NBA's Avengers come to London as USA face world champions Germany in Olympics warmup

Seven-time NBA All-Star Grant Hill spoke to Mirror Sport about the announcement of Team USA playing two games in London ahead of the Paris Olympics - including an exciting clash with Germany

NBA legend Grant Hill insisted basketball fans should get excited to see Team USA take on two ‘great’ opponents in London ahead of the Paris Olympics next summer - including a blockbuster clash with world champions Germany.

On Tuesday, USA Basketball announced the nation that features the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and many, many more will play two showcase games in London at the O2 Arena ahead of the 2024 summer Olympic Games.

The senior national team, which will be made up of superstar players in the NBA’s answer to Marvel’s Avengers as they look to defend their Olympic gold, will play South Sudan on 20 July before facing Germany on 22 July. The announcement came as a shock for many British and European fans, but for Hill - a seven-time NBA All-Star - the decision to bring the USA to play in London was straight-forward.

“When we were here in 2012 for the Olympics, we had great success with that team,” Hill exclusively told Mirror Sport. “But also the fans have been supportive of the NBA and of USA basketball on both the men’s and women’s side, so the opportunity to come back here as it’s close to where the Olympics will be made it perfect.

“London is not just a great city for us, but a great city for opponents - opponents want to come here and play. It worked out perfectly, facing two great opponents in South Sudan, an up and coming basketball federation, and Germany. We’ve hit the mark.”

First up, USA will take on South Sudan, one of the most heart-warming stories of the basketball year as the nation - primarily comprised of refugees - qualified for the Olympics against all odds after a spirited showing at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Germany is the reigning world champions after triumphing in the Philippines back in September.

The Germans also defeated a young but supremely talented - and still favoured - Team USA in the semi-finals en route to world glory. Hill suggested the Americans want to test themselves against the best before arriving in Paris and attempting to retain their Olympic crown.

“Obviously, you want to face quality opponents as you have such a short window to get yourself and the team ready,” Hill added. “Unlike a normal season, where you have time to figure out who you are and go through the ups and downs before hitting your stride and rhythm at the right time, you have a month from start to finish. Every interaction, film session and practice is so vitally important.

“Also, in anticipation of the Olympic Games and potential opponents, there will be no better team that we will face than Germany. Assuming [Nikola] Jokic plays, Serbia are really good and there are certainly other teams as well, including the young and talented South Sudan who I was introduced to at the World Cup.

“We just wanted to be ready for when the first ball is tipped off in Paris at the Olympics.”

Team USA and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr - a four-time NBA champion as a coach - will hold a training camp in early July in Las Vegas, where his team are expected to play at least one exhibition game there before travelling to London. The 12-member team is expected to be named before camp begins in June.

While no names have been cemented, many of the premier players in the NBA have been touted to be involved in the Team USA setup next summer following the nation’s World Cup disappointment. James, Durant and Curry have all been linked with a spot on the team after expressing interest on social media in the aftermath of the loss to Germany.

Despite the riches at USA Basketball’s disposal, Hill remained coy over who might be selected. Ultimately, he knows the USA must bring their best if they are to reclaim the gold medal they crave amid an improved international arena.

“I believe it’s close to 30 percent of the NBA is made up of international players, so it just speaks to the growth, popularity, and success of the game on a global scale,” Hill said. “It's great for the NBA and for the game of basketball.

“International competition creates excitement; there were so many good and close games at the World Cup last year. [International improvement] may not be great of us, but we’re competitors. We want to go against great teams and premier players, and we’ll get that opportunity here in London as well as, of course, in Paris.”

Tickets to see USA Basketball play Germany and South Sudan at London's O2 arena go on sale Friday 15 December, 1pm at Ticketek.com.