In a press conference held on Thursday ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Steph Curry shared their thoughts on Team USA’s upcoming campaign in the rising competition. The team is set to begin its quest for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Sunday. For Durant, a forward for the Phoenix Suns, this tournament presents the opportunity to secure his third Olympic gold medal.
During the conference, Durant and Curry fielded various questions, with one particularly intriguing query regarding Team USA’s narrow victory over South Sudan. In a recent game, Team USA managed to scrape by with a 101-100 win, a result that brought attention to the formidable and fast-improving South Sudanese team. Durant expressed his admiration for their performance:
“Secretly, I am rooting for them a little bit — except when they play us,” Durant said, highlighting his respect for the underdog team.
The game against South Sudan proved challenging for Team USA, with the African nation showcasing great size and proficiency from the perimeter. Their coach, Royal Ivey, has molded a team that competes fiercely, and their upcoming match against the USA on Wednesday promises to be another intense showdown.
The press conference took a turn when the topic shifted to a controversial rant by former NBA star Gilbert Arenas following Team USA’s narrow win. Arenas’ comments were criticized for being racist and xenophobic, as he disparaged the South Sudan team in a highly insensitive manner. Arenas said:
“[Joel Embiid] throwing the game for his cousins [South Sudan] and sh**. They don’t even have shoes. They get their shoes from America. We gotta ship them shoes… They shooting on f****** peach baskets in dirt with no shoes.”
These remarks were met with widespread condemnation. Loul Deng, president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, responded thoughtfully, emphasizing the hard work and dedication of his team. Deng’s response highlighted the importance of pride and perseverance among African athletes:
“As for Gilbert’s comments, they were certainly more disrespectful and cruel. Personally, I don’t care much. I would never trade places with anyone; being African is special. However, for young African and African American kids who admire and listen to Gilbert, these comments can make you think less of yourself and make the rest of the world think less of Africans.”
“We’ve worked very hard in the last four years to be here, and we can’t allow mere seconds to take that away. Instead, let’s appreciate the moment and use these comments as an opportunity to educate. Being loved is always better than being tolerated. If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came, we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves.”
Kevin Durant on Royal Ivey and South Sudan basketball: “Secretly, I am rooting for them a little bit — except when they play us.”
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 25, 2024
In the wake of Arenas’ comments, many in the basketball community, including Durant, have expressed support for South Sudan. Their resilience and progress have won them admirers globally, and as they make their Olympic debut in Paris, the young squad is poised to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.
Durant’s perspective underscores a broader narrative in sports: the rise of new talents and teams that challenge the traditional powerhouses. South Sudan’s impressive showing is a testament to the growth and potential of basketball programs in regions previously overlooked. This development is not just about the underdog story; it’s about recognizing and respecting the hard work and skill that these athletes bring to the court.
Looking ahead to the Olympics, Team USA faces both familiar and new challenges. The absence of Durant in the five practice games leading up to the Olympics has been noted, and his return is highly anticipated. LeBron James played a crucial role in securing the win against South Sudan, but the dynamic in Paris could differ significantly, with the crowd potentially favoring the underdogs.
As the tournament progresses, the match between Team USA and South Sudan will be closely watched. The excitement around South Sudan’s debut and their potential to disrupt established hierarchies adds an intriguing layer to this year’s Olympics.
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