NBA legend Scottie Pippen has a special message for the US Olympic men’s basketball team, competing for their fourth consecutive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
“They will do well and bring home the gold,” declared the former Chicago Bulls player, who was a first-time Olympian himself when he joined the 1992 Dream Team alongside Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Saying the team features “the best [players] in the world,” Pippen told ABC Audio, “I think those players have truly shown — throughout their careers — that they’re some of the top in the game,” adding that they “will bond and gel throughout their practices and their preparation [and] training.”
Pippen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, shouted out Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets player is primed to win his third gold medal at this year’s Olympics.
“I’m wishing him to bring home the gold for Team USA,” Pippen said. “I think his leadership will truly be needed in this year’s Olympic Games, especially on the basketball stage.”
Pippen also reminisced about his time playing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, noting the pressure athletes face when they compete on the world stage.
“You’re representing the country. The amount of people that are behind you and pulling for you, it’s an amazing feeling,” he recalled. “It’s something I will never forget.”
The US Olympic men’s basketball team tips off against France this Sunday at 8 a.m. ET.
Three lucky people and their friends can watch the Olympics from Pippen’s Chicago mansion, which is available on Airbnb for three one-night stays on August 2, 4, and 6.
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