Since the US didn’t start sending pros until 1992 it wouldn’t be fair to include players who weren’t eligible. So for the sake of argument let’s say they had to be 30 years old or younger at 1992. So players like Kareem/Wilt/Bill Russell/Jerry West/Elgin Baylor/Bill Walton aren’t applicable.

With those parameters who is the best American player without a gold medal?

  • MahomesMccaffreyBEnglish
    1·
    2 months ago

    Kareem is the only top 10 of all time level legend who never played in the Olympics.

    Bill russell big O and Jerry West all won olympic gold medals as NCAA players

    • imrahilbelfalasBEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      Fun fact: playing in the Olympics cost Russell the first few weeks of the NBA season, and those missed games are why he didn’t win Rookie of the Year.

      Tommy Heinsohn never let him forget it, either. (Of course, Tommy was more than a little motivated there.)

    • 0010001BEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      Gotta teach OP about the 1960 Olympic team.  Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Jerry Lucas.  Before the Dream Team it was considered the best Olympic team ever.

    • deepee84BEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      was kaj eligible during his prime? cuz didnt olympics allowing pros only happen in the late 80s or early 90s?

    • deepee84BEnglish
      1·
      2 months ago

      was kaj eligible during his prime? cuz didnt olympics allowing pros only happen in the late 80s or early 90s?