Anthony Edwards Calls LeBron James, Kevin Durant ‘Best People’ amid USA Olympic Run

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVAugust 3, 2024

SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images

Anthony Edwards praised the selflessness of Team USA teammates Kevin Durant and LeBron James following Saturday’s 104-83 win over Puerto Rico in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

“KD and Bron man, they’re the best two people. I mean, team players,” Edwards told reporters. “They always want to see the person next to him shine. I told Bron, ‘If you ain’t got no shot, I’ll find one.'”

Suiting up for the United States at a major tournament requires stars to check their ego at the door to some degree.

There’s simply too much talent from top to bottom for any one player to expect to run the show. This year’s squad in Paris boasts multiple MVPs and future Hall of Famers.

Head coach Steve Kerr also has to be careful to ensure he’s spreading the wealth in terms of playing time. Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is the only U.S. player who isn’t averaging at least 17 minutes per game, and nobody is playing more than 22 minutes per contest.

NBC Olympics & Paralympics @NBCOlympicsSteph Curry is having the time of his life after this Anthony Edwards bucket. 😂 #ParisOlympics

📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/IqE5GE9STc

In the case of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, he’s savoring the opportunity to take a step back in terms of his role after joining Team USA. The seven-time All-Star said he’s “loving” not being “the guy” like he usually is in Philly, adding that his experience in Paris should prove beneficial when he’s lining up next to Tyrese Maxey and new signing Paul George with the Sixers.

The United States’ fourth-place finish in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup might have helped cement the sense of a unifying mission before USA Basketball ever put this team together.

The World Cup had hardly ended before numerous stars were reported as showing interest in the Paris Games. Reaffirming Team USA’s standing as the best in the world became the ultimate objective, and anybody in the national team frame knew a collective effort would be required to fulfill that.

Following a 3-0 start in the group stage, everything is going according to plan.