Gary Payton has never been shy about speaking his mind, and his latest comments about the 1996 Olympics have added another layer to his legendary reputation. Reflecting on his time with Dream Team 2, the Hall of Famer shared details about the team’s off-court activities and unwavering dominance on the court.
During an appearance on the Knuckleheads Podcast, Payton recalled how the squad maintained an intense nightlife while still overpowering every opponent they faced. “We were out every night in the strip club and blowing every team out,” he said, via HoopsHype, emphasizing how little the late-night outings affected their performance.
The 1996 U.S. men’s basketball team, often referred to as Dream Team 2, was stacked with stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Karl Malone. Despite their off-court distractions, they cruised through the tournament, winning all eight of their games by an average margin of 31.8 points.
Unlike the original Dream Team from 1992, which featured Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, the 1996 roster was a mix of returning legends and new-generation superstars. Payton believed that Dream Team 2 could have beaten their predecessors, citing their blend of youth and experience.
“Absolutely,” Payton said when asked if they could have defeated the original Dream Team. “They were older, come on, man! And then we took six of their Dream Team 1 guys and put them on our team.”
The defensive-minded point guard also pointed out that some players from the qualifying tournament, including Shawn Kemp and Derrick Coleman, didn’t make the final Olympic roster due to off-court issues. Payton suggested that the team’s composition ultimately benefited from those decisions.
While the 1996 squad might not receive the same level of recognition as the 1992 team, their dominance was undeniable. Led by head coach Lenny Wilkens, Dream Team 2 swept through the Atlanta Olympics, capturing the gold medal with ease.
