"I am the Hooper-in-Chief"- Barack Obama jokes around at Team USA's 50th anniversary with LeBron James, Steph Curry and more

Former president Barack Obama shared some jokes as he sent off Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Olympians are ready to compete on the international stage as USA Basketball celebrates its 50th anniversary. With the stacked team that they formed, they have a chance to win another gold medal in the tournament.

It's known that Obama is a fan of basketball. There have been instances where he attended games and even welcomed past champions to the White House during his presidency. Now, the former president met with USA Basketball to send them off for the tournament.

Obama shook hands with Steph Curry, LeBron James and the coaches who will guide them during their run. As soon as the handshakes were over, the 44th US President gave his speech, starting with a joke.

​

​

​

"It is true I am the Hooper-in-Chief," Obama said. "I just wanna come here to help send off the soon-to-be gold medal winners."

Obama also joked that he doesn't like it when the US, the inventors of the sport, doesn't win at basketball.

Former players such as Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony and Maya Moore were present in the event to send off the team.

There are high expectations for USA Basketball to win the gold medal. This is why they formed an excellent group of guys to compete in Paris.

---

Team USA will not have their scoring leader against Canada

Team USA will play an exhibition game against Canada in preparation for the Olympic games. The players are ready and are looking forward to setting the tone for the tournament. Unfortunately, they won't have one of their key players during the exhibition game.

The team won't have Kevin Durant in their friendly game against the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led team. Durant is suffering from a calf strain that has kept him from participating in team practices. The team officially confirmed KD's absence in their game against Canada.

The Phoenix Suns star shared his experience watching from the sidelines as he tries to recover from the injury.

​

​

​

"I feel better," Durant said per ESPN. "I was working out probably about 10 days before training camp [when I got hurt]. "So, just working through it and taking it day by day."

USA Basketball's head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that the star forward is undergoing strengthening and treatment to get back with the team. Durant also mentioned that he hopes to be back with the team for their July 15 and 17 games. They will play against Australia and Serbia, respectively.

Durant is the leader for points for USA Basketball's Olympic games. He has 435 career points for the tournament. Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony trails him with 336, while James is at number three with 273.

​