Team USA sent a pretty star-studded squad to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. The 12-man roster included the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and several other big names. While clinching the gold medal, Mike Krzyzewski’s boys also provided us with numerous hilarious moments from their time together with the team. One of the more memorable moments from the Team USA camp was Butler and Irving indulging in a hilarious one-on-one battle. Using Carmelo Anthony as an excuse, Irving kept fouling Butler.
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While Team USA usually falters in FIBA competitions, they have dominated the Olympics year after year. During the 2016 Olympic Games, Kevin Durant and co. were undefeated. With an average points difference of 22.5, Team USA annihilated their competition to bring home the gold once again.
Kyrie Irving used a ‘Carmelo Anthony move’ to defend Jimmy Butler
During a practice session for the tournament, Jimmy Butler and Kyrie Irving got involved in some playful banter. As Kyrie defended the forward during their fun one-on-one contest, he pulled off a ‘move’ Carmelo Anthony was apparently known for.
The shifty guard kept his hands on Butler’s head which led to a brief discussion. The Marquette alum called out Kai for comparing himself to Melo. Here’s how the interaction went:
Jimmy: “That’s a foul.”
Kyrie: “No, it’s not.”
Jimmy: ”You can’t do that.”
Kyrie: “That’s what Melo [Carmelo Anthony] does.”
Jimmy: “Huh? Look who you’re comparing yourself to. Are you sure that’s from Melo?”
Both the All-Stars had a pretty solid contribution in the tournament, helping their nation win Gold. Irving, who was the starting point guard, played 22 minutes per game and lodged 11.4 points and 4.9 assists on 47.7% shooting. On the other hand, Butler came off the bench. Leading the second unit, the 6ft 7″ two-way star recorded a solid 5.6/2.5/1.4.
With the Anthony Edwards-led Team USA finishing fourth at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, several pundits and enthusiasts are expecting the Americans to send a star-studded roster for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Apart from the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry headlining the squad, many are hoping that Butler and Irving will also be members of the future team.
Kyrie challenged Kobe Bryant during a Team USA practice session
Kyrie Irving’s stint with Team USA has been entertaining. Even when the former Duke Blue Devil doesn’t take on the hardwood for any tournament, he makes sure to give his countrymen a tough time while guarding them during camps.
In 2012, Kai gathered the courage to talk trash to Kobe Bryant. The two guards were chirping and eventually agreed to play one-on-one. The wager was decided to be $50,000. Unfortunately, we were never able to witness this highly anticipated matchup take place.
