SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Grant Hill breaks ankle, loses spot on ‘Dream Team’ to Abdur-Rahim

NBA players started playing basketball in the Olympics back in 1992 with the U.S. Dream Team, led by point guard Magic Johnson, guard Michael Jordan, and forward Larry Bird. Those three would dominate the rest of the world on their way to a gold medal. This foundation would establish an annual system for creating teams of NBA players to participate in the Olympics. And in 2000, Grant Hill was going to be a part of that next generation of players.

Then Detroit Piston Grant Hill, left, answers questions during a news conference as head coach George Irvine listens Wednesday, April 26, 2000, in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Hill fractured his left ankle the day before at Miami. Photo credit: Duane Burleson, The Associated Press
Then Detroit Piston Grant Hill, left, answers questions during a news conference as head coach George Irvine listens Wednesday, April 26, 2000, in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Hill fractured his left ankle the day before at Miami. Photo credit: Duane Burleson, The Associated Press

Unfortunately, Hill would end up breaking his ankle in the NBA playoffs that year and
was unable to participate in the Olympics. So, Vancouver’s Shareef Abdur-
Rahim was selected to replace Hill. Abdur-Rahim would join the team and play in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, where the United States would win another gold medal.

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