Coach K snubs LeBron James and Michael Jordan as USA Basketball's greatest Olympians ever
Mike Krzyzewski, popularly known as "Coach K" snubbed LeBron James and Michael Jordan from the discussion of the USA's greatest basketball Olympian ever. The former USA Men's National Basketball Team coach appeared on the Jim Rome show and talked about the current Olympic campaign of Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
During one segment of the show, Coach K was asked about his opinion on Kevin Durant being the greatest Olympic basketball player in the United States.
Surprisingly for many fans, he agreed to the statement hailing KD as the best Olympian while snubbing LeBron James and Michael Jordan from the conversation.
LeBron James and Michael Jordan have been the main protagonists of the GOAT debate for decades now. Both James and Jordan have had illustrious international careers and have performed well in the Olympics as well.
James is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a bronze medalist, while Jordan has won gold twice for his country.
However, Durant has been in a different league on the international stage. The Phoenix Suns star is a three-time gold medalist and is the leading scorer for USA in all international competitions. Moreover, he is on his way to make history as a four-time gold medalist if the USA wins gold in Paris.
Coach K has won three gold medals as the head coach of the USA Men's National Basketball Team. He had KD on the squad in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic campaigns.
Coach K praises LeBron James for carrying Team USA in the 2024 Olympics
During his time on the Rome show, Coach K also showered his praises on LeBron James for participating in the Paris Olympics. When asked about his opinion on what it meant for Bron to represent the USA again on an international stage, the former Duke coach had some warm words.
"You are talking about one of the incredible athletes in any sport forever and LeBron James... it means so much to him," Coach K said.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Lakers superstar had "that look" in his eyes when he saw him playing against Canada in Las Vegas.
"A great player can win by how that player looks and LeBron has shown the face of a gold medal winner the whole time so far," he said.
Krzyzewski explained "the look" that Bron had given his teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone else. He admitted that it had helped him during his time as the Lakers star's head coach at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.