'The Dream Team' Documentary: 2012 Team Needs Legendary Tale for Motivation

No one is expecting the US's 2012 Olympic basketball team to resemble the 1992 version in any way, shape or form.

That is what makes it the perfect time to debut a documentary about that legendary team's quest for the gold medal.

Now that we've arrived at the 20th anniversary of the 1992 team's surreal accomplishment in Barcelona, it's time to start thinking about how to replicate that effort with the 2012 edition. It won't be easy. There doesn't seem to be any air of urgency, passion or feeling surrounding the quest for a gold medal in basketball this summer.

The US' still to-be-determined roster is likely going to be missing a lot of star power—it will be without the likes of Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard because of injury, but it seems like others just don't want to play. It feels like no one really cares about playing in the Olympics. They want their offseason rest; they need a chance to rehabilitate in time for next season.

It's understandable, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is a chance for some of the world's greatest players to play together, on one team, with one goal. This could be exciting, but instead it's an afterthought.

The Dream Team has the potential to rejuvenate the US in time for London 2012. It has the potential to remind us all about the magic that comes with winning a gold. This documentary could be the next Miracle. As executive producer Danny Meiseles told the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson:

"

We knew we were sitting on a gold mine. Our goal was finally to tell the comprehensive story of one of the greatest teams ever collected. … You wouldn't have the Dirk Nowitzkis and Tony Parkers of the world if you didn't have the Dream Team.

"

The documentary tells the story of the squad that won it all in Barcelona with the help of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, John Stockton and Karl Malone. Under normal circumstances, they're the fiercest of rivals, but for that short period of time, they were a team—the best possible team. Not only was it a treat for the fans to watch, but it was a treat for the players to step onto the court with such an unthinkably dominant roster.

But this summer, it seems like no one wants to play. Are LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh going to want to partake after making it all the way to the NBA Finals, with less than a month off before training begins in Las Vegas on July 5? What about Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook?

Given all of the hype and hubbub surrounding the NBA Finals, it's hard to remember there's anything that comes after it, but the Olympics can be just as exciting. It's our only chance to see the league's fiercest rivals come together as a team and accomplish something we'll remember forever, like the 1992 team did.

Maybe remembering what the Dream Team did will rekindle the desire to pull off something amazing in London this summer. Playing in the Olympics might not get Carmelo, LeBron or Durant a championship, but a gold medal could be even better.

These guys have plenty of time to rest when they're old. Right now, they have a chance to accomplish something great, and they may never get that chance again.

The Dream Team airs at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, on NBA TV.