WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Court of Gold.
Former President Barack Obama had some harsh words for Team USA’s Men’s Basketball squad in Netflix’sCourt of Gold. Although it is somewhat expected that both the men’s and women’s Team USA basketball squads win gold every four years,Court of Golddemonstrates how the rest of the world is quickly closing the gap on the United States' world domination in the sport. Exceptional NBA players like Team France’s Victor Wembanyama, Team Serbia’s Nikola Jokić, and Team Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have made international basketball more competitive than ever before. The last six NBA MVPs were born outside the U.S.
While the2024 Team USA Men’s Basketball squadwas nicknamed “The Avengers” for good reason, the fact that such a historic team was assembled was a sign that, for the first time in a long time, the United States was nervous about its path to gold. With the Olympics knockout format after the opening round group phase, the stakes are much higher, andnationalistic pride – especially for Team France on their home soil – can fuel players more than moneyor even an NBA Title ever could. That being said,winning 17 golds in 20 Olympic appearancescertainly sets an expectation.
I’m Surprised Barack Obama Said It Would Be “Terrible & Embarrassing” If Team USA Won A Silver Medal
Obama May Have Meant To Inspire But Insulted The Strength Of The Global Game In The Process
Obama’s statement inCourt of Goldmay have meant to inspire but failed to capture the changing tides of the game at a global level. Obama plainly states, “It would be terrible and embarrassing” if the United States brought home a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which they were very close to doing. Only up by 3 points with less than three minutes to go,Steph Curry put on one of the most clutch Team USA international basketball performancesof all time. If Curry hadn’t pulled out his “golden dagger”, Team USA may have been “terribly embarrassed.”
While Obama’sCourt of Goldcomment is somewhat harsh, it comes from the high standard and legacy set by previous iterations of Team USA. When theDream Team was assembled in 1992, they put on a clinic for the rest of the world, who collectively did not stand a chance against them.
The Dream Team barely broke a sweat to earn their gold while Curry and The Avengers had to move mountains in big-time moments to secure theirs.
2024’s Team USA at the Paris Olympics was the greatest American men’s basketball team ever to be assembled since the Dream Team, which is why Obama essentially demanded gold. Still, his commentdoesn’t consider the rise in international talent since 1992. The Dream Team barely broke a sweat to earn their gold while Curry and The Avengers had to move mountains in big-time moments to secure theirs.
Why Barack Obama Is Featured In Netflix’s Court Of Gold
He And Michelle Obama Were Executive Producers On The Docuseries
Barack and Michelle Obama were executive producers onCourt of Gold, one of several Netflix projects under their Higher Ground Productions company. The Obamas also produced theNetflix NBA docuseriesStarting 5, which took an in-depth look at the 2023-2024 NBA season through the lens of five superstars, three of which – Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and LeBron James – were members of 2024’s Team USA. Higher Ground has also produced Netflix’s mystery comedy seriesBodkin, Sam Esmail’s dystopian thrillerLeave the World Behind, and Colman Domingo’s Oscar-nominated political dramaRustin.
Court Of Gold Review - I’m Thrilled The Netflix Doc Changed My Perspective On Team USA & Olympic Basketball
Netflix’s Court of Gold offers exclusive interviews and in-game coverage that breathes new life into a historic tournament and a legendary Team USA.
I’d be remiss not to mentionAnthony Edwards' braggadocious comment to Obama and Joel EmbiidinCourt of Gold, which may have been more shocking than Obama’s statement. Edwards didn’t carry the expected air of respect around Obama, not that he was disrespectful in any way, but rather executed his particular brand of confidence and charisma regardless of his audience. “What do you think of this young guy?” Obama asked Embiid. “He can hoop a little bit, huh?”, to which Edwards responded, “Man, y’all better stand down. I’m the truth!”, a declaration that was endorsed by both LeBron and KD.
How Barack Obama Reacted To Team USA Winning The Gold Medal In Men’s Basketball After The Paris Olympics
He Congratulated The Team On Social Media & Shouted Out Curry, LeBron, and Durant
There’s no questionObama is one of the biggest public supporters of Team USA basketball, taking to X after their gold medal win to say, “Last month, I had a chance to meet with the men’s @usabasketball team before they went to Paris. So proud of them for bringing home the gold! Shout out to legends @KingJames, @StephenCurry30, and @KDTrey5.”
Obama congratulated many of the American medalists on social media, including the Team USA women’s basketball team, who won their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. Obama’s comment inCourt of Goldmay have added that extra ounce of pressure needed for Team USA to dig deep and bring home the gold in 2024. There will be even more pressure as Team USA will face the world from Los Angeles in 2028.
