Jay C. Brandriet

8/29/16

The original “Dream Team” remains the greatest, most impactful group in basketball history. They are so iconic, they have cast a shadow over a team that could have hung with them on the floor. The 1996 version of Team USA was on the level of the 1992 squad. They are not given much credit for their sensational roster. Even “The Redeem Team” in 2008 gets more love because of their storyline. “Dream Team 3” is the most underrated basketball team of all time.

 

1992 VERSE 1996 THOUGHTS

I’ts close. I’d guess the 1992 squad would be a two or three point favorite each time. The reason would be Michael Jordan and Earvin Johnson, who was still Magic enough. It should be noted Larry Bird had a broken NBA body and was doing  Americans a favor by suiting up. Christian Laettner (a good pro) as a rookie would be the worst player on either squad.

 

1996 UNITED STATES MEN’S OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAM

 

CHARLES BARKLEY (Age 33)

KARL MALONE (Age 33)

JOHN STOCKTON (Age 34)

DAVID ROBINSON (Age 30)

SCOTTIE PIPPEN (Age 30)

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL (Age 24)

HAKEEM OLAJUWON (Age 33)

PENNY HARDAWAY (Age 24)

GRANT HILL (Age 23)

GARY PAYTON (Age 28)

REGGIE MILLER (Age 30)

MITCH RICHMOND (Age 31)

 

COACHES: Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, Bobby Cremins, Clem Haskins

 

MY POINT?   

                                                                                                                                        “Dream Team 3” had five players from the 92 group. Then add Shaq at his peak of running fast and jumping high. Next is merely Olajuwon who had just been the best player in the world for two years. Penny and Grant Hill were superstars, right in the middle of putting their versatile stamps on the NBA. Gary Payton was at the top of his game. Reggie Miller had already proven he was a clutch legend. Oh my goodness Mitch Richmond could ball. They won by 32 points a game on the way to gold. This team got lost between the “Dream Team” breaking ground and the “Redeem Team” having to overcome struggle. For how good the 96 team was, it’s like they hardly exist in fans memories.