Star-Studded US Basketball Player Pool Unveiled for Paris Olympics

The US Basketball men’s player pool for the upcoming Paris Olympics was revealed on Tuesday, featuring prominent names like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant among the 41 candidates. The pool selection, the initial phase in forming the 12-player Olympic roster, excluded two-time Olympic champion Draymond Green, a notable omission.

The coaching staff, led by Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and assisted by Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, and Mark Few, is set to finalize the team selection in the spring, considering player health and NBA playoff outcomes.

Grant Hill, managing director of the men’s national team, expressed excitement about the talent pool, stating, “It is a privilege to select the team that will help us toward the goal of once again standing atop the Olympic podium.”

The pool includes players with Olympic gold medals, such as Durant, James, and Chris Paul, with Durant potentially becoming the first men’s player to win four basketball golds. The remaining 28 players, including Embiid and Curry, may make their Olympic debuts, with their participation contingent on the conclusion of their NBA seasons.

Draymond Green, a key contributor to the 2016 and 2021 Olympic gold-winning teams, was not part of the initial pool. The list, subject to change, comprises players motivated to represent the US in Paris, aiming to secure a fifth consecutive gold medal.

Adebayo, who won his first gold in 2021, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying, “We get to go to Paris. We get to go do something special.”

Green, although expressing interest last year, faced challenges, missing games due to a suspension and considering retirement before reinstatement. While not in the initial pool, players still have a chance to be selected, as seen with previous cases like Keldon Johnson for the Tokyo Games.

The Paris Olympics present an exciting prospect for the US, with the team aiming to build on its rich Olympic history and secure another gold medal in basketball.