By Uri Stilman, NBA International
The 2016 Olympics have set the final destination for many basketball players that have ruled the international competition during the last decade.
Manu Ginobili got emotional as Rio 2016 marked his farewell along with Argentina´s Golden Generation, while Tony Parker announced his retirement from the French national team and Pau Gasol seeks his third-consecutive Olympic medal in what could be his last adventure with Spain.
A clear change of guard is coming for basketball in the following years. Headlined by Ben Simmons, Mario Hezonja or Guerschon Yabusele., the 2019 FIBA World Cup and Tokyo 2020 Olympics will feature a new generation of basketball stars.
The New Generation of Boomers
Australia is enjoying a brilliant run in Rio. With Andrew Bogut still ranking among elite centers, in-prime performers such as Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes can only be boosted once Ben Simmons and Thon Maker contribute.
Fresh Air for Spain
Now 36 years old, Pau Gasol probably is in his last ride with the national team. Although Pau’s international impact is recognized across Spain, the future is in safe hands for the “Ñ”. Younger brother Marc is next in line as team leader, but he won’t be alone. Point guard Ricky Rubio (25 years old) can earn a main role, while the effective Nikola Mirotic will take more shots. Young players like Alex Abrines (signed by OKC Thunder) or the Hernangomez brothers (Juancho to play with Denver Nuggets, Willy with the NY Knicks) will add some fresh air for a roster with six players over age 30.
Sky Still Blue In France
Tony Parker and Boris Diaw are uniquely irreplaceable. Still with TP and Bobo leaving the team, France has a bright future. While Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum and Joffrey Lauvergne will take the lead, 2016 NBA Draft selections Guerschon Yabusele (Celtics) and Thomothe Luwawru-Cabarrot (76ers) will bring more explosion to the French.
A New Era For Argentina
The Olympics in Rio have been the best possible transition for Argentina. In tears, Manu Ginobili waved goodbye to the Golden Generation that now will count on the last efforts of Luis Scola. Facundo Campazzo has proven comfortable growing into a leader role. He and Nicolas Laprovittola are tasked with guiding a young team with developing players, namely Patricio Garino (joining Ginobili’s Spurs for 2016-17 NBA season) and recent Dallas Mavericks signee Nicolas Brussino.
Best Is Yet To Come
Brooklyn Nets’ Bojan Bodanovic was Croatia’s leader in Rio, averaging over 25 points en route to leading the team’s Group B victory. However, the bitter loss to Serbia in the quarterfinals was a lesson for the youngsters in the roster. Orlando Magic’s Mario Hezonja and Dario Saric (joining the Sixers for 2016-17 season) enjoyed great Olympic runs, boding well for expectations in the coming years. Croatia also will count on Dragan Bender (third overall pick of 2016 NBA Draft), who will be a huge addition to the team.
Always a reason to smile in Brazil
Although host Brazil didn’t place well in this year’s Olympics, the future is bright for Brazil hoops. Bitter farewells were bid for NBA veterans Leandrinho Barbosa and Nene Hilario, but with up-and-comers Bruno Caboclo, Lucas Nogeuira, Christiano Felicio, and Raulzinho Neto ready to take charge, Ruben Magnano’s squad should be in fine hands.
