Welcome to the Olympics Edition on Spotify! We’re diving into international basketball with a group breakdown and a deep dive on Team USA and the Aussie Boomers.
Difference in Rules
How do shorter game times, smaller courts, fewer timeouts, and different foul rules impact international play? Could these rule differences explain why teams like Germany, Spain, and Argentina perform so well against NBA competition?
Group A
Australia - With nine NBA players, how will Australia fare without Matisse Thybulle?
Spain - Can former NBA players Rudy Fernández, Juancho Hernangómez, and Willy Hernangómez lead Spain to a medal despite being on the back half of their dynasty?
Greece - What would happen if Greece could clone Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Canada - With a deep roster of NBA talent, including RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray, is Canada a favorite behind the US?
Group B
France - Can the combination of Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, along with the home crowd advantage, put France in contention?
Brazil - Will Gui Santos and the legacy of Brazilian basketball make a difference?
Germany - Are Dennis Schroder, Daniel Theis, and the Wagner brothers enough to make Germany the true world champions?
Japan - Can Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe carry Japan out of this tough group?
Who gets out of this group? Ryan: France and Germany. Fred: France and Germany.
Group C
Serbia - With Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, can Serbia’s well-drilled team overcome their recent struggles?
South Sudan - As the newest country in the world, can South Sudan, with players like Wenyen Gabriel, pull off a Cinderella story?
Puerto Rico - Can Jose Alvarado’s backcourt steals make a difference for Puerto Rico?
USA - Will LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Davis lead Team USA to gold, or will their lack of time together be their downfall?
The Aussies
With experienced players like Joe Ingles and Patty Mills, and young talents like Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey, do the Aussies have what it takes to secure another medal? Is missing Ben Simmons or Matisse Thybulle the real issue?
Team USA
Is LeBron James still the best player on the team? How will the lack of time together and rotation struggles affect Team USA’s gold medal chances? Will stars like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis make the difference in the end?
Medal Predictions
See who Fred and Ryan predict to take Gold, Silver and Bronze!
Tune in to hear all our insights and predictions in more detail!
