USA Basketball at Paris 2024 Olympics: Which NBA players will be on the team?
Which NBA players have shown an interest in playing for the USA at Paris 2024 Olympics? LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are among the names speculated to be on board. Joel Embiid has decided to commit to Team USA. Find out more about what the NBA stars are saying.
Basketball
Which NBA stars will be on Team USA's men's basketball roster for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
It is one of the most eagerly-anticipated questions that surface whenever an international basketball tournament is on the horizon, and the Paris 2024 Games are no exception.
At Barcelona 1992, there was the "Dream Team": the superstar group of U.S. men's basketball players handpicked from America's top league who set the Olympic stage alight en route to claiming a spectacular gold medal.
Then came the "Redeem Team": a collective of top-tier NBA talent who united together to win gold at Beijing 2008 after the USA finished a disappointing third four years earlier in Athens.
Now, as Paris beckons, the question as to who will suit up for USA Basketball is starting to be asked, with the backdrop of the USA's FIBA World Cup 2023 results adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Find out all the up-to-date news surrounding the men's U.S. Olympic team below.
Tuesday 16 April - USA reportedly finalising Olympic roster
According to ESPN, Team USA is in the process of finalising their men's basketball roster for Paris 2024.
It is set to feature big-name stars, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Joel Embiid.
United States managing direct Grant Hill is reportedly keeping one roster slot open with the view of assessing options at the July training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas.
The 11-player roster will reportedly also see the following called up: Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton.
Wednesday 20 March - USA to meet Serbia and South Sudan in Paris 2024 tournament group phase
While the precise make-up of the team set to represent the United States in the men's basketball tournament at Paris 2024 is still yet to be determined, the countries they will face in the event group stage have been decided.
Following a Draw Ceremony conducted on 19 March, the US has been assigned to Group C with Serbia, South Sudan and a third team yet to receive a quota spot.
It means the US will be open their Olympic campaign against Serbia, World Cup runners-up and home of NBA superstar Nikola Jokic, before turning to face tournament newcomers South Sudan.
The third team in Group C will be the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament taking place in Puerto Rico from 2-7 July. The teams competing in San Juan are: Bahrain, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
IT'S OFFICIAL! 🎉 The draw for the group stage of the women's and men's basketball at @Paris2024 has been set. 🏀
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) March 19, 2024
What do you think of these groups? 👀@FIBA | #Paris2024 | #Basketball pic.twitter.com/Hyux0xkTyu
Friday 1 March, 2024 - Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker set to be in Team USA core, according to reports
The answer to the question of who will be part of the group to lead USA Basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics is beginning to emerge.
Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant, as well as superstars LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Steph Curry, are reportedly set to be part of the “core” of the team barring any injury according to an article by the Athletic.
The same sources the website cited as listing the seven NBA titans also mentioned that 2023 FIBA World Cup representatives Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards were being considered as part of the wider group. Despite the mounting speculation the final roster is yet to be confirmed by USA Basketball.
Tuesday 23 January, 2024 - USA to play Canada in exhibition game ahead of Olympics
Canada Basketball and USA Basketball announced Tuesday that the United States will host Canada’s men's national team for an exhibition game ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The game will take place on 10 July at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena as part of the USA Basketball Showcase. Canada secured their Olympic berth after a thrilling run at the 2023 FIBA World Cup that culminated in a 127-118 overtime win over the U.S. for the bronze medal, their first-ever medal at the FIBA Men's Basketball World Cup.
Tuesday 23 January, 2024 - USA Basketball announces 41-player pool for Paris 2024
USA Basketball have revealed the 41-player pool that will decide who represents Team USA at the Olympics this summer. National Team managing director Grant Hill made the selection, which is headlined by LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. The 12-member 2024 USA Men’s National Team that will compete in the basketball tournament at Paris 2024 will be announced at a later date.
