5 Signature Athletes Deserving of Team USA Spot

Team USA needs more sneaker brands represented in the 2024 Olympics.

Author:
Pat Benson
Publish date:
Aug 7, 2023 2:57 PM EDT

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas is a contrarian, savant, and sneakerhead. Fans don't have to agree with everything Arenas says on his podcast, but he often raises important questions that make listeners think.

In a recent episode, Arenas suggested Nike was to blame for Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young being left off the USA Basketball Men's National Team's roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Just two days ago, we analyzed the roster and found that Nike athletes were disproportionately represented. However, there is more representation from other brands than in previous years. Also, the roster is guaranteed to change before the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Since Arenas has opened the discussion, and there is a full year before Team USA takes the floor in Paris next summer, we have devised a list of NBA players with signature sneaker lines that we want to be represented on next year's Olympic roster.

Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry has done it all in his career - a 73-win season, four NBA titles, a few MVP trophies, the all-time 3-point record holder, and countless trips to the All-Star Game.

However, Curry still has not represented the United States in the Olympics. Given Curry's age, next summer is probably his last shot. It would be a crime for Curry's signature line with Under Armour to never enjoy the world's biggest stage.

James Harden

Curry has methodically checked off major accomplishments throughout his career. Conversely, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has not enjoyed a fraction of the winning (thanks partly to Curry and the Warriors).

However, Harden has won an MVP, Sixth Man of the Year, and played in ten All-Star Games. Not to mention Harden's signature sneaker line with adidas has been just as prolific as its namesake. Before Harden's career is over, we want to see him representing the three stripes in the Olympics.

Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard's professional career has been just as enigmatic as Harden's. Sure, Leonard has enjoyed far more winning (two NBA Finals MVPs with two different teams). But injuries have likely cost him a lot more hardware.

Leonard is another aging Millennial who this aging Millennial wants to see play for Team USA before his career is over. Leonard is on the third installment of his signature New Balance sneaker line, and we know that the Boston-based brand would cook up some heat for the Olympics.

Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has more time left in his playing career than the aforementioned players. At just 26 years old, Mitchell has already played in four NBA All-Star Games, won the Slam Dunk Contest, and scored 71 points in a game.

Plus, Mitchell has quietly built one of the stronger signature sneaker lines in the NBA. Fans love Mitchell's adidas sneakers thanks to their affordability, performance, and exciting colorways. Winning a Gold Medal and bringing a championship in Cleveland would put Mitchell in rare air.

Trae Young

Our conversation begins and ends with Trae Young. Although the Atlanta Hawks point guard insists he isn't a villain, he sure plays the role well. The younger generation of fans loves the two-time All-Star Game starter because of his bravado and fearlessness.

Additionally, Young's newly released third signature sneaker is the most technologically advanced model from adidas Basketball. Young has publically lobbied to get on Team USA, and we are joining his campaign. Call your elected officials and demand to "Ice Trae" in the Olympics.

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