Team USA basketball appears to be pulling out all the stops for the 2024 Olympics.
USA Basketball’s official X account on Tuesday released the complete 41-man finalist pool for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard, and Joel Embiid were among several big names on the list.
James last played for Team USA back in 2012. The fact that he’s all but guaranteed to make the Olympic team over a decade later is a testament to the Los Angeles Lakers star’s longevity. James hinted at potentially playing international basketball again after Team USA was eliminated during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Curry and Leonard are two of the biggest names that have yet to play for Team USA in the Olympics. Curry last suited up for his country during the team’s gold medal runs during the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Championships. Leonard has yet to participate in any international tournament since turning pro.
Durant is the lone player who was a part of the last two Team USA Olympic squads in 2016 and 2020. The Phoenix Suns forward has won three consecutive gold medals dating back to the 2012 run alongside James.
Draymond Green, who was the only other player aside from Durant to have played in both 2016 and 2020, was omitted from the list. Green was one of six players (Green, Zach LaVine, Khris Middleton, Keldon Johnson, Jerami Grant, and JaVale McGee) from the Tokyo team who did not make the 2024 shortlist.
Embiid had previously been deciding between three countries to represent in the Olympics before ultimately choosing Team USA.
Team USA’s finalist pool includes a good mix of experienced veterans as well as rising stars such as Tyrese Haliburton, Chet Holmgren, Scottie Barnes, and Anthony Edwards.
The list also includes one NBA All-Star who has been vocal about being snubbed by Team USA in the past.
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