After the superstar filled “Redeem Team” cruised to an Olympic gold medal in the summer of 2008, their wasn’t much optimism for the team set to compete in this summer’s FIBA World Championships. Considered a “B-Team” by some, this group of players was highlighted by budding superstar Kevin Durant and carried seven players with four or less years of NBA experience. Of the team’s 12 players, only two had championship rings and only one had multiple – Lamar Odom. Although Durant was the face of the team, Lamar was it’s vocal leader and role model.
Never in his NBA career had Lamar been given so much responsibility, and now, he was the one players listened to and learned from. However, this wasn’t all by force; Lamar took the newfound role in stride and although he wasn’t putting up tons of points, he was helping the team by crashing glass, pushing the ball up the court and providing the leadership that was absolutely necessary for the team to take home first place.
Next: This Year