The most recent NBA players to declare their intention to compete for the United States in 2024 are Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.
LeBron James made a suggestion that he is prepared to compete in the Paris Games, where the United States will try to win a gold medal for the fifth time in a row. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old, who won in 2008 and 2012, adamantly stated, “We’ll see what happens.”
Durant, 35, has the potential to become the first male basketball player to win four gold medals. He declared, “I will play in the Olympics next year,” during Monday’s media day in Phoenix. “I would really like to attend,” declared Curry, who has never gone to the Olympics. The one thing I haven’t done is this.
Similar sentiments were expressed by others: DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Fred VanVleet, and Brook Lopez are among those who stated they would play if asked. Bam Adebayo also stated he is committed to the team.
The same was stated by Kyrie Irving during Dallas’ media day last week, while Draymond Green has already stated that he would like to compete in another Olympics.
There are over 12 interested players and 12 roster spaces available.
“I don’t think it would be too much of a physical toll from the players that we have here off the top of my head that could fill that roster,” NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers stated.
I wouldn’t have to exert much effort. You know, rebound a little, pass a little, defend a little, block a few shots? Still, we’ll see. We’ll watch and see.
Joel Embiid also intends to compete in the Olympics. The outfit he would don remains a mystery.
Due to his dual citizenship, he is qualified to represent both France and the United States, and his native Cameroon still has a chance to qualify for the Paris Games.
“Playing in the Olympics is my goal,” Embiid declared. Love all three of these selections. I am from Cameroon; I was born there, and I have always wanted to represent my nation. But competing at the Olympics is also the aim. It will be a simple choice if we have the chance or if we make it to the Olympics. However, that is still uncertain. And I genuinely hope to compete in the Olympics.
When will Embiid make a choice? “I will most likely decide on that within the next few days,” he stated.
Paul George, Kyle Kuzma, Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, and Kawhi Leonard were among the others who declared their desire to play. Two players who haven’t ruled it out are Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler.
“I believe there is no greater honor than to play for USA Basketball,” Brown remarked. “Playing for your country, representing your community, your outer community, and the people who support you is part of it as well. I come from my community, where I come from, and where the majority of our demographic comes from.” So it would be wonderful to be able to take part.
Despite finishing fourth in the World Cup this summer, the United States performed well enough to return to the top of the FIBA world rankings and secure an Olympic berth in Paris.
“I’m proud of the World Cup Team and everything they did to get USA Basketball to Paris 2024,” stated Grant Hill, managing director of USA Basketball. Coach Steve Kerr of Golden State, men’s national team director Sean Ford, and Grant Hill will choose the roster in the upcoming months.
“We are excited to begin the process of naming the 2024 Olympic Team and are delighted that there is interest and excitement heading into next summer.”
There are currently 26 NBA players who have won at least one gold medal at the Olympics: James (2008, 2012) has two along with a bronze (2004), Durant has three (2012), Green has two (2008, 2012), and Chris Paul has two (2012).