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Team USA will be looking to clinch their fifth consecutive Olympic gold in men's basketball at the Paris Olympics 2024 as they have reportedly selected 11 of their 12 players for the quadrennial showpiece. LA Clippers star and two-time NBA champion, Kawhi Leonard, emerged as the favorite to be picked as the 12th man ahead of the likes of his teammate Paul George, and New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson among others.
According to The Athletic, Team USA selected LeBron James (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Suns), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Joel Embiid (76ers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Devin Booker (Suns), Jrue Holiday (Celtics), Anthony Davis (Lakers), Bam Adebayo (Heat), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), and Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers).
The Athletic also reported that Kawhi Leonard is the leading candidate to fill up the only vacancy in Team USA. The Clippers forward faces stiff competition from his teammate Paul George, Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero, Brooklyn Nets' Mikal Bridges, and New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson.
Although there has been no official announcement of the USA's Olympic team, reports suggested that USAB officials have presented the players with special Team USA Olympic jerseys and the training camp for the Olympics will start after July 5, in Las Vegas.
The 2024 Paris Olympics is scheduled to commence on Friday, July 26, 2024, and will run until Sunday, August 11, 2024, in France. The men's basketball event at the Paris Olympics will kickstart on Saturday, July 27, while Team USA will begin their title defense against Serbia on Sunday, July 28.