1996 Us Men's Olympic Basketball Team Roster
The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, was a momentous event for the US Men's Olympic Basketball team. It was the first time that NBA players were allowed to participate in the Olympic Games, and the entire world was eager to see how the US team would fare with the best basketball players in the world on their side.
The roster of the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team was one of the strongest ever assembled. The team was coached by Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Fame player and coach, and had a starting lineup that included some of the greatest players in NBA history. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the players who made up the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team roster.
Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley was one of the most dominant players of his era, and he was a cornerstone of the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team. Barkley had just completed his 12th season in the NBA, and he was coming off a year in which he had averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. Barkley was known for his toughness and tenacity on the court, and he was a leader for the US team both on and off the court.
Karl Malone
Karl Malone was one of the most consistent players in NBA history, and he was a crucial part of the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team. Malone had just completed his 12th season in the league, and he was coming off a year in which he had averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds per game. Malone was known for his strength and durability, and he brought a level of toughness to the US team that was unmatched.
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen was one of the most versatile players in NBA history, and he was a key player for the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team. Pippen had just completed his 10th season in the league, and he was coming off a year in which he had averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Pippen was known for his all-around game, and he was a perfect complement to the other superstar players on the US team.
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most dominant players in NBA history, and he was a force to be reckoned with on the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team. O'Neal had just completed his 4th season in the league, and he was coming off a year in which he had averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds per game. O'Neal was known for his size and strength, and he was nearly unstoppable in the post.
David Robinson
David Robinson was one of the most complete players in NBA history, and he was a crucial part of the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team. Robinson had just completed his 10th season in the league, and he was coming off a year in which he had averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. Robinson was known for his athleticism and versatility, and he was a leader for the US team both on and off the court.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time, and he was the undisputed leader of the 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team. Jordan had just completed his 11th season in the league, and he was coming off a year in which he had led the Chicago Bulls to their fourth NBA championship in six years. Jordan was known for his competitive spirit and his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments.
Conclusion
The 1996 US Men's Olympic Basketball team roster was one of the greatest collections of basketball talent ever assembled. The team went undefeated throughout the tournament, winning each game by an average of more than 30 points. The US team brought home the gold medal, and they set the standard for future US Men's Olympic Basketball teams to follow.
