Team USA Big 3 snubbed from Damian Lillards list of top players in NBA right now

Following stellar performances at the 2024 Olympics, the ‘Big 3’ of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, have been hailed for leading Team USA to a gold medal win. However, it appears not everyone rates the trio so highly. And this was the case lately when Damian Lillard unveiled his list of the top basketball players.

The Milwaukee Bucks star is well-known as one of the most prolific shooting guards in the league. While speaking as a guest on the Club 520 Podcast, Damian Lillard mentioned the five players he believes are currently at the top in the NBA.

So right now, Imma go Anthony Edwards... I like him because of his energy, like the swag about him is authentic... Imma go Ja Morant, he got into some trouble, so I think people kind of turned off to him a little bit... Luka, Jokic, and uhm Giannis. That's my five right now.

According to him, these players are those he feels are the best at the moment. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is highly rated in the NBA and made the Team USA roster for the Olympics. “Ant-Man” as he’s fondly called, is known for his strength and powerful attacking style.

Furthermore, Grizzlies star Ja Morant is highly thought of by Lillard despite recent issues. Others favored by him include Serbia star Nikola Jokic, Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, and fellow Bucks teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo.

However, his selection has raised eyebrows among basketball fans, given the snub of stars like LeBron James, Curry and Durant from the list. Especially since some players picked by the 34-year-old were on the losing side when their country faced off against the trio. Particularly Jokic, who suffered two losses against Team USA, at the group stages and semifinal of the Paris Olympics.

Damian Lillard hailed character of Team USA after Olympics win

After the USA men’s basketball team won the gold medal against France, tons of reactions and praise were observed from fans. Lillard, on his part, hailed the team’s mentality and had some positive things to say about his countrymen.

Speaking at his annual Formula Zero Elite Camp for high school boys and men’s basketball prospects in Phoenix, Lillard didn’t forgot to give a shoutout to glory of Paris men.

The character of Team USA this year is what showed the most. You see the vets. You see Steph, you see LeBron, you see KD, even Book... You see guys like that when they get in the thick of it, that's the character of our game over the last 10, 15 years, and they held it down.

Lillard himself was part of the USA Olympic men’s team that won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. So, he definitely knows a thing or two about winning on the world stage. And recognizing the ‘Big 3’ for their efforts suggests that his latest list may not be connected to any grudges.

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