Kendrick Perkins Confident in Team USA's Big Men Ahead of Gold Medal Match Against France

As Team USA prepares to face France in the 2024 Paris Olympic Men's Basketball Gold Medal match, basketball analyst Kendrick Perkins has expressed strong confidence in the American team's ability to neutralize France's star player, Victor Wembanyama, and secure a fifth consecutive gold medal.

On ESPN’s First Take, Perkins acknowledged the strength of France's roster, which defied expectations by defeating Canada and Germany in the knockout stages. However, he remains convinced that Team USA's depth and talent, particularly among their big men—Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Joel Embiid—give them a decisive edge.

“I ain’t worried about it one bit,” Perkins said. “Victor Wembanyama… He has had his ups and downs. When you look at the bigs that we have in Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Joel Embiid, they are gonna do a great job of neutralizing him… At the end of the day, Team USA is just too talented across the board.”

Perkins' confidence is not unfounded. Team USA’s roster is stacked with NBA champions and All-Stars, and their ability to perform under pressure was evident in their recent semi-final win against Serbia. The team overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to clinch a 95-91 victory, showcasing their resilience and depth.

When it comes to handling Wembanyama, Perkins believes the American big men have what it takes. The last time Wembanyama faced Joel Embiid, the young Frenchman scored 33 points, but Embiid’s dominant performance, with a double-double of 70 points and 18 rebounds, highlighted the skill gap between the two.

Additionally, Team USA's defensive prowess extends beyond the frontcourt. Players like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, both known for their defensive capabilities, are expected to play crucial roles in containing France’s other key player, Evan Fournier. Head coach Steve Kerr might deploy this defensive duo together to neutralize France's offensive threats and protect any leads during the game.

While France has thrived as underdogs in the knockout rounds, the challenge of facing a deep and experienced Team USA squad will be formidable. As the gold medal match approaches, both teams and their fans eagerly await what promises to be an intense and competitive final.