Team USA faced disappointment at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, failing to secure a medal. With the Olympics on the horizon, USA Basketball was determined to avoid a repeat. Superstars from across the league expressed interest in participating, and according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Team USA has now finalized 11 of the 12 players who will compete in Paris over the summer. Here is the reported finalized Olympic roster for Team USA, with one spot remaining:
Each player on this roster has previously represented Team USA in a major international competition, except for Embiid. James, Durant, Tatum, Booker, Holiday, Adebayo, and Davis have all won Olympic gold medals with Team USA, while Haliburton, Edwards, and Curry have competed in World Cup teams.
Narrowing down the field for the 2024 Olympics was a daunting task, as virtually every All-Star willing to comment expressed a willingness to play. Notably, Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George was among those players, although he is not listed on this initial roster. There simply were more viable players than available roster spots.
However, there is still room for at least one more player to join the team. With only 11 names reported, maintaining an open 12th spot for now allows Team USA the flexibility to observe the NBA playoffs to determine their final selection. Additionally, injuries during the playoffs could impact the roster, so keeping an extra spot open provides Team USA with room to adjust if necessary.
Team USA is expected to face tough competition at the upcoming Olympics. FIBA World Cup champions Germany are likely to retain most of their roster, while bronze medalists Canada could be even stronger if Jamal Murray is fit to play. Serbia, who won silver at the World Cup without Nikola Jokic, will also pose a significant challenge. Furthermore, France, the hosts, will bring back much of their 2020 Olympic silver medal-winning team and will add Victor Wembanyama to their squad.
These teams possess significantly more continuity and experience in the FIBA system than Team USA. Coach Steve Kerr and managing director Grant Hill needed to assemble the strongest possible roster to compete, and based on star power alone, they have certainly achieved that with this group.