LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Edwards Headline Player Pool for 2024 Olympics
Two-time Olympic gold medalist LeBron James could be in good company for the upcoming Paris Games. (REUTERS/Steve Marcus)
There was the 1992 “Dream Team.” Then came the 2008 “Redeem Team.” Now, Team USA’s squad is off to an equally star-studded start for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
USA Basketball announced the 41-athlete player pool for the selective national team Tuesday. It’s a star-studded list headlined by established NBA superstars, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. But it also features exciting up-and-comers, such as Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton.
James, 39, could become the oldest U.S. Olympic men’s basketball player ever, a record that was set by a 35-year-old Larry Bird in 1992. It would be the fourth Olympics in James’ career and an opportunity for a third Olympic Gold medal. Meanwhile, Curry is set to make his first Olympic appearance. Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid could have played for Cameroon or France, ultimately deciding on the U.S. in October.
Players were picked by managing director Grant Hill, who could potentially change the list in the coming months. Each of the last two Olympic teams featured a player who was not included in the initial pool.
“The United States boasts unbelievable basketball talent and I am thrilled that many of the game’s superstars have expressed interest in representing our country at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games,” Hill said. “It is a privilege to select the team that will help us toward the goal of once again standing atop the Olympic podium. This challenging process will unfold over the next several months as we eagerly anticipate the start of national team activity.”
This is the result of an outpouring of interest from pros after an uncharacteristic fourth-place finish at the FIBA World Cup in September. The crew didn’t have a single player with Olympic experience. This time, Team USA will be able to choose from 23 players with Olympic or World Cup gold medals.
While the World Cup was regarded as a disappointment for the United States, it qualified Team USA for the Paris Games. The American men will look to win their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Many of the finalists publicly expressed their commitment to playing for the United States as soon as they could, making the Olympics a hot topic at NBA media days all over the league. But appearing in the player pool is just the first step, as only 12 athletes will represent Team USA in Paris. Players that don’t make the 12-player roster could still represent USA Basketball in 3×3.
Here is the full player pool:
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Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat
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Jarrett Allen – Cleveland Cavaliers
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Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
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Desmond Bane – Memphis Grizzlies
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Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors
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Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns
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Mikal Bridges – Brooklyn Nets
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Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
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Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
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Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat
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Alex Caruso – Chicago Bulls
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Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
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Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers
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Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns
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Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
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Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
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De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings
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Paul George – Los Angeles Clippers
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Aaron Gordon – Denver Nuggets
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Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
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James Harden – Los Angeles Clippers
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Josh Hart – New York Knicks
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Tyler Herro – Miami Heat
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Jrue Holiday – Boston Celtics
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Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder
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Brandon Ingram – New Orleans Pelicans
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Kyrie Irving – Dallas Mavericks
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Jaren Jackson Jr.
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