Clyde Drexler: Team USA shouldn’t take anything for granted

July 24, 2012; Barcelona, SPAIN; USA former players Clyde Drexler (left) and David Robinson are introduced during an exhibition game against Spain in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Palau Sant Jordi. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

As the banter continues on the issue of The Dream Team vs. The (Potential) New Dream Team, we are becoming caught up with a comparison that is irrelevant in hindsight.

LeBron James and company aren’t vying for supremacy over Michael Jordan. Their actual goal is to defeat their competition so they can, you know, win a gold medal.

It’s that simple. Clyde Drexler, who was the 11th player selected for the legendary ’92 edition, advises this years squad to keep a level head and not take anything for granted.

“The great mistake of the United States will (be to) take things for granted and think their work is already     done,” Drexler said. “They are the best … and there are tough rivals such as Brazil or Argentina. And, of     course, the great rival of the United States: Spain, which has a team full of talent that has shown how well     they can play basketball.”

Drexler also addressed the historical significance of the ’92 team.

“I feel real privileged for being able to live and being able to join them,” Drexler said. “I think (we) changed     the history of basketball and sports, but I’ll be honest: at that point, in the day to day preparation, training     and parties you were not aware that we were making history. With the passage of time … you realize how     magical it was, what was unique.”