After disappointing performances at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, several NBA superstars have expressed a desire to represent Team USA at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris. This new interest signals a possible shift in fortunes for Team USA, who are aiming to make a strong comeback after finishing fourth last year.
A 30-man player pool is on the horizon:
The U.S. men's basketball team is expected to announce its 30-man roster soon, according to ESPN's Marc J. Spears. This initial selection will serve as the starting point for assembling the final 12-man roster. Grant Hill and Steve Kerr, the team's leadership, will be responsible for selecting the best players for the Olympics.
Star power again? LeBron, Curry, and Durant all together:
Fans can expect to see familiar faces like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant potentially back in a Team USA uniform. However, the long NBA season and individual player priorities remain important factors, so the final composition of the roster is uncertain until the playoffs are officially announced.
5 NBA stars who could fall off the list:
While many stars are expected to receive invitations, The Athletic's Joe Vardon predicts that some notable stars may not make the final 30-man roster. Here are details on five NBA stars who could miss out on the Olympics:
1. Ja Morant
Morant had an impressive start to the season, but was lost for the season due to injury. Despite his talent and potential, his absence from the court due to surgery makes his selection unlikely.
2. Klay Thompson
With Steve Kerr at the helm, the stars of the Golden State Warriors are expected to be invited. However, Klay Thompson's struggles against NBA defences have raised questions about his effectiveness under FIBA rules, potentially ranking him behind other options.
3. James Harden
Harden's scoring ability is unquestionable, but his current role with the Clippers may not translate perfectly to the international game. With other strong options available, his experience may not be as crucial.
4. Brandon Ingram
Ingram's struggles at the 2023 World Cup, both on the court and in public, could keep him from earning a spot in the tournament. The abundance of talent at the power forward position, including Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard, makes him less likely to make the cut.
5 - Austin Reeves:
Reeves' selection to the 2023 World Cup roster came as a surprise to many, and considering the proliferation of talented point guards like Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard and Devin Booker, he may not make the 30-man roster this time around.
Looking ahead:
The upcoming 30-man roster will be a major step towards Team USA's Olympic goals. With a renewed focus on the stars and an emphasis on redemption after the 2023 World Cup, fans can expect an exciting and competitive Olympic journey for Team USA.
