Why will Steph Curry not be allowed to don the #30 jersey for Team USA? FIBA kit rules and more explored
The 2024 Paris Olympics is almost here as Steph Curry and Team USA continue to make the proper preparations to capture another gold in the international tournament. Compared to how basketball is played in the NBA, the Olympics have its own set of rules for players to adjust to. One of its rulings also explains why Curry can't wear his #30 jersey for USA Basketball.
Why Steph Curry can't wear #30 jersey for Team USA?
According to the rules set by FIBA, the Golden State Warriors superstar must settle in only wearing a jersey number between four and 15. This ruling also falls in the same category as every other international competition administered by the FIBA committee.
Playing in his first Olympics, Steph Curry will be donning the number four jersey once Team USA makes their presence known on the court in Paris, France.
During his two previous tenures when he participated in the FIBA World Cup, the four-time NBA Champion helped his country secure two gold models. Looking over his resume of accolades, adding an Olympic gold medal to it will make it all the more impressive once viewed in the long run.
Back in his two FIBA World Cup appearances, Curry donned #11 in 2010 at Turkey and #4 in Spain.
Steph Curry arrived first at USA Basketball's training camp in Las Vegas yesterday
Team USA shared a clip on Instagram of Curry's arrival in training camp in Las Vegas yesterday with the superstar itching to get to work.
Curry's last international outing was when USA Basketball secured gold in Spain for the FIBA World Cup. The sharp-shooting marksman posted 10.7 points (40.8% shooting, including 43.8% from beyond the arc), 2.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Following Team USA's disappointing fourth-place finish in last year's FIBA World Cup, courtesy of a 127-118 overtime loss to Canada, they have made the proper adjustment to form one of the most dominant-looking international rosters.
Alongside Steph Curry are some of the basketball elites in the league today such as Lakers' LeBron James, Suns' Kevin Durant, Celtics' Jayson Tatum, 76ers' Joel Embiid, Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, etc.
The expectations are immense for this unit for an envisioned redemption run against other basketball teams from all over the world. Looking at the versatility of the roster, it features a balanced attack offensively and defensively.
It is not solely comprised of premier shotmakers from all five positions but also a utility player in Jrue Holiday, including excellent two-way athletes in Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leonard.
All that remains now is for this basketball unit to perform at the kind of standard associated with them and to get the job done when all is said and done.