2024 USA Men’s National Team finalists
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Bam Adebayo
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Jarrett Allen
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Paolo Banchero
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Desmond Bane
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Scottie Barnes
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Devin Booker
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Mikal Bridges
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Jaylen Brown
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Jalen Brunson
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Jimmy Butler
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Alex Caruso
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Stephen Curry
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Anthony Davis
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Kevin Durant
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Anthony Edwards
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Joel Embiid
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De’Aaron Fox
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Paul George
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Aaron Gordon
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Tyrese Haliburton
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James Harden
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Josh Hart
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Tyler Herro
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Jrue Holiday
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Chet Holmgren
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Brandon Ingram
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Kyrie Irving
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Jaren Jackson Jr.
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LeBron James
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Cam Johnson
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Walker Kessler
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Kawhi Leonard
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Damian Lillard
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Donovan Mitchell
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Chris Paul
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Bobby Portis
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Austin Reaves
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Duncan Robinson
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Jayson Tatum
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Derrick White
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Trae Young
Wednesday 10 January, 2024 - Donovan Mitchell doubles down on his Olympic intentions
Speaking to reporters ahead of the NBA Paris Game 2024, Cleveland Cavalier Donovan Mitchell made plain his ambitions to be a part of USA Basketball for the Paris Olympics.
“That’s the goal,” Mitchell told media on Wednesday. “That’s the goal: come back here and be here this summer for sure.”
The Cavs star was on the list of 'finalists' for selection to the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team for Tokyo 2020, in 2021, but was ultimately not a part of the group that claimed gold in Japan.
He had previously represented USA at the 2019 FIBA World Cup where the team recorded their worst-ever finish at the global showpiece, concluding the tournament in seventh place.
“It means the world to play for Team USA. You know, to be able to be a part of that, to represent your country.
“The memory I have is losing; we lost. We lost to France and Serbia, so I would love to find a way to bounce back and get the gold."
MORE: Donovan Mitchell resolute on competing for Team USA at Paris 2024: “That’s the goal”
Donovan Mitchell doubled down on his desire to be part of Team USA at the Paris Olympics
Tuesday 12 December, 2023 - USA Basketball announces London showcase games before Paris Olympics
USA Basketball has announced that it will play two showcase games against Germany and South Sudan in London's O2 Arena ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The team will take on South Sudan on 20 July before facing Germany on 22 July.
South Sudan obtained an Olympic basketball quota after finishing as the top team in Africa at the FIBA World Cup 2023 while Germany defeated the US in the semi-finals of the showpiece event before winning the final against Serbia to take the title.
Before heading to the UK, USA Basketball will hold a training camp in Las Vegas where it is expected they will play another showcase game.
The 12-member team for Paris 2024 is anticipated to drop before the camp gets underway in June.
It will be the first time since London 2012 that Team USA will have played in the capital.
Tuesday 7 November, 2023 - Steve Kerr to step down after Paris
Current USA Basketball head coach Steve Kerr has revealed he will not lead the team past next summer.
"To me, it's a two-year; it's a cycle," Kerr told The Athletic. "Pop coached a World Cup and the Olympics, now it’s my turn to pass the baton. I think that’s kind of how it should be. Frankly, it’s a huge commitment too."
Kerr was an assistant coach under Greg Popovich at the FIBA World Cup in 2019 and at Tokyo 2020, in 2021 and was later elevated into the head coach role after USA's fourth consecutive Olympic gold in Japan.
Under his watch, the men's USA Basketball team has won nine exhibition games and finished fourth at the World Cup in Manila after dropping their last three games. By finishing as the second-highest team from the Americas the group that played in the Philippines successfully obtained a quota for the US at Paris 2024.
Tuesday, 8 October, 2023 - Team USA pursuing Jrue Holiday
USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill is "hopeful" Boston Celtics All-Star guard Jrue Holiday will commit to Team USA for Paris 2024, according to ESPN.
The 33-year-old was a key member of the Olympic team that captured gold in Tokyo in 2021, though he is yet to decide on his plans for next summer.
Thursday, 5 October, 2023 - Joel Embiid commits to Team USA
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid committed to playing for Team USA next summer, adding it was a tough decision to make. The reigning NBA MVP took to social media to explain his decision.
