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There has been a lot of talk between the 1992 Dream Team and this year's US Men's Basketball Olympic squad about who's the best. The United States has a long history of basketball domination dating back to 1936 when they won their first gold medal. They went on to win 63 straight games in Olympic play until the Soviets beat them in the controversial 1972 gold medal game. The US started another streak that lasted until 1988 when it was once again thwarted by the Soviets. Since then, Team USA has fielded the NBA's best to compete against the world's best. The switch proved to be working until the 2004 Athens Olympics. Capturing the bronze left a bad taste in their mouth and caused the Americans to change strategies once again. The 2008 "Redeem Team" brought back memories of Barcelona and established America as the world's basketball superpower once again.
This year's squad is trying to do the same and so far have been doing a damn good job. But are they better than the '92 team? Better than the '84 team? Here's our ranking of each of the 17 US basketball teams in Olympic history.
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17. 2004, Athens
Head Coach: Larry Brown
Roster: Allen Iverson (G), Dwyane Wade (G), LeBron James (F), Carmelo Anthony (F), Tim Duncan (C), Carlos Boozer (F), Richard Jefferson (F), Stephon Marbury (G), Shawn Marion (F), Lamar Odom (F), Emeka Okafor (C), Amar'e Stoudemire (F)
Record: 5-3
Margin of Victory: 4.6
Medal: Bronze
The inevitable happened: The world was finally able to beat a USA team comprised of NBA players. By 2004, the international game was vastly different from the style played in the NBA. Bigs were able to shoot, offense was king, and the game was played with more finesse. The 2004 team featured the future of the NBA in Wade, James and Anthony, but it also featured selfish scorers in Iverson and Marbury.
The chemistry was never there and the US lost their first game against Puerto Rico. They were inconsistent throughout the Games, losing to Lithuania by four points after winning two straight, and losing to Argentina by eight after another two-game streak. The US then had to face Lithuania for the bronze medal and played hard to come away with it. After this performance, the US Olympic Committee implemented new rules for participation, which obligated players to commit for three years prior to the Olympics in order to build camaraderie.
16. 1988, Seoul
Head Coach: John Thompson
Roster: Danny Manning (F), David Robinson (C), Mitch Richmond (G), Dan Majerle (G/F), Stacey Augmon (F), Willie Anderson (G), Bimbo Coles (G), Hersey Hawkins (G), J.R. Reid (F), Charles D. Smith (F), Charles E. Smith IV (G), Jeff Grayer (G)
Record: 7-1
Margin of Victory: 30.4
Medal: Bronze
Team USA was riding high from their 1984 performance, but knew their quest for gold wouldn't be complete without beating the Soviets—especially after Bob Knight's quote that the US would "beat their butt anywhere." John Thompson got the coaching nod and had the help of future pros like David Robinson, Hersey Hawkins, Mitch Richmond and National Player of the Year Danny Manning.
Other than beating Canada by a mere six points, Team USA terrorized their opponents. They beat Egypt by 67 points, Spain by 44, China by 50, and Puerto Rico by 37. That all went to hell when they finally met up with the USSR in the semis. Hersey Hawkins went down with an injury and Manning missed the first half because of foul trouble. The Soviets were up by 10 at the half and never looked back. The US lost, 82-76, and played Australia for the bronze. This would be the last time the US would send amateurs to play Olympic basketball.
15. 1952, Helsinki
Head Coach: Warren Womble
Roster: Ronald Bontemps (G), Marcus Freiberger (C), Wayne Glasgow (G/F), Charles Hoag (G/F), William Hougland (G), John Keller (G/F), Melvin Kelley (G), Robert Kenney (G), Robert Kurland (C), William Lienhard (F), Clyde Lovellette (F), Frank McCabe (F), Dan Pippin (G), Howard Williams (G)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 19.5
Medal: Gold
1952 marked the beginning of the bitter basketball rivalry between the Soviet Union and America. This was the first year the Soviets sent a group of athletes to an Olympiad since 1912. The US team consisted of seven University of Kansas players and seven players from two AAU teams. This squad was tested a few times. After two blow-out wins, they struggled against Uruguay, but managed to win by 13.
