BEIJING - It wasn't so much the way the U.S. men's basketball team played in its 118-107 gold-medal win over Spain that proved how deeply these NBA superstars cared about the Olympics, although certainly their intensity against the talented Spaniards spoke volumes.

But even more telling was the way this collection of U.S. multi-millionaires behaved away from the court the past two weeks and during Sunday's medal ceremony – with a level of grace, class, and downright sentimentality that had been lacking in so-called Dream Teams of the past. Despite a combined annual income of roughly $500 million, these 12 players did not act like they were too cool to be here. Quite the contrary.

U.S. players made it a point to visit the village often and mingle with rowers and gymnasts. They woke up early to see Michael Phelps swim, and sheepishly asked him to pose with them for photos. They not only showed up to watch the U.S. women's basketball team every time they played, but they gave retiring four-time gold medalist Lisa Leslie a standing ovation as she exited her final game Friday night. » read more