One of the biggest subplots of the Paris Olympic cycle was the not-so-random rivalry between United States sprinter Noah Lyles and select NBA players.
While no NBA players explicitly stated that they had an issue with Lyles at the Olympics, the tension between the parties has been and remains palpable. Leave it to Knicks do-it-all wing Josh Hart to clarify his stance by saying the quiet part out loud.
On the "Roommates" podcast alongside his New York — and college — teammate Jalen Brunson, Hart opened up on exactly how he felt about Lyles during the Olympics.
Here's more on Hart's desire to see Lyles come up short in Paris.
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Josh Hart explains why he wanted Noah Lyles to lose in Olympics
"I feel like for most of these Olympics, I was very patriotic, I wanted Team USA to win gold in almost every event," Hart began. Before Hart could continue, Brunson interjected, initially playing the role of peacemaker before displaying elite instigation skills.
"You can save yourself and just let it slide," Brunson said. "Just keep it pushing, bro, there's no reason … But if you were going to continue your statement, what would you have said?"
That inquiry was all Hart needed to open up.
"I really wanted him to lose. I really wanted him to lose, boy. I feel like this was the first time all of NBA Twitter, like, banded together and was just hating. I was just hating and then I'm just like, 'Damn, you know what, respect.' I can't even hate anymore."
“I really wanted him to lose.” 😅
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2024
- Josh Hart on Noah Lyles
(Via @Roommates__Show / https://t.co/rgqcqEELxR) pic.twitter.com/R5UUQ9HPHB
Hart never mentions Lyles by name but the clip features photos of the sprinter during Hart's explanation. His recap is also consistent with the course of the Olympics, as Lyles pulled off a surprising victory to take home 100-meter gold after a photo finish.
Plus, the mention of NBA Twitter banding together is consistent with the feelings that a large contingent of the basketball community feels toward Lyles.
MORE: Noah Lyles 'world champion' controversy, explained
Why do NBA players not like Noah Lyles?
In August 2023, Lyles seemingly went out of his way to express his displeasure with the fact that some NBA teams call themselves "world champions" after winning the NBA Finals.
Lyles was animated in his statement, saying that the NBA's world champion assertion "hurts me the most." He aimed to make a point that he believes an individual or group must compete on an international stage to be a world champion
As a sprinter, Lyles' comments uplifted his own standing as a champion because of the nature of international track and field events.
"I love the U.S... but that ain't the world!" ❌
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 27, 2023
Noah Lyles throws shade at the NBA's 'world champions' 🏀👀 pic.twitter.com/BRCJagckcK
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In response to Lyles' initial statements, NBA champions Kevin Durant and Aaron Gordon had plenty to say, as did now-two-time Olympic gold medalist Devin Booker.
Lyles' perceived attempt to discredit the achievements of NBA players made him an enemy of NBA fans on social media, as Hart alluded to. While most NBA fans are divided over their favorite players and teams, most seemingly took issue with Lyles' assertion and held it against him.
If nothing else, Hart is fair. After Lyles' win in the 100-meter final, the Knicks wing said Lyles "can talk for life" while quoting a post from an NBA fan cheering against the sprinter.
Lol na he an Olympic gold medalist. He can talk for life 😂 https://t.co/f18joDmXRj
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) August 4, 2024
Lyles may not ever emerge from being an enemy of NBA Twitter, but there is at least an element of respect for his excellence.
