Herbert at the Olympics: "Is this fake news?"
German national basketball coach Gordon Herbert accepts rumors about a possible USA super team at the Olympics with provocative composure. "Is that fake news? I don't know that at all. They already had a very good team and talented players at the World Cup," Herbert told the German Press Agency on Monday evening in Munich with a grin. NBA star players such as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have already signaled their willingness to play in Paris and Lille in 2024. Superstar LeBron James could also be there at the age of 39.
"If James, Durant and Curry come, that would be great," said the 64-year-old Herbert at the presentation of the illustrated book on the Germans' completely surprising World Cup title this summer. Part of the triumph was the 113:111 victory over the highly-favored US team in the semi-finals.
As a result of the World Cup defeat, the really big names were traded in the USA for the Olympic tournament in France. Although promising players such as Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards were present at the World Cup, the really big stars were not.
Herbert himself is planning a similar line-up for the Olympic tournament (July 27 to August 11) as for the World Cup. "It will be more or less the same team. Of course, it depends on who is healthy. But we have a three-year plan. We have a few players who were cut late before the World Cup," said the Canadian.
Despite the rumors of a USA super team featuring players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James for the Olympics, Herbert remains uncertain. "I'm unsure if that's true, they already had a strong team at the World Cup," said the German national basketball coach during a book presentation. With the USA's absence during the World Cup semifinals, Germany scored an unexpected victory, further cementing their position in the Olympic basketball scene. Herbert aims to field a similar team for the Olympics, potentially including some late additions.
Source: www.dpa.com
