Insiders fear that USA Basketball’s pursuit of another gold medal in Paris could be derailed by ‘ego and other bulls***’, DailyMail.com understands.
Steve Kerr boasts a star-filled roster that includes Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and LeBron James.
Team USA has won gold at each of the past four Olympics – and all but one Games since 1988 – but preparations for this summer have not been smooth.
The Americans were given a scare by Australia on Monday, while teenage sensation Cooper Flagg ‘dominated’ a recent USA Basketball scrimmage.
It has prompted concerns that the team could face ’embarrassment’ in Paris with players accused of being out for themselves rather than the team.
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‘They will never hear the end of it if they lose, they are supposed to be the best in the world, (so) act like it and don’t let ego and other BS take over what should be automatic,’ a source told DailyMail.com
‘But with their recent play, even though they have won these warmup games, it is a bit suspect and troubling that they aren’t dominating.
‘It’s making many with USA basketball, the coaches and the people that have put the team together like Grant Hill be extremely nervous that they won’t be able to finish the job and end up losing, which would be an incredible embarrassment.
‘The ego that lies within the team, everyone is out for their own and not for the team as a whole. That can and will be a disaster if they all don’t change the thought process, they have to play like a team.
‘They haven’t looked good and have been exposed, and many international teams that have played together longer are more cohesive and have a decent chance of beating the USA team.’
US Soccer is currently in turmoil after the team crashed out of a home Copa America at the group stages. But it’s claimed USA Basketball would face ‘much worse’ should they fail in Paris, particularly with the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
‘LeBron will get lots of the blame, Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant will feel the heat. They have to dominate, or the walls will start to close. If USA basketball loses, this will be a major disaster and many with USA basketball are already worried,’ the source added.
‘They have to turn it on. To be the reigning gold medal winners for when the Olympics comes to the US in 2028 has to become fact.’