Stephen Curry is hands down one of the best players to ever play in the NBA. He, along with the Golden State Warriors, completely transformed the league, ushering in the 3-Point era. It’s not something many players can claim, but Steph is definitely an exception to the rule. Having achieved virtually every accolade in the NBA, Steph Curry has solidified his place in basketball history. However, there’s one silverware that has eluded Curry: The Olympic Gold.
Stephen Curry would have the chance to change that this summer when Team USA travels to Paris for the Olympics. This would mark Curry’s first appearance at the Olympics, highly motivated to add the Olympic gold to his vast trophy cabinet. However, due to his national duties, Steph will miss the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament where he holds the title of defending champion as the first African-American.
Stephen Curry released a statement to confirm this news. He stated, “I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title at the American Century Championship in Tahoe this summer, but the chance to represent my country and, hopefully, win an Olympic gold medal for the first time at the 2024 Games in Paris is an opportunity that I simply could not pass up.” This gesture signals Curry’s serious commitment, showing he’s willing to pass up a shot at $125,000 in prize money.
While Stephen Curry won’t be participating in the tournament this July, he hopes to return next year. But for the time being, Steph has pinned his hopes on his father, Dell Curry, and brother, Seth Curry, to bring home silverware from the tournament. He stated, “I know that Dell and Seth will represent the Curry family well in my absence, but if one of them doesn’t come home with another trophy for our mantel, I will be highly disappointed!” Despite his love for golf, Steph has decided to turn up for what could be his last opportunity to win Olympic gold. But will he succeed at the international level?
Stephen Curry pursuit for the Olympic Gold
Following a dismal performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in which they finished fourth, Team USA have called on their stars in order to reclaim their dominance on the international stage. Superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker and more make Team USA’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Olympics.
Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics is already being dubbed as, “Redeem Team 2.0.” Team USA have been drawn into a challenging group, consisting of Serbia, South Sudan, and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) Puerto Rico. They will start their quest for Olympic gold against a Nikola Jokić-led Serbia team on 28th July.
Team USA’s hopes of Olympic gold will depend on how well Stephen Curry adapts to international basketball. The last time Steph turned up for an international tournament was the 2014 FIBA World Cup. It would be a huge adjustment for Steph, given the disparities between the international game and the NBA. But if Curry makes those adjustments, an Olympic gold will surely be a formality for Team USA.
