Lakers star Anthony Davis was overlooked for FIBA’s Best Defensive Player award, but his vital role in Team USA’s gold medal run was undeniable.
In the world of international basketball, awards often stir up plenty of debate—and the 2024 Paris Olympics were no exception. Los Angeles Lakers All-Star center Anthony Davis, renowned for his defensive prowess, was notably absent from the list of FIBA’s Best Defensive Player honorees. The accolade, instead, went to Serbia’s Aleksa Avramovic. Yes, the very same Avramovic who, despite being Serbia’s third wheel behind stars Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, managed to snag 10 steals over the course of the tournament.
Avramovic, averaging 19.9 minutes per game, carved out a niche as a defensive specialist, but it’s worth noting that Davis’s impact on Team USA was nothing short of monumental—though it didn’t always make headlines.
While LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant drew most of the media’s spotlight with their explosive performances, Davis’s crucial contributions were more understated but no less significant. His role was often compared to a stealthy ninja on defense, working behind the scenes to secure Team USA’s gold medal.
In terms of numbers, Davis averaged 8.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. But his influence was felt most when it mattered most: in the paint. Davis played a key role in neutralizing France’s rising star, Victor Wembanyama, during the team’s victory, and was instrumental in slowing down the formidable Nikola Jokic in the semifinals.
Despite not lighting up the scoreboard like Curry—who scored a near-record 36 points in a comeback win—or grabbing the MVP spotlight like James, Davis’s defensive contributions were crucial. This wasn’t the first face-off between Davis and Jokic; however, this matchup carried the weight of international stakes.
Team USA’s coach, Steve Kerr, praised the game as one of the greatest he’s ever been a part of, acknowledging the intense competition and the critical role played by Davis. “Serbia was brilliant today, and I am really humbled to have been a part of this game,” Kerr told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
Andre Iguodala, an NBA defensive great and Olympic gold medalist, singled out Davis and Devin Booker as the unsung heroes of Team USA’s successful campaign. Their performances, though perhaps overshadowed by flashier stats, demonstrated a depth and resilience that were crucial to the team’s success.
For Lakers fans, this snub might sting a bit, but it also serves as a reminder of Davis’s significant role in international play. As an All-Defensive First Teamer for the 2023-24 season, Lakers fans should be hopeful that Davis’s Paris performance is just a prelude to an even more dominant NBA season.