In an eagerly awaited announcement, Team USA has revealed its men’s basketball roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The roster, announced on April 17, 2024, is led by NBA superstars LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. The team aims to secure a fifth consecutive gold medal for the United States in men’s basketball.
LeBron James, at 39 years old, is making his fourth Olympic appearance, having previously competed in 2004, 2008, and 2012. James, a four-time NBA MVP, will be the oldest U.S. Olympic men’s basketball player in history, surpassing Larry Bird’s record from the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Kevin Durant, another seasoned Olympian, returns for his fourth Olympics. Durant led the U.S. in scoring in the last three Olympics and is on track to break Lisa Leslie’s U.S. Olympic points record for both women and men. Stephen Curry, despite his extensive NBA career and multiple NBA championships, will be making his Olympic debut.
Joining these NBA legends are several other top players, including Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo. This roster is notable for featuring four players who have previously won the NBA MVP award and 11 current NBA All-Stars, making it one of the most star-studded lineups in Olympic history.
Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ standout center, will also be making his Olympic debut. Embiid, who had the option to represent France or Cameroon, chose to play for Team USA. Devin Booker, who played in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will return for his second Olympic appearance.
First-time Olympians Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers bring fresh talent to the team. Edwards and Haliburton have each been named NBA All-Stars twice, while Leonard has been selected six times.
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks, both part of the 2020 Olympic team, are returning for another run. Tatum was instrumental in the team’s success in Tokyo, while Holiday is known for his defensive prowess.
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, who played in the 2012 London Olympics, returns to the Olympic stage. Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat’s defensive anchor, also returns after his debut in the 2020 Olympics.
The team will be coached by Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, with assistants Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, and Mark Few. Kerr’s experience and success with the Warriors, including multiple NBA championships, make him an ideal leader for this talented group.
The average age of the roster is 30 years and 9 months, making it the oldest U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team in history. The previous oldest team, the 1996 squad, had an average age of 29 years and 10 months.
Team USA managing director Grant Hill expressed confidence in the team’s abilities while acknowledging the challenges ahead. “It won’t be easy. We have great respect for all the other teams, but, certainly, this is going to be an iconic roster,” Hill said.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will commence on July 26, 2024. Basketball fans worldwide will be watching closely as Team USA aims to add another gold medal to their storied history.
USA Basketball Roster list:
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – Returning for his fourth Olympics after previously competing in 2004, 2008, and 2012.
- Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) – Participating in his fourth Olympics as well, having played in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – Making his Olympic debut despite his extensive international career.
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) – Also making his first Olympic appearance.
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) – Returning after playing in the 2020 Olympics.
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – Another first-time Olympian.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) – Joining the team for his first Olympics.
- Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics) – Returning from the 2020 Olympics.
- Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers) – Competing in his first Olympics.
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – Back from the 2020 Olympics.
- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) – Returning after his last Olympic appearance in 2012.
- Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) – Another returning player from the 2020 team.
