LeBron? KD? Steph? Here are the biggest NBA stars who have committed (at least verbally) to play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, which will be held in Paris, France.
LeBron James is working his magic for Team USA
After a subtle hint of possibly joining Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, LeBron James has now confirmed he is considering representing the United States once again in Paris, France.
Sources: LeBron James wants to represent Team USA at 2024 Paris Olympics and is spearheading group of future Hall of Famers – including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant – prepared to commit.
Full details with @joevardon at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/r2XGO3E2TO
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 11, 2023
According to NBA insider Shams Charania and the Athletic, LeBron wants to suit up for the USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Moreover, LeGM is already working his magic with NBA superstars. LeBron, as always, has reportedly talked to multiple stars like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and even his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis. Other names like Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Draymond Green, and Bam Adebayo are also heavily considering teaming up with LBJ.
Kevin Durant is on Team USA once more
Not only did LeBron James surprise everyone with his decision to play in the 2024 Olympics, but it also enticed other superstars to team up with him in Paris. One of which is one of LBJ’s biggest rivals, Kevin Durant.
.@KDTrey5: “I will play in the Olympics next year.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/q5M3veliVB
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 2, 2023
Earlier this week, during the NBA Media Day, KD calmly said during an interview that he will play in the Olympics next year. If that happens, this would mark Durant’s fourth Olympic tour and possibly his fourth consecutive gold medal.
Steph Curry wants to make Olympic debut
After missing the 2016 Rio Olympics, Steph Curry is yet to make his Olympic debut. At 34 years old, this could be the first and last time the Golden State Warriors superstar can represent his country. As this is one thing the greatest shooter of all time hasn’t done yet, of course, he would be elated to take part in this tournament, especially since LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be on this team, too.
“I want to be playing. It’s the one thing I haven’t done… I definitely want to be there. I definitely want to be on the team.”
Steph Curry says he wants to play for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris 👀pic.twitter.com/5GCwOIknAq
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 2, 2023
Devin Booker on Team USA appearance: “I’ll do it”
Phoenix Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker had a very short response after being asked if he is willing to play for Team USA. Needless to say, we’ll be seeing Booker in a blue, white, and red jersey again next year.
Short answer from Devin Booker on playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics:
“I’ll do it.” pic.twitter.com/SeWFeIxgNC
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) October 2, 2023
The 13th pick of the 2015 draft has already won one (1) gold medal after helping Team USA win the championship in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
From Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard hasn’t committed to the national team per se, but when asked during an interview if he will play in the 2024 Olympics under Team USA, he responded positively. The Klaw also mentioned he wanted to play in the World Cup, but due to some personal matters, he wasn’t able to. But, next year, everyone hopes the two-time NBA champion will be in Paris.
Reporter: “If USA Basketball asks you, would you play in the 2024 Paris Olympics?”
Kawhi Leonard: “Yeah, I wanted to play this summer, but I had other obligations. I would’ve had to leave early, so I wasn’t able to go. We’ll see what happens.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) October 3, 2023
Bam Adebayo is back for seconds
The 4-time All-Defensive team member Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat is rumored to have been offered a spot on the Team USA’s roster. Although the organization hasn’t revealed their final 12-man pool yet, it seems that Adebayo is one of the biggest names this squad will feature.
Bam Adebayo will have a spot on Team USA’s 12-man Olympic roster, per @ByTimReynolds pic.twitter.com/wqBhVrlkES
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 5, 2023
Adebayo, 26, hasn’t confirmed nor denied this. But, considering how much of an impact he had in the 2020 Olympics, LeGM, err, I mean, LeBron James will for sure recruit the defensive big man.
Joel Embiid chooses Team USA over Cameroon and France
Can Team USA get even better? The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, Joel Embiid, had just finalized his decision on which country he would be representing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. To no one’s surprise, the Philadelphia 76ers star chose the United States instead of Cameroon, his home country, and France, where he also happens to be a citizen.
I’m really proud and excited about this decision. 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. I want to play with my brothers in the league. I want to play for my fans because they’ve… pic.twitter.com/6VHSQTKVl3
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) October 5, 2023
The 6-time NBA All-Star posted on X about his much-awaited decision. Lately, his name has been in the middle of National team discussions after being seen as eligible to represent either the U.S.A., France, or Cameroon. His post says:
“I’m really proud and excited about this decision. 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. I want to play with my brothers in the league. I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here. But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him.”
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