Shams Charania revealed the names of the 11 players who will play for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The team looks stacked enough, but one spot remains to be filled. Let’s look at the stacked list of 30 NBA players who will compete for the final remaining spot on the roster.
1. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
2. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
3. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
4. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
5. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
6. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Paul George, LA Clippers
8. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
9. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
10. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
11. Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
12. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
13. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
14. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
15. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
16. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
17. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
18. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
19. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
20. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
21. James Harden, LA Clippers
22. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
23. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
24. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
25. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
26. Austin Reaves, LA Lakers
27. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
28. D’Angelo Russell, LA Lakers
29. Josh Hart, New York Knicks
30. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Even though the world has woken up to basketball and the league’s best players are international stars, the depth of talent that Team USA can rely upon is incredible. While the list is always extensive to evaluate all possible candidates, only one player will see his name added to the dossier for the 2024 Olympics.
There isn’t a consistent selection criteria we can look at to be sure of what the team will target. Last Olympics, they brought along players like Keldon Johnson to the Olympics, with Walker Kessler going to the FIBA World Cup as well after his rookie season. They could go for youth that could one-day lead Team USA or predictably select one of the All-Star caliber still available in the selection pool.
Who Is The Favorite For The Last Spot On Team USA?
Team USA for the 2024 Olympics is shaping up to be the final chance for the defining faces of this generation to team up together.
The team is headlined by the presence of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. This will also lead to Joel Embiid’s debut for Team USA, along with an All-Star center duo of Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo. Young stars such as Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Anthony Edwards are also present, along with the veteran presence of Jrue Holiday.
Given the presence of many NBA stars who likely won’t be around for the 2028 Olympics, there are two clear favorites for the final spot. The first is Kawhi Leonard, but Leonard’s status for the 2024 Playoffs is up in the air due to knee swelling. If Leonard isn’t healthy, he won’t put his name in for consideration, let alone actually travel with the team.
The other favorite should be Kyrie Irving, who’s having a sensational season with the Mavericks, averaging 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Kyrie’s controversial past might have led to his absence, but the former gold medal winner has expressed his interest in being considered.
The best player this season to be left off the list is Jalen Brunson, who also played in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. While many of his teammates from last year, such as Bridges, Edwards, and Haliburton, will also be in the Olympics, it seems Jalen will have to earn his spot over the playoffs.
Jaylen Brown and Donovan Mitchell are two more great options that could be considered for Team USA, especially with their off-ball ability and willingness to be defenders. With Embiid, Davis, and Adebayo, another center likely won’t make the cut but Chet Holmgren should be in consideration given his youth and possible status as the future center for Team USA.
Zion Williamson, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and many more will also be hopeful of getting a call-up and will look to solidify their position in the team over the next two months of playoff basketball.
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