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The Paris 2024 Olympics have concluded; as expected, the United States returned home with a gold medal. When asked to name the star-studded team, LeBron responded, “The Avengers.” This name stuck seamlessly and has followed the team on the internet, inspiring timeless memes, graphics, and TikTok edits. As a big Marvel nerd, I was excited to see my two favorite things collide. Imagine casting these 12 Olympic champions as characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Lebron James – Captain America
It’s only natural for LeBron to embody the role of Captain America. Throughout the Olympics, the 39-year-old veteran exhibited exceptional leadership and, in a manner reminiscent of Captain America, he did whatever it took to ensure victories. Much like Steve Rogers, people speculate whether LeBron has received the super soldier serum, as he shows no signs of slowing down.
Stephen Curry – Hawkeye
Boy, oh boy, Stephen Curry! What else could we say about this man? He’s already established himself as the greatest shooter of all time. And when the US needed it most, they called on their ace archer, Curry, to deliver the bullseye right to France. In typical Clint Barton fashion, he let them hear about it. Hawkeye always showcases his heroic spirit, which the chef always brings.
Kevin Durant- Deadpool
It might seem strange to compare Kevin Durant to Wade Wilson, but when you think about it, Deadpool is a Mutant who excels at all levels of combat, much like Durant excels at all levels of basketball. Additionally, Wade Wilson is known as the Merc with the Mouth, and Durant is no stranger to trash-talking on the court and even to fans on social media. Lastly, the fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero is immortal. While Kevin Durant might not be immortal, his offensive creativity and Olympic play will be remembered long after he retires from basketball.
Joel Embiid – Loki
Joel Embiid is the perfect fit for Loki, the God of Mischief, whose powers include sorcery and deception, which align with Joel’s raw talent and trolling. In Loki’s storylines, he often helps heroes initially. Still, he ultimately turns against them, similar to how Embiid initially claimed to play for the French national team but quickly decided to play for the United States. Ultimately, both Loki and Embiid aspire to be kings, and Embiid proves himself by becoming an Olympic champion.
Anthony Davis – Hulk
The Hulk is a man/beast who, when angry, turns into an uncontrollable monster. This mirrors Anthony Davis in a lot of ways. In some games, AD is merely Bruce Banner, the soft scientist whose brains can get him out of the situation. Like Davis, with his natural talents, he can easily coast by. But when he’s locked in and playing with purpose, there aren’t many players in the world better, and that’s what I call the Hulk.
Anthony Edwards- Ant-Man
I mean, cmon, it’s his name. But if we are looking for a connection, I can say Ant-Man’s ability to size-shift is comparable to Edwards’ athletic ability and can easily be used to sway momentum to your side of the battle.
Devin Booker – Iron Man
Okay, look, I know what you’re thinking, bro. How? Let me explain. Tony Stark built a suit from sheet metal in a cave, a true struggle, just like when Devin Booker first arrived in Phoenix. In the MCU, Iron Man, even though it’s not his style to make sacrifices, he laid his life on the line against Thanos, which changed the public perception of who Stark was. Similarly, Booker reduced and shrunk his role for the betterment of Team USA in the same fashion, changing public perception of him and showing that he would do anything to ensure victory.
Bam Adebayo- The Thing (Fantastic Four)
Ben Grimm is a humorous and cool guy who is the pillar of the Fantastic Four. However, he is also the enforcer and powerhouse of the group. During the Olympics, Bam Adebayo displayed remarkable strength and excellent defense, making you believe it was “Clobberin Time” every time he entered a game.
Jayson Tatum- Thor
Thor was deemed unworthy of his position in Asgard and exiled to Earth. However, he rebuilt himself and reclaimed the title of the God of Thunder. Similarly, when Boston drafted Tatum, Jayson could immediately become a key player for the team. Despite his youth, he worked hard to become the influential figure he is today – a prince of Boston. While Thor is recognized as a powerful and one of the strongest Avengers, there are times when he does not join the battles. Unfortunately for Tatum, he was in a similar situation in the Olympics.
Jrue Holiday- Black Panther
I could see Jrue Holiday as the leader of a secret country; he’s such a cool guy. I compare Jrue to T’Challa based on how they carry themselves as veterans and leaders and do things correctly. Jrue is an exceptional defender and the team’s Swiss army knife. He contributed so much to the Gold Medal in Paris, much like how the Black Panther and Wakanda do for the MCU.
Derrick White – Vision
The Vision is a complex android with superpowers and a valuable asset in defeating Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Similarly, Derrick White is a basketball player with exceptional abilities. He consistently makes the right plays and is deployed by Coach Kerr like his version of Vision, particularly during games in Paris.
Tyrese Haliburton – Spiderman
I’m going to base this strictly on Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. In Tom’s first installment in the MCU, “Homecoming,” all Peter wanted to do was be an Avenger after teaming with Iron Man in “Civil War.” However, he later realized that being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is just as valuable. He’s just happy to be there when he is tasked with the Avengers. Similarly, the Neighborhood Hero in Indiana, who’s not named Clark, is Tyrese Haliburton. He received an invitation to Paris, and although he didn’t play much, he was a class act and was happy to be there.
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