In the next game against the Soviets, the first time the two countries met in Olympic competition, the US won easily in a physical game. Team USA struggled again versus Brazil and Argentina after beating the shit out Chile by 48 points. America and the USSR found themselves playing for gold in the finals. The game was tightly contested with many lead changes and stifling defense from both sides. But Team USA was able to prevail with the help of their leading scorer, Clyde Lovellette, and won 36-25. Yes, that was the actual final score. Nothing like good D, huh? Ayo!
14. 1976, Montreal
Head Coach: Dean Smith
Roster: Adrian Dantley (G), Quinn Buckner (G), Phil Ford (G), Ernie Grunfeld (F), Mitch Kupchak (C), Mike Armstrong (G), Kenny Carr (F), Walter Davis (F), Phil Hubbard (F), Tom LaGarde (C), Scott May (F), Steven Sheppard (G)
Record: 7-0
Margin of Victory: 14
Medal: Gold
After the disappointment of the 1972 Summer Games, the US Olympic Committee chose Dean Smith to be head coach with the hope of exacting revenge on the Soviets. With the help of Adrian Dantley, Scott May (Sean May's pops), Phil Ford, and Mitch Kupchack the US was well on its way to redemption until they ran into Butch Lee and Team Puerto Rico.
Lee, who was born in PR, wasn't invited to US trials and showed his displeasure when he faced the Americans. Butch dropped 35 points while only missing three shots, but it wasn't enough as the US won, 95-94. They then beat Yugoslavia (for a second time), Egypt (by forfeit), and Czechoslovakia in order to face Canada for a shot at the gold. Yugoslavia upset the Soviets in the semis, ruling out a rematch between the US and the USSR, so the US had to face Yugoslavia for a third time. They beat thm by 19 to capture the gold once again, and began another winning streak that would last until 1988.
13. 1936, Berlin
Head Coach: James Needles
Roster: Sam Balter (G), Ralph Bishop (F), Joe Fortenberry (C), Carl Knowles (F), Jack Ragland (G), Carl Shy (G), Bill Wheatley (F), Francis Johnson (G), Tex Gibbons (G), Frank Lubin (F), Art Moliner (G), Don Piper (G), Duane Swanson (F), Willard Schmidt (C)
Record: 5-0
Margin of Victory: 20.8
Medal: Gold
The rules were a little different in 1936. There was no three-second rule, only seven players could play a game, and the games were to be played outside. FIBA also tried to ban players under 6'2", but the US complained and won. The team consisted of players from various pro leagues around the country and a college kid by the name of Ralph Bishop. Because of the seven player rule, Jimmy Needles went with two units of seven that he alternated each game.
Their first game was supposed to be against Spain, but the Spanish were having a civil war and the team didn't show—the US was given the victory. The US won their next three games in rather easy fashion heading into the gold medal game against Canada. During the final, both teams had to deal with a muddy court, but the US prevailed and beat the Canadians 19-8 in front of 2,000 rain-soaked fans. Not only was this the first gold medal of many for United States Basketball, but the creator of the game, Dr. James Naismith, presented the medals to the players himself. This 5-0 start was the catalyst for a 63-game winning streak that would last until 1972.
12. 2000, Sydney
Head Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich
Roster: Vince Carter (G), Kevin Garnett (F), Ray Allen (G), Vin Baker (F), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (F), Tim Hardaway (G), Allan Houston (G), Jason Kidd (G), Antonio McDyess (F), Gary Payton (G), Steve Smith (G), Alonzo Mourning (C)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 21.6
Medal: Gold
By 2000, the world was starting to catch up to the Americans. They were involved in several close games with Lithuania and France, but still brought the gold back home. Team USA beat everyone else senseless with the help of their three-point shooters. Tim Hardaway, Allan Houston, Vince Carter, and Ray Allen hit 10 or more from beyond the arc during the tourney and Kevin Garnett nearly averaged a double-double (10.8 PPG and 9.1 RPG).
The US faced off against France in the gold medal game. It was tightly contested for most of the way, but everyone only remembers one play: when Vince Carter jumped over a 7-foot man in the beginning of the second half. Dubbed "The Dunk of Death," VC stole the ball at half-court, took two dribbles and dunked over France's center (and Knick draft pick) Frederic Weis.
