Grant Hill, the managing director of the USA Men's National Basketball Team, has shed light on the decision to exclude Draymond Green from the Olympic pool for the upcoming Paris Games. Despite Green's notable contributions to the team's success in winning gold at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics, recent on-court disciplinary issues led to the surprising omission.
“We all understand and certainly have great respect and sensitivity to this particular period in his career, and he's working through some things both on and off the court.”
“We at USA Basketball, we want to support him on his journey. We just didn't feel that playing over the summer gives him the best opportunity to do what he needs to do.”
In a statement explaining the decision, Hill acknowledged Draymond Green's significant role in the national team's legacy but highlighted the challenging period Green is currently navigating both on and off the court. Green's two suspensions for on-court conduct during the ongoing NBA season, including an incident with Minnesota's Rudy Gobert and another with Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic, raised concerns that couldn't be overlooked.
Green's on-court conduct led to significant game suspensions, impacting his availability for the Golden State Warriors. His absence in 24 out of the first 40 games of the season raised questions about his fitness for the international stage.
While Green possesses two Olympic gold medals, making him one of four current NBA players with such an achievement, his recent disciplinary issues became a decisive factor in the national team's choice. Despite Green's substantial contributions in the past, USA Basketball opted to prioritize the player's well-being and personal journey over his inclusion in the Olympic pool.
Grant Hill expressed appreciation for Green's excellence and acknowledged his integral role in the team's legacy. However, given the events of the current season, the decision was made not to include him in the list of candidates for the Paris Olympics.
As the Olympic roster selection process unfolds, decisions like these underscore the complexities faced by team management. With 41 players vying for a spot on the 12-person Olympic team, each decision is a delicate balance between past contributions and current circumstances. The final roster is expected to be unveiled during the NBA playoffs, and the team will begin preparations in early July before heading to Paris for the Games.
This Team USA Does Not Need Draymond Green
While Draymond Green has been a key figure for Team USA in past international competitions, there's a growing sentiment that the current roster, stacked with seasoned superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kawhi Leonard, might not need his services for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The team is focused on reclaiming its dominance on the global basketball stage after a somewhat disappointing performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they fell short of expectations with a semifinal exit.
LeBron James, despite turning 39 years of age, has been a vocal advocate for assembling a team of elite players to showcase the continued prowess of the NBA. The likes of Durant, Curry, Leonard, and other superstars have echoed their commitment to represent Team USA in Paris, emphasizing the need to bring back the gold medal and restore the team's reputation.
The decision to potentially exclude Green from the roster is not a reflection of his skills or contributions but a strategic move to assemble a squad that combines experience with the dynamic energy of emerging talents. The team aims to demonstrate that, even as they usher in a new era with younger players, they remain the undisputed kings of world basketball.
The upcoming Olympic Games present an opportunity for this "Redeem Team 2.0" to assert their dominance in a manner reminiscent of the iconic Dream Team led by Michael Jordan in Barcelona. Team USA is not just competing for a gold medal; they are on a mission to showcase the greatness of the NBA and reaffirm their status as the preeminent force in international basketball.
The narrative surrounding this team is one of redemption and resurgence, and their journey to Paris is poised to captivate global audiences and solidify their legacy as basketball royalty.
More must-reads: