- Josh Giddey is confident Australia can shock Team USA
- Several NBA superstars to represent America in Paris
- But the Aussie pointed out where the US is weakest
Olympic Newcomer Josh Giddey believes the Boomers have never been more deserving of gold at the Games, and wonders whether the American star-studded ensemble will click in Paris.
The Boomers, winners of the bronze medal in Tokyo three years ago, start their 2024 season on Saturday in Lille against world number two Spain.
Spain has defeated Australia in major tournaments, winning the bronze medal by one point in Rio in 2016 and winning the World Cup semi-final in 2019 after double extra time.
They face tough tasks against Canada (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and Greece (Giannis Antetokounmpo), with Australia needing to finish in the top two of their group to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
In addition to the star lineups, an American team awaits, including debutant Steph Curry, standard-bearer LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker and Joel Embiid.
Australia had an 11-point lead over the United States in the semi-final in Tokyo, but the Boomers were defeated by a run of 20 points.
They return with a much improved team for a tournament known as the greatest gathering of basketball talent in Olympic history.
But Giddey, just 21, believes his team can handle them all.
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“When you look at it on paper, it’s no secret that they’re the most talented team,” Giddey said of the U.S.
‘But the difference is that these guys have never played together, while the core of many other countries has been together for years.
‘We are confident that as a unit we can fight against anyone in the world.
“I know we have a group of guys who are ready.”
The form the Boomers have been in in the pre-season has bolstered that confidence, with a six-point loss to the US, followed by solid wins over Nikola Jokic’s Serbia, Puerto Rico and hosts France, whose experienced squad includes Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert.
Point guard Giddey, who moves from Oklahoma City to Chicago next season, and starting center Jock Landale (Houston) have developed excellently as a duo and will be crucial if the Boomers want to reach the Paris final.
Both men dominated the NBA arena when given the keys, but last season they were relegated to minor roles.
When asked if they played with a chip on their shoulder, Landale took a dollar for each game.
“Yes and no,” said Landale.
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‘Anytime you get the opportunity to be an important part of the team, you have to take it and make the most of it.
‘But this is not the environment to really worry about that.
‘We are now playing a more important match, to take home something more than bronze.
“We feel like we have the team to do that and we’re in a position to do that. It would be a disservice to the group if I were to worry about that.”
Landale said Giddey was one of the best passers he ever played with.
“As a big man, that’s kind of a dream scenario,” he said.
“He’s blossoming and you get the feeling he’s about to take a big step.”