11. 1968, Mexico City
Head Coach: Henry Iba
Roster: Jo Jo White (G), Spencer Haywood (C), Michael Barrett (G), John Clawson (G), Donald Dee (F), Calvin Fowler (G), Bill Hosket (F), James King (F), Glynn Saulters (G), Charles Scott (F), Michael Silliman (F), Ken Spain (C)
Record: 9-0
Margin of Victory: 26
Medal: Gold
For the first time in Olympic basketball, Team USA were considered to be underdogs because of two losses suffered at the hands of the Soviets and Yugoslavia during a European tour. What people were forgetting was the fact that the US didn't have their coach Henry Iba, their point guard Jo Jo White, or their power forward Bill Hosket present for that tour. But, they sure were present for '68 Summer Games and they brought somebody else with them, too.
America's secret weapon was a big, burly 19-year old by the name of Spencer Haywood. He was the youngest player to ever be named to a US Olympic basketball team. With Haywood anchoring the middle, Team USA made their way through some tough competition. They squeaked by Puerto Rico and Brazil while beating Yugoslavia twice—once in the gold medal game and each time by 15.
10. 1964, Tokyo
Head Coach: Henry Iba
Roster: Bill Bradley (G/F), Larry Brown (G), Walt Hazzard (G/F), Melvin Counts (C), Jim Barnes (C), Joe Caldwell (G/F), Richard Davies (G), Lucious Jackson (F), Pete McCaffery (F), Jeff Mullins (G/F), George Wilson (F), Jerry Shipp (G)
Record: 9-0
Margin of Victory: 30
Medal: Gold
In the first of three straight stints as Team USA's head coach, Hank Iba put together a nice team of future NBA players like Bill Bradley, Walt Hazzard, Larry Brown, and Mel Counts. 1964 was a time of turmoil for Americans. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing and black athletes threatened to boycott the Olympics. That move would've spelled doom for Team USA, being that even back then the black athlete played a major role in America's athletic success. Plus, the Soviets made strides in recent years and were considered to the favorites to win gold by some. The '64 team was going to have a hard time living up to the legendary '56 and '60 teams.
Out of the nine games they played, Team USA had trouble against Yugoslavia, Puerto Rico and of course, the USSR. The US and USSR faced off in the gold medal game with both teams being undefeated. After a slow start, the US beat the Soviets by 14 in impressive fashion, adding another gold to the trophy case.
9. 1948, London
Head Coach: Omar Browning
Roster: Clifford Barker (F), Don Barksdale (C), Ralph Beard (G), Lewis Beck (G), Vincent Boryla (G), Gordon Carpenter (C/F), Alex Groza (C), Wallace Jones (C/F), Robert Kurland (C), Raymond Lumpp (G), R.C. Pitts (F), Jesse Renick (G), Kenneth Rollins (G), Jack Robinson (G)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 33.5
Medal: Gold
The 1948 team was made up of the AAU Champion Phillips 66ers and the National Champion Kentucky Wildcats. The two teams faced off during the Olympic Trials for head coaching honors. The 66ers beat the Wildcats, which made Omar Browning the head coach and Adolf Rupp his assistant. The two coaches selected the best players from their respective teams to represent America in the Olympics. Many European countries were unable to field teams due to the effects of WWII, so most of the teams in the quarterfinals were from the Americas.
After blowing out Switzerland and Czechoslovakia, Team USA had a hard time putting Argentina away in their third game. With three minutes left and the scored tied at 55, the US hit a couple clutch shots to win 59-57. The Argentinians proved to be their only competition as Team USA steamrolled through the next four games and capped it off by demolishing France, 65-21, to win the gold in the fifth and final game.
A handful of guys went on to play in the NBA. Alex Gorza and Ralph Beard were banned for life after only two seasons because of their involvement in a point-shaving scandal when they were at Kentucky. While Don Barksdale became the first African-American basketball player to be named an NCAA All-American, Olympian and an NBA All-Star. This team was stacked for their time.
8. 1972, Munich
Head Coach: Henry Iba
Roster: Bobby Jones (C/F), Doug Collins (G), Mike Bantom (F), Jim Brewer (F/C), Tommy Burleson (C), Kenny Davis (G), James Forbes (F), Thomas Henderson (G), Dwight Jones (C), Kevin Joyce (G), Tom McMillen (F), Ed Ratleff (F/G)
Record: 8-1
Margin of Victory: 28.8
Medal: Silver
Henry Iba returned for his final stint as Team USA's head coach and continued his success at building all-around teams, instead of just fielding the best talent available. He did have two stars in Bobby Jones and Doug Collins, though. With those two leading the way, the US stretched their winning streak in Olympic play to 63 games. They thrashed every team they played by 28 points or more up until the most controversial game in international basketball history.
