Kawhi Leonard (Photo: X/@_MLBasketball)
USA Basketball was resolved not to let that happen again, especially with the Olympics quickly approaching. Team USA didn’t even receive a medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Superstars from all around the league have shown interest in competing in Paris this summer, and Team USA has reportedly already selected the 12 players it plans to send with them. This information comes from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Remarkably, with the exception of Embiid and Leonard, every player on this roster represented Team USA in a significant international tournament. Playing for Team USA, James, Durant, Tatum, Booker, Holiday, Adebayo, and Davis have all won gold medals at the Olympics. Curry, Edwards, and Haliburton are all former World Cup players.
Reducing the Olympic field for 2024 was a very challenging undertaking. Almost a single All-Star who discussed the matter on the record basically stated that they would participate if asked. Interestingly, Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers, who isn’t on this original roster, was one among the players who said he would play if given the chance. There are just more players that can play than there are spots on the roster.
Team USA may have to select players from a wider pool if they advance to the playoffs. There could be openings if any of the 12 Team USA selections get injured because they are all currently on NBA postseason teams. Earlier in the season, Team USA named 41 players to its pool of potential choices.
Compared to Team USA, all of these teams have a great deal more continuity and FIBA system experience. In order to compete, managing director Grant Hill and coach Steve Kerr had to assemble the strongest roster possible, and this squad has undoubtedly done so based just on star power.
Below is the Team USA roster for the Olympics 2024, as per CBS Sports report:
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, Kawhi Leonard