"I'm really proud and excited about this decision," Embiid wrote in a post on social media. "It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France and the USA home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA."
"It's exciting for USA Basketball that Joel Embiid wants to represent the United States," Team USA executive director Grant Hill said in a statement. "Joel and I have had several conversations about his goals and I'm looking forward to continuing that dialogue knowing that one of those goals is to represent USA Basketball next summer in Paris."
Monday 2 October, 2023 - Joel Embiid hints he still hasn’t decided about his Olympic team of choice; leaves door open to USA
2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid remained elusive about which team he will play for at Paris 2024 when questioned, despite a looming deadline from France - one of the three teams he is eligible to compete with.
"My goal is to play in the Olympics," Embiid said. "I love all three options. Cameroon — I [was] born there. I'm from there, and I always want to represent my country. … If we had a chance or if we were qualified for the Olympics, that would be an easy decision, but that's still up in the air. … And then the USA, obviously they've been struggling the last couple of years, trying to get back on the top. And you've also got France, who's up and coming.”
The Philadelphia 76ers star added that his decision would come soon, ending what has been rampant speculation surrounding his international career.
"I'm just thankful that I'm able to be in that situation. It is a tough choice, but I'm probably going to make that decision in the next few days."
Monday 2 October, 2023 - Kevin Durant confirms he’ll play for Team USA; LeBron James, Steph Curry & other stars share their interest
Media days ahead of the 2023/24 NBA season have ramped up speculation about which players might compete at Paris 2024.
Three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant caused a stir on Phoenix Suns media day after sharing, confidently, he will be in Paris next summer.
“I will play in the Olympics next year,” the 35-year-old said, leaving little doubt about his plans for the summer.
LeBron James, who has been credited with the plan to assemble an ‘Avengers’ squad for the Games, confirmed his wish to compete.
“I do have interest to compete,” the LA Lakers star said before brushing away concerns about the physical toll another summer of basketball could have on his body.
Steph Curry, who was reported to have been in dialogue with James about joining Team USA for Paris last month, also publicly confirmed his desire to play.
“I’ve talked to some people about the opportunity, and definitely if all things stay the same I wanna be playing,” Curry said. “It’s the one thing I haven’t done… I definitely want to be there. I definitely want to be on the team”
Elsewhere, Anthony Davis said he would play if he was asked - “I’m in, just waiting on them to ask,” the Lakers man confirmed. Khris Middleton, who struck gold with USA at Tokyo 2020 in 2021, said he would suit up again if asked.
“I would for sure play,” Middleton said. “I would love the opportunity to represent my country and do it again in Paris. I would definitely sign myself up for that.”
Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Bam Adebayo has also said he’s committed to the team, while DeMar DeRozan, Jaylen Brown, Bradley Beal, Donovan Mitchell, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, 2023 NBA champion Aaron Gordon, Fred VanVleet and Brook Lopez have all indicated they would play if asked.
September 25, 2023 - Joel Embiid, eligible to play for Team USA, France and Cameroon, given deadline by Les Bleus
2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid has been given a final call to commit to the French national team ahead of Paris 2024.
The French basketball president Jean-Pierre Situat told French radio show the “Stephen Time Show” that Embiid has been given until 10 October to inform them of his decision to play for France.
Embiid has the option to choose between France, where he gained citizenship in 2022, USA, where he has lived since the age of 16, or Cameroon, where he was born.
France and the US have obtained qualification for Paris 2024 already while Cameroon will compete in a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.
September 11, 2023 - LeBron James expresses interest in Paris 2024; speaks to other players about assembling a team
Three-time Olympian, two-time gold medallist and basketball legend LeBron James has reportedly shown a strong interest in competing at Paris 2024 according to The Athletic.
The 38-year-old, set to play in his 21st NBA season with the LA Lakers, is said to have expressed his willingness to commit to the Games next summer as well as speaking to other stars in a bid to recruit them to the cause.
Among those James is said to have spoken to are four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green.
Separately, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, De’Aaron Fox and Kyrie Irving were also reported to have shown an interest in suiting up for Team USA.