Even without LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the USA is still aiming for gold at the Olympic Games
They have won 17 consecutive games at the Olympics dating back to the 2004 bronze medal game at the 2004 Athens Olympics
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo wanted to focus on who will play for the US men’s team at the Rio Olympic Games rather than those players who will not.
Fair enough. Colangelo has earned that. It speaks volumes that Colangelo put together a team devoid of NBA stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul and still has a team who are favourites to win a third consecutive gold medal.
Colangelo has selected; Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, DeAndre Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins.
“First of all, you have 12 dedicated guys who have committed to be part of this and represent their country and that in itself is a big statement,” Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports. “Some just came off a championship series. We’re appreciative of that commitment.
“Number two, this is a very strong team. There’s been a lot said about those who are not participating, and it should be more about who is participating and what they bring to the table. It’s a deep roster. We have a number of guys who could play 2-3 positions, and it gives Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) several options of how we can play.”