Because the Summer Olympics only take place every four years, not many players have won both an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year. Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White are aiming to accomplish that feat at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The trio, along with NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, led the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA championship in June, and now the trio will try to lead Team USA to their fifth Olympic gold medal.
Here are some players who won both an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal in the same summer.
Note: NBA players weren't allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1992.
Michael Jordan – 1992
NBA Finals vs. Portland Trail Blazers (The Chicago Bulls won the series 4-2 and Jordan was named Finals MVP)
1992 Barcelona Olympics
Scottie Pippen – 1992 and 1996
1992 NBA Finals vs. Trail Blazers (The Bulls won the series 4-2)
1992 Barcelona Olympics
1996 NBA Finals vs. Seattle SuperSonics (The Bulls won the series 4-2)
1996 Atlanta Olympics
LeBron James – 2012
NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (The Miami Heat won the series 4-1. James was named Finals MVP.)
London 2012 Olympics
Kyrie Irving – 2016
NBA Finals vs Golden State Warriors (The Cleveland Cavaliers won the series 4-3)
2016 Rio Olympics
Jrue Holiday – 2021
NBA Finals vs. Phoenix Suns (The Milwaukee Bucks won the series 4-2)
16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 2.2 steals
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Will be held in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic)
11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists
Khris Middleton – 2021
NBA Finals vs. Suns (Bucks win the series 4-2)
24.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Will be held in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic)
5.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Check out our ESPN Olympics hub page for the latest news, features, roster updates and more.
