Since the USA Men’s Olympic Basketball Team’s notorious failure to capture gold in the 2004 Olympic Games they’ve been on a historic tear. No team in the world has come close since 2008’s ‘Redeem Team’ and exactly two years ago today USA added another Gold Medal to their trophy case (third in-a-row). The 2016 team lacked some familiar faces like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade but still easily destroyed the competition. It really felt like this team lead by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving showcased what USA Basketball will look like in the future they distinguished themselves as the two best players in the tournament. Check out some of the kicks worn by Team USA as they routed Serbia 96-66 in the championship game.
Paul George, Nike 2016 Flyknit Hyperdunk
Paul George didn’t shoot the ball very well (2-9) but put up 9 points and played fantastic defense while wearing the 2016 Flyknit Hyperdunk. With his build perfect for modern basketball, Paul was a force in the open floor and dominated in transition.
Kyrie Irving, Nike Kyrie 2
Per-usual no defender could stay in front of Kyrie. The Olympics served as the continuation of Kyrie’s dominate international play after his strong showing in the 2014 Fiba World Games. Like Paul, Kyrie didn’t produce a lot of points but kept the ball moving and pushed the tempo of the game wearing his Kyrie 2s.
Kyle Lowry, Adidas CrazyLight BOOST 2016
Kyle Lowry was one of two hoopers on USA’s roster rocking Adidas (Harrison Barnes being the other). Oddly, Lowry outscored Kyrie (2points vs 5points) wearing the Adidas Crazylight 2016.
Klay Thompson, Anta KT1 Low
Oh Klay, why did you sign that Anta contract? oh yeah, MONEY! Throughout the games Klay Thompson wore his Anta KT1 Low and put up 13 points in the Gold Medal Game.
Kevin Durant, Nike KD IX
Throughout the 2016 Games Kevin Durant solidified himself as the future of USA Basketball. His dominance was on full display in his new role as ‘best player on team USA’ – with no LeBron or Kobe the team looked to KD to be The Guy. Kevin lead the squad with 30 points en route to earning Most Outstanding Player of the tournament while wearing his Nike KD IX.
DeMarcus Cousins, Nike Zoom Clear Out
No team in the world had an answer for Cousins’s size, strength and skill. He was second in scoring with an easy 13 points. The Games proved that DeMarcus could keep his emotions in check and he really rehabbed his image.
DeMar Derozan, Nike Kobe 11 Flyknit
First time Olympian DeMar Derozan showcased his all-around offensive game and kept Kobe’s legacy intact while wearing the Kobe 11 Flyknit.
DeAndre Jordan, Nike Zoom Clear Out
The Clear Out was a favored model worn by team USA’s bigs (Green included). DeAndre filled the role of Team USA’s historically strong, defensive minded centers. Opponents did not have fun trying to score on Jordan.
Carmelo Anthony, Jordan M12
Veteran Carmelo Anthony continued his prolific Olympic career by winning his third Gold Medal while getting mid-range jumpers like a machine.
Jimmy Butler, Air Jordan XXXI
Jimmy was there to have fun and get buckets, simple as he debuted the Air Jordan XXXI.
