In the clean-up after the USA Basketball Fiba World Cup 2023 bad result, USA Basketball’s main focus was assembling a strong team for the Olympics that would take place in Paris. In addition, some of the biggest stars in the NBA have expressed an interest in making it to the Team USA squad that goes to this summer’s championship, and reports indicate that the side has already settled on 11 of the 12 players who will go to the event.
The 3-D picture of the roster speaks for itself: Each player has been on the US national team either as an individual or as part of the Olympic team at least once, with Embiid earning an exception. Add Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, the Sun Devil, and Jrue Holiday to the list of players who have achieved Olympic gold medals in their previous efforts, and then add Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards, who have competed in World Cups.
As difficult as it was to choose the 2024 Olympics team this year from all the athletes who relish the chance to wear the Team USA jersey, they have done just that. A few All-Stars, like Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers, have already confirmed their participation in a plethora of spots that remain open. Unfortunately, there is no space for George on the initial roster.
Joe Mazzulla’s Team USA still has one last spot remaining purposefully. It keeps the roster flexible by leaving the final slot open, which they are keeping an eye on during the playoffs. If needed, they may use the slot for another player later. On top of this, the additional space allows for the capacity to replace players injured during the tournament, which means USA Basketball can accommodate any adjustments.
Planned as having one of the hardest codes in recent history, the US team will encounter very tough contestants this summer. The Germany Football Association (FIBA) World Cup champions were selected from a qualifying group of players. They are a force to be reckoned with and will be a part of the tournament. In the process, Canada is on the verge of the MVP Jamal Murray, although Serbia, without the stellar performance from Nikola Jokic, represents significant obstacles. Host nation France, a team that consists of 2020 Olympic silver medalists and Victor Wembanyama neophyte, appears to run up against the world’s top 3-on-3 professionals.
First of all, the rivals of the USA are empowered by the better continuity and experience of the FIBA system compared to the USA team. In contrast, despite the leadership of coach Steve Kerr and managing director Grant Hill, Team USA plans to build a team that can make a limit of gold medal contenders by using not only the star power and skills of the selected players but also possibly other resources available.
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