With Team USA clinching a thumping win over Nikola Jokic and Serbia, discussions are about to begin on who the best player on the roster is. Surprisingly enough, it is not LeBron James or even Anthony Edwards, who called himself the “No.1 option on the team“. While the three exhibition games so far have showcased the depth of talent on the roster, the Olympics won’t have this much rotation. And the big names will be required to show up at the biggest moments. So who does former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas think will be THE stars in Paris?
When asked to make a prediction on who will be the team’s MVP, Arenas named Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Stephen Curry. “It’s gonna probably be KD, Tatum or Curry,” Gilbert Arenas said on the podcast.
Durant, who already has three Golds, is certainly one of the most significant players on the roster. However, his calf injury remains an issue for the team. As Arenas mentioned, Jayson Tatum has an equal chance to win. He won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics last time and averaged 15.2 points per game which was second to Durant’s 20.7.
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It is the first Olympics appearance for Curry, who claimed the third position on Arenas’ list. In the latest exhibition game against Serbia, Curry dished out 24 points to lead Team USA to a 105-79 win. But what about the rest?
Poll of the day Who do you think should be Team USA’s MVP according to Gilbert Arenas? Kevin Durant Stephen Curry Damian Lillard Other
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gil’s Arena (@gilsarena0)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had 11 points, and Ant-Man had 16 points. James and Edwards are the oldest and youngest on the roster, respectively. While both were not in Arenas’ top three for MVP honor, other members of the show praised Edwards, who has made it his mission to be the best player on the floor.
Anthony Edwards shows Michael Jordan-esque performances
Edwards has an infectious confidence and a powerful performance to back it up. He has been incredible in the first three exhibition games, averaging 14.3 points. According to the co-hosts of the show, the 22-year-old is certainly making a point for himself.
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Edwards has a Michael Jordan-like attitude and playing style that has garnered praise from NBA legends such as Paul Pierce. The Celtics legend predicted that Anthony Edwards would soon establish himself as an international star, much like Jordan did. Edwards is neither hesitant to trash talk with Kevin Durant nor does he slack off in the game.
During a segment in the FS1’s sports talk show ‘Undisputed’, Pierce praised Ant-Man and said, “I saw it on the court. I saw it on the sidelines, you know, looking at Bron, like, you know, come on. Come on, Steph, you know. Right now, he has established himself as a USA star but he’s going to be an international star before these Olympics is over.”
Gilbert Arenas’ selection looks quite impressive, however, Pierce is also right about Edwards. Even if the Minnesota Timberwolves star doesn’t claim the MVP honor, he is sure to make a massive impact.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video