The US was matched up against their bitter rival, the USSR, in the gold medal game. During the final, the Americans and the Soviets battled until the very end. After a couple clutch free throws by Doug Collins gave the US a one point lead with three seconds left, all hell broke lose. A miscommunication between officials and the scorer's table led to the Soviets having a couple cracks at inbounding the ball which eventually led to them making an uncontested layup at the buzzer for the win. The 1972 team has yet to claim their silver medals.
7. 1984, Los Angeles
Head Coach: Bobby Knight
Roster: Michael Jordan (G), Patrick Ewing (C), Chris Mullin (G), Sam Perkins (F), Alvin Robertson (G), Wayman Tisdale (F), Steve Alford (G), Vern Flemming (G), Joe Kleine (F), Jon Koncak (C), Jeff Turner (F), Leon Wood (G)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 32.1
Medal: Gold
The 1984 team drew early comparisons to the 1960 team and rightfully so. The '84 squad featured Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and Chris Mullen, plus a bunch of other future NBA players. The USSR boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Games in retaliation for the US's boycott of the 1980 Games in Moscow, so the Americans would have to wait another four years to avenge the 1972 gold medal game.
The '84 team made light work of their competition, only being challenged by West Germany, beating them by 11. They coasted the rest of the way, destroying Spain by 31 in the gold medal game. Jordan took care of the offense by dropping 17 a game and Ewing took care of the defense by swatting 2 blocks per contest. Let's not forget about Mully and Steve Alford averaging double-figures along with Alvin Robertson chipping in with 2 steals per game. After the US won the gold, head coach Bobby Knight had some choice words for the Soviets, giving the USSR fuel for the 1988 Games.
6. 1996, Atlanta
Head Coach: Lenny Wilkins
Roster: Hakeem Olajuwon (C), Shaquille O'Neal (C), Penny Hardaway (G), Grant Hill (F), Charles Barkley (F), Karl Malone (F), Reggie Miller (G), Gary Payton (G), Mitch Richmond (G), David Robinson (C), John Stockton (G), Scottie Pippen (F)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 31.6
Medal: Gold
The Dream Team II continued what the first Dream Team started, but without the fanfare. The hype wasn't there because the 1996 Games were played on American soil. The '96 team had a mix of veterans and rising stars—nine of which already are or will be in the Hall of Fame. Five Dream Teamers returned for another go at the gold while Shaq, Penny, and Grant Hill looked to carry on tradition. Team USA dominated once again, beating opponents by 31 a game. Their toughest test came in the gold medal game versus Yugoslavia and they beat them by 16. Nine players averaged nine points or better and Reggie Miller hit 17 threes. With Penny and Grant Hill, this squad would've been remembered in a better light if those two would've stayed healthy.
5. 2012, London
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Roster: LeBron James (F), Carmelo Anthony (F), Chris Paul (G), Kevin Love (F), Tyson Chandler (C), Kevin Durant (F), Kobe Byrant (G), James Harden (G), Andre Iguodala (G/F), Russell Westbrook (G), Deron Williams (G), Anthony Davis (C)
Record: 5-0 (so far)
Margin of Victory: 38.2 (so far)
Medal: N/A
Whether because of their friendly feud with the '92 team or their record-breaking performance against Nigeria, the 2012 team have been the talk of the Olympics. So far they've been living up to the hype and have disposed of every team they've faced quickly, with the exception of Lithuania. Team USA was coming off the high of beating the breaks out of Nigeria by 83 points and hitting 29 threes when they ran into a gritty Lithuanian team. The US struggled from the field, but still managed to come away with a 99-94 win. They followed that close call up with a 29-point shellacking of Argentina to end group play with a 5-0 record.
What the team lacks in size they make up for in offensive efficiency, especially Carmelo and KD—they've been lights out. Team USA plays Brazil in the quarterfinals tomorrow. Let's see if this band of NBA stars can get it done and bring home the gold. Anything less would be considered a failure.
