South Sudan proved in London that it was a serious threat against the United States.
Winning an Olympics game in France was as an entirely different proposition, though, during the 2024 Summer Games.
It didn’t get any easier when Team USA’s overwhelming roster was pitted against a South Sudan squad featuring athletes more associated with mid-level colleges and brief NBA stays than worldwide superstardom.
As Steve Kerr’s crew attempted to move to 2-0 in group play — and move past an almost unthinkable exhibition upset to South Sudan at the 02 — Team USA’s starting five could be measured in billions, not millions.
They also were a 28.5-point favorite before opening a 40-23 second-quarter lead.
LeBron James is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and has career earnings of $479 million, which doesn’t include off-the court endorsements.
The King’s net worth is valued at $1.2 billion and he’s easily outpaced Michael Jordan in NBA contract value.
Then there’s Steph Curry, who’s appearing in his first Olympics and has already earned more than $354 million while winning four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors.
Up next, Anthony Davis.
Replacing Joel Embiid — who was heavily booed by French fans on Sunday — in the starting lineup, AD has made $266 million in his NBA career.
Devin Booker has collected a cool $166 million.
Reigning NBA champ Jayson Tatum finally got off Kerr’s bench on Tuesday by cracking the starting five.
Tatum has made $120 million, thus far, but will reach $439 million if he plays out his current contract with the Boston Celtics.
LeBron James has easily outpaced Michael Jordan in NBA career earnings[/caption]
James and his Team USA teammates have every advantage at their disposal[/caption]
Fresh Starting 5 for
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 31, 2024
In contrast, South Sudan has struggled with funding and none of the team’s players are widely known by United States basketball fans.
Luol Deng, South Sudan Basketball Federation President, spent 15 years in the NBA and represented Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics.
After pushing South Sudan’s basketball program, the two-time All-Star helped create an Olympic team that was pitted against a financial superpower on Tuesday.
Basketball fans were still getting used to seeing South Sudan — which humbled Puerto Rico 90-79 to open Olympic play — run the hardwood in France.
Against a USA starting five worth a combined $1.3 billion in NBA dollars, South Sudan had a ton to prove and even more to overcome.
Before tipoff, announcers touted Team USA’s NBA MVPs and championships, financial backing and international names like promoting an undisputed heavyweight champ.
South Sudan was introduced as the youngest country in the world and lacking an indoor basketball court, while “refugee camps” were mentioned.
“Luol Deng has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket,” South Sudan coach Royal Ivey said. “He pays for gyms, hotels, plane tickets —everything. Kudos to Luol and the staff. We wouldn’t have been able to put this team together without them.”
Team USA has been compared to a legendary Dream Team from 1992.
But Air Jordan didn’t come close to James in NBA cash, and the Dream Team has nothing on the 2024 team when compared to modern money.
It was also 55-36 Team USA at halftime, which made the combined $1.3 billion look even larger.
talkSPORT brings you live coverage of the Paris Olympics this summer, with Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Kelly Holmes among our legendary line-up of pundits. Listen to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, via the app, or through your smart speaker. And follow our live blog for all the latest news.
talkSPORT
TEST 3