How Team USA's Olympic Gold Medalists Have Fared in the 2024-2025 NBA Season

It’s been eight months since the U.S. men's basketball team clinched Olympic gold in Paris, marking a crowning achievement for head coach Steve Kerr and his squad of 12 NBA stars. The team spent a month and a half together, traveling across three countries for warm-up games and the main event. Their most thrilling moment came in the final, when they defeated France to secure the gold, despite a growing challenge from the host nation.

The emotions were raw as players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry showcased their talents on the world stage. After the gold medal was won, Kerr expressed the pride and sense of unity his team felt. “There’s something special about a five-week sprint, trying to come together with the group, nobody really caring about stats,” Kerr shared in an interview with NBA.com. “It’s very moving to have that feeling of, ‘Wow, we’re representing our country.’”

Now, as the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, we look at how the Olympic stars and their coach have fared since returning to their teams, grappling with injuries, evolving roles, and the pressures of the regular season. Here’s how they’re navigating the aftermath of their Olympic triumph:

Bam Adebayo

• Last Summer: Adebayo played a pivotal role in the paint for Team USA, partnering with Anthony Davis to provide a two-man wall against dominant international players like Serbia's Nikola Jokić and France's Victor Wembanyama.
  

• This Season: Unfortunately, Adebayo’s performance has seen some decline. His offensive numbers have dipped, and his Miami Heat team, which has relied more on Tyler Herro for scoring, is struggling. Adebayo is averaging fewer points and rebounds, and his shooting efficiency is down compared to last year.
  

Devin Booker

• Last Summer: Booker’s defense and playmaking were key surprises, showing he’s more than just a scorer. His ability to step up in critical moments earned praise from Kerr and his teammates.
  

• This Season: Booker has had a challenging year with the Suns. Phoenix is on the brink of missing the playoffs, a far cry from their gold medal run. Booker’s shooting efficiency has dropped, and he didn’t make the All-Star team, despite his undeniable skill on the court.
  

Stephen Curry

• Last Summer: Curry’s gold medal-winning shot in the final against France remains one of the most iconic moments of his career. It capped off a spectacular Olympic performance and solidified his place as one of basketball's greatest.
  

• This Season: Curry started the season slow, but after the holidays, he found his rhythm again. He recently surpassed the 4,000 mark for three-pointers made, further cementing his legacy. Despite the Warriors’ up-and-down performance, Curry has continued to deliver with his trademark shooting.
  

Anthony Davis

• Last Summer: Davis was a defensive force for Team USA, playing a vital role in both offense and defense. His versatility stood out, especially when he came off the bench for some key stretches.
  

• This Season: Davis had an explosive start to the season, even drawing early MVP talk. However, after a trade to Dallas, he suffered a tough injury and has struggled to stay consistent. His future with the Mavericks seems uncertain, though he had a strong performance on Wednesday night.
  

Kevin Durant

• Last Summer: Durant improved throughout the Olympics and became one of the tournament's best players. His contributions in the medal rounds were crucial for the U.S. team.
  

• This Season: Like Booker, Durant is facing a tough year with the Suns. Despite still playing at an All-Star level, Phoenix's struggles raise questions about his future with the team. Durant’s time in Phoenix could be coming to an end, and his postseason fate is uncertain.
  

Anthony Edwards

• Last Summer: Edwards emerged as a key player for Team USA, showing his confidence and ability to score. He was a dynamic presence on the floor, and his development was noticeable as he spent time learning from veterans like Durant.
  

• This Season: Edwards has continued to develop as one of the top young players in the league. He’s become a top-five scorer and is leading the Minnesota Timberwolves toward a playoff berth. His three-point shooting is at a record pace, showcasing his growth as an all-around player.
  

Joel Embiid

• Last Summer: Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA over France was controversial, especially as he battled injuries heading into the tournament. Despite concerns, he performed well during the Olympics and played a crucial role in the final stages.
  

• This Season: Embiid’s struggles with knee injuries have carried over into the NBA season, where he’s been sidelined for significant stretches. The Sixers shut him down for the remainder of the season due to persistent issues, leaving many to wonder if his participation in the Olympics may have contributed to his injury woes.
  

Tyrese Haliburton

• Last Summer: Haliburton had limited playing time during the Olympics but proved to be a solid contributor when called upon. His passing and court vision were assets to the team.
  

• This Season: Haliburton initially struggled with his form, but by January, he regained his rhythm. Despite not making the All-Star team, he’s become one of the best playmakers in the league, continuing to show his potential.
  

Jrue Holiday

• Last Summer: Holiday provided solid defense and steady play as a starter for Team USA. He wasn’t flashy but was always reliable in key moments.
  

• This Season: At 34, Holiday is beginning to show signs of decline. His statistics are at career lows, but the Boston Celtics still value his contributions, especially his defense, as they look to make a deep postseason run.
  

LeBron James

• Last Summer: James proved to be the best player for Team USA, showing his versatility and defying his age with impressive performances throughout the tournament. However, he showed signs of fatigue in the final moments of the gold medal game.
  

• This Season: Now at 40 years old, James continues to be a marvel of athleticism. He’s playing at an MVP-caliber level, leading the Lakers in both scoring and assists. He’s showing no signs of slowing down, a rarity for players of his age.
  

Kawhi Leonard

• Last Summer: Leonard was initially selected for Team USA but had to pull out due to injury concerns. His absence left a gap for other players to step up.
  

• This Season: Leonard’s return to action has been slow, with limited minutes early in the season. However, he has found his form and remains one of the league’s premier players when healthy.
  

Jayson Tatum

• Last Summer: Tatum had a mixed Olympic experience, often benched for extended periods. His frustration was evident, but he contributed when it mattered most.
  

• This Season: Tatum is playing MVP-level basketball, making a strong case for All-NBA honors. He’s been the focal point for the Boston Celtics and continues to improve in every aspect of his game.
  

Derrick White

• Last Summer: White was a late addition to Team USA, replacing Leonard. His defensive abilities and high basketball IQ made him an invaluable part of the squad.
  

• This Season: White has been a key contributor for the Celtics, especially since the All-Star break. He’s averaging 19 points and nearly five rebounds and assists per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s top supporting players.
  

Coach Steve Kerr

• Last Summer: Kerr faced criticism for some of his rotation decisions, particularly his handling of Tatum. However, Curry’s clutch performances in the gold medal game helped bail him out.
  

• This Season: Kerr has solidified his place in Warriors’ history as the winningest coach in franchise history. Despite early struggles, the Warriors are on track for a potential playoff spot, and Kerr’s leadership has been instrumental in their turnaround.
  

As the NBA season progresses, these Olympians continue to play pivotal roles for their teams. Whether they are aging legends like LeBron James or rising stars like Anthony Edwards, the legacy of the 2024 Olympic gold medal win still looms large over their individual performances.