USA Basketball Finalizes Roster for Olympics as Americans Try to Regain Glory After World Cup Disaster
After USA Basketball was eliminated during last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines by Germany, the team wants redemption and is fielding an All-Star roster for the Olympics, with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard completing the roster in one of the most star-studded Team USA squads ever assembled.
The 12-player USA Basketball roster will be headlined by some of the biggest names in basketball, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, and Tyrese Haliburton.
CBS Sports pointed out that these are only the reported members. The roster also includes Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Bam Adebayo. Each one of those listed is all All-Stars.
Before this, pretty much every American All-Star stated that they would like to play for USA Basketball for the 2024 Paris Olympics if they were given the chance, including Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George who suggested that he would play in Paris if given the opportunity. However, he was not listed on this initial roster as the competition as to who gets to represent the flag and country was just too much.
There were several stars who were not able to make it to Team USA this year, including Jarrett Allen, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Scottie Barnes, Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, Alex Caruso, De'Aaron Fox, Paul George, Aaron Gordon, James Harden, Josh Hart, Tyler Herro, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Ingram Kyrie Irving, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Derrick White, and Trae Young.
Kawhi Leonard Was the Last Person Selected To Play for USA Basketball in the Paris Olympics
USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill personally met with most of the 12 men selected to represent the United States at the Olympics but may have met a road bump with Kawhi Leonard's commitment to join.
However, sources have told CNN that "Team USA officials were able to firm up Leonard's acceptance to join the roster for Paris" on Tuesday, completing the all-star roster that seeks to redeem the Americans after that humiliating loss in the Philippines at the World Cup against eventual champions, Germany.
As for the man heading this team of large egos, it will be Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, who is no stranger to handling all-star players who want the spotlight.
Other NBA Players Really Wanted to Play for USA Basketball for the Olympics
With Kawhi Leonard's inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympic team, this meant that many others got snubbed, including players who really wanted to make it to the team, such as Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., who previously played for USA Basketball for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup team that won 4th place.
"If I get the call, I'm there," the Memphis Grizzlies star previously said. He, Jalen Brunson, and Paul George are considered some of the most notable omissions from this year's all-star Olympic roster, according to Sports Illustrated.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: FIRST TAKE | Stephen A. reacts to USA basketball roster for Paris Olympics to feature LeBron, Curry - Gaming Fact
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