final in Manila, in which Germany knocked the top favorite USA out of the tournament with a score of 113:111 and the German Andreas Obst became the hero, the NBA ensemble has the chance for revenge. And for this and the following Olympic tournament in Lille and Paris, the biggest names in the sport are on the field: In addition to James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid are among those taking part. “It’s a perfect yardstick for us,” said national coach Gordon Herbert a few days before the Olympic opener against Japan this Saturday.
Where does the US team stand in the historical context?
A defeat does not have to be a bad omen. Before the unique World Cup run with eight wins in eight games, Germany also had a dress rehearsal against the USA – and lost narrowly in Abu Dhabi despite a clear lead. For Herbert, this time it is more about the impressions than the result. “It’s good that we are now playing against the USA,” said the 65-year-old. “They are the favorites for the gold medal, but it suits us to be playing against a physically strong opponent.”
There is no doubt that the USA are the clear favorites to win gold at the Olympics, even after the botched test against South Sudan (101:100 after being well behind). The question is more: Where does this team stand in the historical context? Compared to the dream team that ploughed through the tournament in Barcelona in 1992? Compared to 2008 and 2012, when Kobe Bryant and James were at the top?
For US coach Steve Kerr, the differences lie not in his own team, but in the competition. “In terms of what they have achieved, this team is just as highly decorated as the 1992 team. The big difference is, the world was nowhere near as good in 1992 as it is now,” said Kerr.
USA’s weakness is Germany’s strength
The competition with teams like France with super talent Victor Wembanyama, Serbia with NBA star Nikola Jokic and the strong Germany is now completely different. “It’s a completely different basketball world than in 1992,” Kerr noted. The best proof of this was the World Cup in Asia last year. The USA not only lost the semifinals, but also two more games and ultimately flew home without a medal.
That seems almost impossible at the Olympics. The USA has not only added some big names to their team, but also some useful ones. Center Embiid and Anthony Davis have eliminated the biggest weakness at the World Cup, when the USA were extremely vulnerable, especially in the middle of the field.
“Our strength is the depth of quality we have. Our problem is that we have a different squad every summer. The other nations have more continuity in their teams,” said Kerr. The German selection, which is competing with the same core for the third time in a row after 2022 and 2023, is the best example of this.
Schröder eyes gold
Germany’s captain Schröder also sees the USA as the favorite. “It’s clear what they’re playing for. They’re the twelve best players in the world. This is the biggest tournament in the world,” said the 30-year-old, who would like to carry the German flag at the opening ceremony before the tournament kicks off in Lille and is available for selection.
In view of James and Curry, just aiming for silver? That’s out of the question for Schröder. “Of course we would make history with every medal. But everyone should aim for gold, otherwise you show weakness.”
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
