During the 2024 Paris Olympics, New York Knicks guard Josh Hart expressed his overwhelming sense of patriotism for Team USA, except for one athlete that he hoped would go home empty-handed. Speaking on the “Roommates Show” podcast with teammate Jalen Brunson, Hart admitted to rooting against American track star Noah Lyles, who had made controversial comments about NBA players not being true world champions. Despite Lyles winning gold in the men’s 100-meter sprint, he settled for bronze in the 200-meter final after contracting COVID-19. This apparent beef between Lyles and Hart stemmed from Lyles’ remarks about NBA players not being true world champions, leading to lingering animosity.
The comments made by Lyles about NBA players not being true world champions did not sit well with the NBA community, including Josh Hart, who was still holding onto those feelings during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lyles received backlash for his comments, but he still managed to win the United States’ first gold medal in the men’s 100m since 2004. Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team continued their dominance, securing a fifth-straight gold medal and their 17th gold medal in 20 Olympics. Despite Team USA’s overall success at the Olympics, the tension between Lyles and some NBA players, particularly Hart, persisted throughout the games.
The rivalry between Hart and Lyles dates back to Lyles’ comments about NBA players not being true world champions after his three gold medals in the 2023 world championships. Lyles questioned whether NBA players, who are labeled as world champions, truly deserve that title when they compete only in the United States. This sentiment sparked controversy within the NBA community, with many feeling offended by Lyles’ remarks. Hart’s admission of rooting against Lyles during the Olympics highlighted the lasting impact of those comments on their relationship.
Despite his success in the men’s 100-meter sprint, Lyles faced disappointment in the men’s 200-meter final after contracting COVID-19, which ended his Olympic journey with a bronze medal. Hart openly admitted his desire for Lyles to lose during the Olympics, reflecting a sense of animosity towards the track star due to his previous comments about NBA players. This tension between the two athletes added a layer of drama to the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the personal dynamics and rivalries that can exist within Team USA.
The podcast conversation between Hart and Brunson shed light on Hart’s conflicting feelings during the Olympics, where his sense of patriotism clashed with his personal animosity towards Lyles. Although Hart initially wanted to keep his feelings about Lyles to himself, Brunson encouraged him to share his true thoughts, revealing the underlying tension between the two athletes. Despite the success of Team USA overall at the Olympics, the ongoing feud between Hart and Lyles added a layer of drama and intrigue to the sporting event, capturing the attention of fans and spectators alike.
In the end, the 2024 Paris Olympics were marked by Team USA’s continued success in various events, including the men’s basketball team winning a fifth-straight gold medal. While Noah Lyles managed to secure a gold medal in the men’s 100-meter sprint, his journey was also clouded by controversy, particularly his previous comments about NBA players. The lingering tension between Lyles and some NBA players, such as Josh Hart, added a personal element to the games, showcasing the complex dynamics and rivalries that can exist within Team USA despite their collective achievements on the international stage.
