The debate will continue to rage every four years. Is the current Team USA men's basketball squad better than the original Dream Team formed in 1992 to start a string of dominating American performances. Whether it was 2004, 2008 or this year, the question is always asked. Now Kobe Bryant, a man with significant international experience, is backing off earlier comments that the current team is better by clarifying his remarks made earlier this summer.
"I didn't say we were a better team," Bryant said. "But if you think we can't beat that team one time? Like I'm going to say no, that we'd never beat them. They are a better team. The question was 'Can we beat them?' Yes we can. Of course we can."
The current USA roster is anchored by high scorers Kevin Durant and LeBron James along with several others. However, the team's lack of size might be what sets them apart from Michael Jordan and company.
"The fact is, they have [Patrick] Ewing and [David] Robinson and those big guys, it's tough," Bryant added. "If you're asking me, 'Can you beat them one game?' Hell yeah, we can beat them in one game. You didn't ask me if we could beat them in a 7-game series. In one game, we can beat them. No question about it."
Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SB Nation Olympic hub page.