Crew USA secured the gold medal in males’s Olympic basketball. They overcame France in a hard-fought 98-87 victory on Saturday. Whereas elite abilities equivalent to Nikola Jokic, LeBron James and Stephen Curry had been undoubtedly stars of the event, some former NBA gamers loved robust showings, doubtlessly incomes themselves one other shot within the league.
Listed here are three former NBA abilities to impress through the Olympics.
1. Guerschon Yabusele – France
Guerschon Yabusele was final seen within the NBA in 2019, the place he performed for the Boston Celtics. Since leaving the US, he has constructed a profession in Spain, taking part in for European powerhouse Actual Madrid. Yabusele was one of the crucial impactful gamers of the whole event, serving to France attain the finals.
In six video games, Yabusele averaged 14 factors, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists whereas capturing 52% from the sphere and 29% from three-point vary. His protection was additionally spectacular, utilizing his measurement and lateral quickness to offer stability throughout the low helpline. After his robust exhibiting, it would not be a shock if he landed a cope with an NBA staff forward of the brand new season.
2. Carlik Jones – South Sudan
South Sudan performed with depth, athleticism and satisfaction throughout its brief tenure in Paris. Former NBA guard Carlik Jones, who final performed for the Chicago Bulls in 2023, was a standout performer through the group levels.
Jones averaged 18 factors, 5 rebounds and seven.7 assists per sport whereas capturing 46% from the sphere and 27% from deep over a three-game span. Sadly for Jones, that manufacturing could also be primarily based on too small a pattern measurement for an NBA staff to return knocking. He ought to, nonetheless, anticipate some scouts within the stands over the following 12 months.
3. Bruno Caboclo – Brazil
Bruno Caboclo spent seven years within the NBA earlier than bouncing out of the league in 2021. He has performed for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, failing to discover a residence in any of these stops. Nonetheless, his performances for Brazil could entice some entrance places of work to take one other have a look at the proficient ahead.
Caboclo represented Brazil 4 occasions whereas in Paris, averaging 17.3 factors and 7 rebounds per outing. He shot 59% from the sphere and 55% from three-point vary, proving that he may match with an NBA staff as a possible three-and-D wing.
