USA BASKETBALL HAS announced the 30 finalists for the Rio Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, with three-time Olympic medallists LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony highlighting the list.
The official 12-member roster will be announced later this year.
“It seems like I say this each time we have to narrow down a roster, but I am struck by the remarkable commitment the players in the USA Basketball National Team program continue to display and the enthusiasm they have for representing their country,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said.
“Obviously selecting the official roster of 12 players for the Olympics in 2016 will be a very, very difficult process. As has been the case with past USA Basketball teams, the goal once again is to select the very best team possible to represent the United States.”
The coaching staff will be led by Duke University’s Naismith Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski. He will be supported by assistant coaches Jim Boeheim, Tom Thibodeau and Monty Williams.
Lakers star Kobe Bryant on Saturday ended speculation about his potential participation in the 2016 Olympics by announcing that he will not play for Team USA this August as he prepares to retire from the NBA at the end of what is his 20th season.
“I think as beautiful as it would be to play for our country, when I say my last game is going to be my last game, I’m going to retire, then that’s it,” said Bryant, who will be 38 in August. “I think it’s the young guys’ turn to go. I’ve been fortunate enough to win two gold medals, so I’ve had my moment.”
The US will look to earn the gold medal once again after capturing it for the 14th time at the London Olympics in 2012.
The 30 finalists representing 17 NBA teams: LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs); Carmelo Anthony (Knicks); Harrison Barnes (Warriors); Bradley Beal (Wizards); Jimmy Butler (Bulls); Mike Conley (Grizzlies); DeMarcus Cousins (Kings); Stephen Curry (Warriors); Anthony Davis (Pelicans); DeMar DeRozan (Raptors); Andre Drummond (Pistons); Kevin Durant (Thunder); Kenneth Faried (Nuggets); Rudy Gay (Kings); Paul George (Pacers); Draymond Green (Warriors); Blake Griffin (Clippers); James Harden (Rockets); Gordon Hayward (Jazz); Dwight Howard (Rockets); Andre Iguodala (Warriors); Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers); LeBron James (Cavaliers); DeAndre Jordan (Clippers); Kawhi Leonard (Spurs); Kevin Love (Cavaliers); Chris Paul (Clippers); Klay Thompson (Warriors); John Wall (Wizards); and Russell Westbrook (Thunder).
