Notable Omissions as USA Basketball Unveils Men’s Player Pool for Paris Olympics

USA Basketball revealed its men’s player pool for the Paris Olympics, featuring many expected big names like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. However, one notable absence from the 41-player list was Draymond Green, a key contributor to the U.S. team’s gold medals in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The announcement marks the initial step in assembling the 12-player Olympic roster, with Golden State’s Steve Kerr set to coach the team, supported by assistants Erik Spoelstra (Miami), Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers), and Mark Few (Gonzaga). The final team selection will be made in the coming months, considering player health and their respective NBA playoff performances.

Grant Hill, the men’s national team managing director, expressed excitement about the wealth of basketball talent willing to represent the United States in the 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Thirteen players in the pool already possess Olympic gold medals, with Durant leading the pack with three, and LeBron James and Chris Paul each holding two.

Durant, expressing his commitment, aims to become the first men’s player with four basketball gold medals if the U.S. secures victory. The player pool includes a mix of experienced gold medalists and potential Olympic debutants, such as Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry, both expressing their interest in playing for the Paris-bound U.S. team.

The complete 41-player pool comprises:

Anthony Davis

Bam Adebayo

Damian Lillard

Devin Booker

James Harden

Jayson Tatum

Jimmy Butler

Jrue Holiday

Kyrie Irving

Paul George

Joel Embiid

Stephen Curry

Jarrett Allen

Paolo Banchero

Desmond Bane

Scottie Barnes

Mikal Bridges

Jaylen Brown

Jalen Brunson

Alex Caruso

Anthony Edwards

De’Aaron Fox

Aaron Gordon

Tyrese Haliburton

Josh Hart

Tyler Herro

Chet Holmgren

Brandon Ingram

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Cam Johnson

Walker Kessler

Kawhi Leonard

Donovan Mitchell

Bobby Portis

Austin Reaves

Duncan Robinson

Derrick White

Trae Young

While Draymond Green was not included in the pool, players not initially selected still have a chance to make the Olympic team based on exceptional circumstances, as seen with Keldon Johnson’s inclusion in the Tokyo Games team in 2021.