The Dream Team, the first time NBA players competed for the US in the Olympics, took the floor in Barcelona in 1992, which was now 33 years ago.
It was an entirely different world, basketball-wise. The US had previously relied on college and, until 1972 (we think), AAU players. It was a complicated system.
The amateur players were essentially playing against professionals in many cases as the national systems in other countries allowed players to train in very different ways and as a team.
When the
NBA players were allowed, it sparked a revolution that globalized basketball. Great players now can come from anywhere.
In this video, you’ll see the US vs. Lithuania in the semifinals, and the Lithuanians were no joke. They had Šarūnas Marčiulionis and Arvydas Sabonis, and both were great. Before his knees gave him problems, Sabonis was essentially a 7-4 Larry Bird. The guy was an historic talent. We never got to see him at his peak, or at least only rarely, but he was something.
Nonetheless, there was no stopping the US. The Americans steamrolled the Lithuanians, winning 127-76.
The Dream Team sparked a tremendous interest around the world, not least of all in Spain.
A couple of things to look for: the first US player to be introduced is Christian Laettner and there is a sign that reads “Take Care Of Yourself Magic,” which refers to Johnson’s HIV diagnosis, which he had announced prior to the 1991-92 NBA season. Also, there is a crowd shot of Pat Riley sitting next to Spike Lee, which shows just how small Lee really is. He looks tiny next to the 6-4 Riley.
Also, it’s noteworthy that Lithuania, which was flat on its back after the implosion of the USSR, had trouble just paying to get to the games. The Grateful Dead, which knew Marčiulionis from San Francisco where he played for the Warriors, helped out. In acknowledgment, the Lithuanians wore tie-dye shirts when they received the bronze medal.
What a Long, Strange Trip it was!
More from dukebasketballreport.com:
- Recruiting: Javin DeLaurier Chooses Duke
- TJ Douglas Kicked Off Football Team
- ACC Football Roundup - Down To Four Undefeateds
- Homer Simpson: Duke/State Fan?
- DBR Podcast 30: Laura Keeley Returns
- ACC Preview #5 - The Florida State Seminoles
- Football Season Has Potential, But Turnovers Could Be A Fatal Flaw For Duke
