James Harden commits to play for Team USA at Olympics

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Nets star James Harden commits to play for Team USA at Tokyo Olympics

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/21/21

The Team USA basketball roster continues to take shape ahead of this summer's Tokyo Olympics.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Brooklyn Nets star James Harden has committed to play for Team USA at the Olympics. Kyrie Irving is unlikely to play as he recovers from his ankle injury.

Nets star James Harden has committed to play for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics, joining teammate Kevin Durant on the USAB squad, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Kyrie Irving is unlikely to play as he recovers from his ankle injury.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 21, 2021

Harden's decision comes after the Nets were eliminated from the NBA playoffs last week with a Game 7 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The 31-year-old played through a Grade 2 hamstring strain, but he must be feeling better given his commitment to play on the world's biggest stage.

Harden joined the Nets this season after nine years with the Houston Rockets. He averaged 24.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game with the Nets while shooting 47.1% from the field and 36.6% from deep.

The three-time scoring champion was a member of the U.S. team that won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and also played for the United States at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He was a candidate for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics but withdrew from the team.

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo also announced his commitment to Team USA on Monday. The duo joins Nets star Kevin Durant, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker and Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green in committing to play for the Americans.

Team USA has four more spots to fill and is aiming to complete its Olympic roster by the end of this month.

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