Olympic gold medallist Grant Hill, managing director of Team USA, transitioned from playing for his nation to choosing athletes for future Olympics. Hill got the chance to speak with LeBron James at the first session for Team USA.
He was astounded to see a 39-year-old Bron acting in ways that someone his age would naturally do. In an interview with Rachel Nichols regarding the first team practice, Hill expressed his thoughts on seeing the Lakers star perform at such a high level of ability and with complete ease. He said,
“He came in at 39 and a half, in the best shape. I mean, he was flying around. First day of practice, we’re scripting a lot of the offense, we’re not going live. He might’ve dunked the ball 20 times in practice and just dunking hard, going hard.”
Grant Hill played until he was 40, but as he told us in Open Run, he didn’t have quiiiiiite the hops LeBron has at 39. Very cool story here from Grant about how locked LeBron has been on this Olympic team since Day 1. pic.twitter.com/aO7no7gtE4
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 9, 2024
Grant Hill Speaks About LeBron James’s fitness
Astonished by his physical prowess, Hill had to inform Bron about his advanced age and what remained in his tank for the rest of the season, even though he was almost 40 years old. He said,
“So, the next day at breakfast, I went up to him and I said, ‘LeBron when I was 39 and a half and I played in the league, I knew I only had 20 good jumps for the whole season. And I didn’t waste them in practice. And you did 20 jumps, good jumps yesterday.’”
When Bron was told how his body prevented him from simply leaping off the floor, the four-time NBA champion was left inconsolable and giggling. And at breakfast, the two had a conversation.
Hill also emphasized the degree of consistency James has shown both throughout Team USA sessions and across the years. James was the first person there, usually on time, and would spend hours in the weight room among other things.
Hill also praised his ability to lead in a star-studded environment.
He was able to observe firsthand how he led a squad after seeing his skills on the court.
And because he has supported Team USA so many times at these Olympics in Paris, Bron—who is 39 years old and soon to turn 40—is undoubtedly the best player on the roster.
