Damian Lillard and Draymond Green are reportedly ready to represent Team USA in the 2021 summer Olympic Games. A lot has been said about the players that will travel to Tokyo, but the picture is looking clear now.
LeBron James already opted out of the team, saying he would focus on the Toon Squad this summer. Stephen Curry said he hasn’t made his mind up yet and will announce his decision in a couple of weeks.
Fortunately, Team USA can count on two big names in the upcoming competition. Damian Lillard and Draymond Green have reportedly committed to the team.
Via Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic:
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green are among the initial commitments to Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, sources tell The Athletic.
Lillard, who turns 31 on July 15, will be playing in his first Olympics after dropping out of consideration for the 2016 Rio Games, where the U.S. men’s team won its third consecutive gold medal. Green, 31, was a part of the 2016 team, which finished the tournament 8-0.
Training camp begins July 6 in Las Vegas with coach Gregg Popovich, with rosters expected to be set by late June. The group stage of the tournament runs from July 25 to Aug. 1, with the knockout stage running from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7.
This is great news for USA Basketball. Team USA failed to win the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Spain, leaving a poor image in the European country. It’s time to get revenge, and seeing that Dame and Dray have already committed to the squad, their rivals will have a lot of work to do if they aspire to beat Team USA in the Olympics.
