Kerr took serious note of Davis’ abilities!
The 2024 Team USA squad is stacked with talent as it prepares for the Paris Olympics, boasting All-NBA caliber players at every position. The frontcourt features Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, who are working to mesh their styles. Head coach Steve Kerr recently dropped a five-word truth bomb about Davis that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
“AD with anybody is good,” Kerr said, per The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
Davis acknowledged that he and Adebayo are “still trying to figure it out” and occasionally “get in each other’s way,” leading to missed defensive assignments or turnovers. However, there is still time for the duo to find their rhythm before Team USA begins official Olympic play.
Davis played significant minutes with the starters on Monday during Team USA’s 98-92 win over Australia. Kerr paired him with Joel Embiid and the rest of the lineup during the third period, and Davis stood out as arguably the best player on the floor. The Lakers center finished the game with a team-high 17 points, 14 rebounds, two blocked shots, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo delivered a solid 10-point performance. Coming off an impressive 2023-24 season, Adebayo averaged 19.3 points, a career-high 10.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, earning All-NBA Defensive First Team honors.
As Team USA prepares for intense competition, it will be interesting to follow the contributions of Adebayo and Davis.
Anthony Davis, Team USA Prep for Strong Run
Steve Kerr faces a challenging task managing the lineup, a challenge he’s familiar with from his time balancing the playing time of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green during the Golden State Warriors’ dominant period. While that squad was talented, Team USA’s roster is even more so.
Returning national team veteran Stephen Curry aims to play a crucial role as a scorer and leader. NBA legend Grant Hill praised Curry and LeBron James for their professionalism and leadership ahead of the Olympics.
“I’d say [LeBron James and Stephen Curry] are the two unofficial captains. The conditioning, the professionalism, the energy… they have been absolutely fantastic. And I will say, we know their legacy. We know what they’ve done throughout their careers. And the fact that at this point they still want to come back, it speaks about their experience playing for Team USA,” Hill said via SiriusXNBA.
Hill highlighted Curry and James’ longevity and leadership, noting that their experience with Team USA has helped elevate their careers. Fortunately, James and Curry won’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and the rest of Team USA’s talented roster will work together to win another gold medal for the country. The Lakers and Heat centers will continue to be vital interior pieces against formidable competition.
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