The opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics is scheduled for Friday. LeBron James will soon add another milestone to his illustrious career as he has been selected to be the U.S. flag bearer. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer was chosen by his fellow American athletes to represent the United States at the Paris Games later this month.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said in a statement. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
James is joined by other notable NBA players who will also serve as flag bearers: Giannis Antetokounmpo will carry the flag for Greece, and Dennis Schroder will do so for Germany. All three will have the unique opportunity to lead their country’s delegation by boat, as this year’s opening ceremony will be held on the Seine River, which flows through the heart of Paris.
Here’s a look at notable NBA and WNBA players who have previously been Olympic flag bearers:
Carlos Arroyo, Puerto Rico (2004)
Arroyo, who spent a decade in the NBA, is remembered for leading Puerto Rico to an upset over Team USA at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He was also Puerto Rico’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
Miranda Ayim, Canada (2021)
Though Ayim’s WNBA career was brief, she was a prominent figure for the Canadian women’s national team. She became the first basketball player to carry the flag for Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sue Bird, USA (2021)
The WNBA’s all-time assists leader carried the flag for the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and contributed to Team USA’s seventh consecutive gold medal. Bird has five gold medals, the most by any basketball player in Olympic history.
Pau Gasol, Spain (2012)
Gasol led Spain as their flag bearer at the 2012 London Olympics and remains the only basketball player to have done so for Spain. He helped Spain secure a silver medal that year.
Andrew Gaze, Australia (2000)
Gaze led Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Despite a modest NBA career, Gaze was a dominant force in the NBL and remains its all-time leading scorer.
Manu Ginobili, Argentina (2008)
Ginobili, a key player in Argentina’s gold medal win at the 2004 Athens Olympics, was honored as the flag bearer for Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Rui Hachimura, Japan (2021)
Hachimura led Japan as their flag bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, marking the team’s first appearance since 1976. He is currently the only Japanese player in the NBA.
Lauren Jackson, Australia (2012)
Jackson, a four-time WNBA MVP and the leading scorer in Olympic women’s basketball history, was Australia’s flag bearer at the 2012 London Olympics, where she helped the team win bronze. She is competing in her fifth Olympics after coming out of retirement.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Lithuania (2008)
Jasikevicius, who had a significant career in European basketball, was Lithuania’s flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He was also part of the Lithuanian team that won bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Yi Jianlian, China (2012)
Yi, a prominent figure in Chinese basketball, was the flag bearer for China at the 2012 London Olympics. He has been a key player in China’s basketball scene.
Andrei Kirilenko, Russia (2012)
Kirilenko, a former NBA All-Star, was the flag bearer for Russia at the 2012 London Olympics, where Russia won the bronze medal.
Patty Mills, Australia (2021)
Mills, a significant player for Australia, became the first Indigenous Australian to carry the flag at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He also played a crucial role in Australia winning its first Olympic basketball medal.
Yao Ming, China (2004, 2008)
Yao Ming is the only basketball player to have been a flag bearer twice, first at the 2004 Athens Olympics and again at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He remains a key figure in Chinese basketball and currently serves as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Dirk Nowitzki, Germany (2008)
Nowitzki, a future Hall of Famer, was Germany’s flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Germany has only qualified for the Olympics seven times, with Nowitzki’s participation being one of their notable appearances.
Luis Scola, Argentina (2016)
Scola, a pivotal player in Argentina’s gold and bronze medal victories in 2004 and 2008 respectively, was honored as the flag bearer for Argentina at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Dawn Staley, USA (2004)
Staley, now a prominent coach, was the first basketball player to be the flag bearer for the United States at the 2004 Athens Olympics. She has since earned three gold medals during her playing career.
Sonja Vasic, Serbia (2021)
Vasic is the only basketball player to have been a flag bearer for Serbia, leading the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She previously helped Serbia win bronze at the 2016 Olympics.
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