4. 1956, Melbourne
Head Coach: Gerald Tucker
Roster: K.C. Jones (G), Bill Russell (C), Dick Boushka (F), Carl Cain (F), Charles Darling (C), William Evans (G), Gilbert Ford (G), Burdette Haldorson (F), William Hougland (F), Robert Jeangerard (F), Ron Tomsic (G), James Walsh (G)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 53.5
Medal: Gold
With the world feeling a little confident from the previous Olympics, the 1956 team made them feel insecure once again. Led by Hall of Fame University of San Francisco (and later Boston Celtics) teammates Bill Russell and KC Jones, Team USA embarrassed every team they faced, scoring over 100 points in five of the eight games. In their first game, America beat Japan, 98-40, and followed it up with a 101-29 win over Thailand. This team was clearly trying to send a message to the rest of the world and they did that by beating teams by an average of 53.5 points. Even the Soviets didn't stand a chance, losing by 30 during their first meeting and then by 34 in the gold medal game. Once the Games were over, the '56 team entered into a college tournament and won that too.
3. 1960, Rome
Head Coach: Pete Newell
Roster: Oscar Robertson (F), Jerry West (G), Jerry Lucas (F), Walt Bellamy (C), Jay Arnette (F), Bob Boozer (F), Terry Dischinger (F), Burdette Haldorson (F), Darrall Imhoff (C), Allen Kelley (G), Leter Lane (G), Adrian Smith (G)
Record: 9-0
Margin of Victory: 42.4
Medal: Gold
The 1960 team continued the dominance displayed by the 1956 team and, until 1992, were considered to be the greatest Olympic basketball team ever assembled. Ten of the 12 players went on to play in the NBA and four of those players are Hall of Famers. Five players averaged double-figures and they blew teams out of the water with a 42-point margin of victory. They scored over 100 points in four straight games before their much anticipated meeting against the Soviets in the semifinals. The hype amounted to nothing as the US beat the USSR easily, 81-57. They went on to win their next two games with even more ease and won gold yet again. Jerry Lucas and Oscar Robertson each averaged 17 a game with a young Jerry West helping out with 13.
2. 2008, Beijing
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Roster: LeBron James (F), Dwyane Wade (G), Carmelo Anthony (F), Chris Paul (G), Chris Bosh (F), Dwight Howard (C), Carlos Boozer (F), Kobe Bryant (G), Jason Kidd (G), Tayshaun Prince (F), Michael Redd (G), Deron Williams (G)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 27.9
Medal: Gold
Everyone has been comparing the '92 Dream Team to this year's (2012) squad, when they should be comparing the '92 team to "The Redeem Team." With the new US Men's basketball system in place, Team USA assembled a squad that was unbeatable. The team featured the 2008 NBA MVP Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul, just to name a few. They beat teams by an impressive 27.9 points per game, many of which consisted of NBA players. After winning six straight in blowout fashion, the US found themselves in a rematch with Argentina during the semis. There the Americans won by 20, setting up a gold medal game with Spain—the two teams battled each other during group play with the US winning by 37. This game proved to be different and is considered to be a classic.
Both squads battled for the entire 40 minutes with the game hanging in the balance going into the fourth quarter. That's when Kobe Bryant went bananas, scoring 13 of his 20 points in the final period to go along with Wade's 27. Team USA won, 118-107 proving that they don't just win laughers.
1. 1992, Barcelona
Head Coach: Chuck Daly
Roster: Magic Johnson (G), Larry Bird (F), Michael Jordan (G), Charles Barkley (F), Clyde Drexler (G), David Robinson (C), Patrick Ewing (C), Karl Malone (F), John Stockton (G), Scottie Pippen (G/F), Chris Mullin (F), Christian Laettner (F)
Record: 8-0
Margin of Victory: 43.4
Medal: Gold
This was the year the game changed forever. After a rule was lifted that banned NBA players from participating in Olympic basketball, the US wanted to put together the greatest team ever and that they did. Eleven of the 12 players are Hall of Famers, 10 of whom were named to the NBA's 50 Greatest of All Time list.
They were dubbed "The Dream Team," and they damn sure lived up to the name. Opponents bowed at their feet, asked for autographs and pictures before and after games, and stood by in awe whenever MJ went up for a dunk. The 1992 US Men's Basketball team spawned the rise of international basketball, creating hybrid players like Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol. The Dream Team toyed with their opponents, topping the century mark in every game they played for the first time ever. Every Team USA will be in their shadow from now until the end of time.