Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, basketball fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a thrilling tournament featuring the best teams from around the globe. With a mix of perennial powerhouses and rising contenders, the competition promises intense matchups and unforgettable moments. This ranking provides an in-depth look at the Top 10 Olympic Basketball Teams poised to make an impact, from the dominant United States squad to inspiring newcomers like South Sudan. Each team brings unique strengths and challenges, setting the stage for an exhilarating Olympic showdown.

Who Will Be On The 2024 Men’s Olympic Basketball Team?

Entering the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics the United States Men’s Basketball roster is loaded with talent to include LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Jayson Tatum to name a few. With a loaded roster of NBA All-Stars, Team USA heads into the Olympics as the early favorite to take home their 17th Gold Medal. Joining the United States among the top Olympic men’s basketball teams include Serbia who is led by Nikola Jokic.

While the complete Team USA roster is yet to be set, the expectations are that many of the top players in the world such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Davis are set to take the stage. With a loaded roster of top tier NBA talent, Team USA is set to be the early favorite heading into the 2024 Summer Olympic Games

Here is a look at the Men’s Top 10 Olympic Basketball Team Rankings 2024:

Honorable Mention

Japan

Group B

With NBA players Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe leading the way, Japan aims to leave the Olympics with at least one victory.

Although their talent may not match the top teams, their disciplined play and the advantage of familiar regional conditions could make them a nuisance in group play. Advancing past the group stage would be a significant achievement for this team.

South Sudan

Group C

Making their Olympic debut, South Sudan is an inspirational story of perseverance and growth. Despite lacking NBA talent, their journey to the Olympics highlights basketball development in Africa.

Players like Wenyen Gabriel and Carlik Jones will lead a team that has already achieved a historic milestone by qualifying, and they are sure to be fan favorites in Paris, capable of pulling off an upset.

Top 10 Olympic Basketball Team Rankings 2024

10. Puerto Rico

Group C

Puerto Rico’s scrappy and spirited play earned them a spot in the Olympics for the first time since 2004, highlighted by significant wins over Lithuania and Italy.

Led by Jose Alvarado and Tremont Waters, they play with heart and determination. While a deep run may be unlikely, their tenacity makes them a challenging opponent for any country.

9. Brazil

Group B

Brazil’s current team may lack the star power of past generations, but teams should not underestimate them. Veterans like Marcelinho Huertas provide experience and leadership, while younger players bring energy and potential.

Brazil’s journey in the tournament will depend on its ability to harness its mix of experience and youthful exuberance to compete against more established teams.

8. Spain

Group A

Spain‘s golden generation with Ricky Rubio and the Gasol brothers may be passing, but the team still boasts significant talent with players like Rudy Fernandez and Juancho Hernangomez.

While they face a tough challenge in the so-called “group of death” with Greece, Australia, and Canada, Spain’s tactical acumen and competitive spirit will keep them competitive against anyone.

Their experience and skill could see them pushing for a medal once again, but they’ll face more difficulty doing so compared to past years.

7. Greece

Group A

Greece’s fortunes rest heavily on the shoulders of Giannis Antetokounmpo. One of the best players in the world, Giannis can single-handedly change the course of a game.

However, the overall strength of the Greek roster is questionable, and they face a challenging path out of the group stages. Their success will depend mainly on Giannis’s ability to dominate and elevate his teammates’ play.

6. Serbia

Group C

Led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia can compete with any country. Known for their intelligent, tactical play and strong teamwork, Serbia controls the tempo and disrupts even the most talented opponents.

While this year’s team may not be the strongest in their history, the presence of Jokic and a well-coached, disciplined squad ensure they remain medal contenders.

5. Australia

Group A

Australia has the most continuity of any team in the tournament, with a core group of players who have been together for years.

This experience, combined with the leadership of NBA veterans like Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, and the rising talent of players like Josh Giddey and Dante Exum, makes Australia a formidable opponent. Their combination of NBA talent, toughness, and FIBA experience positions them well for another strong Olympic performance.

4. Germany

Group B

Germany‘s recent success, including a gold medal at the 2023 World Cup, cemented their formidable team status.

Led by point guard Dennis Schroeder and big men Mo and Franz Wagner, Germany brings both NBA experience and a deep understanding of the FIBA game, which is crucial for international success. Germany’s continuity and confidence, built over years of playing together, make them a severe threat in Paris.

3. France

Group B

Playing on home soil, France will have the advantage of familiar surroundings and passionate local support. France boasts a balanced team with a mix of proven veterans like Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier and rising stars like Victor Wembanyama.

Their experience and home-court advantage make them strong contenders for a medal. However, their backcourt play remains a potential weakness against top-tier teams like Canada and the United States.

2. Canada

Group A

Canada is becoming a significant contender, powered by a roster packed with NBA talent, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett.

The depth of their guard play is unmatched outside the United States, but like their southern neighbors, Canada faces challenges due to a lack of continuity in their lineup. Their ability to meld individual talents into a cohesive unit will be crucial to their success in Paris.

1. United States

Group C

The United States remains the dominant force in Olympic basketball, thanks to its star-studded lineup featuring Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.

Despite the challenges posed by FIBA rules, which differ significantly from the NBA, the sheer talent and depth of the American roster make them the favorites for the gold medal.

Coach Steve Kerr’s experience and strategic acumen further enhance their prospects. The key for Team USA will be adapting to the faster, more physical style of play in international competition.

How would you rank these Olympic teams? Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings

Related Links:

• Top 10 FIBA World Cup Rankings 2024