Anthony becomes the first US player selected to four Olympic teams.
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Durant along with Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, are the only two players returning from the 2012 team, with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook pulling out of this year’s Olympics, and NBA MVP Steph Curry also declaring his ineligibility. “I mean, 12 National Basketball Association stars, very unselfish guys, very versatile team, we definitely should be favored”.
The other players chosen were Cleveland’s Irving, Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, Indiana’s Paul George, Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins and the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan.
Four Tar Heel coaches have also represented USA Basketball in the Summer Games – Dean Smith (head coach in 1976), Bill Guthridge (assistant coach in 1976), Larry Brown (assistant coach in 2000, head coach in 2004) and Roy Williams (assistant coach in 2004).
Though some National Basketball Association players have decided not to play, Team USA still has plenty of stars on its roster.
The team will not be lacking firepower however, with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving named in the squad. “We have lightning-quick guards who can score and distribute the basketball”.
Four other players on the roster have won gold for US teams: DeMarcus Cousins, DeMar DeRozan, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. “I think we have some terrific defenders as well as terrific shooters, and the versatility is over the top”.
The start of the Rio Olympics is just over five weeks away, and Team USA has revealed its basketball roster, with the announcement taking place at a children’s center in NY.
So you tell us: Who should Team USA start in Rio?
Despite many players opting not to play in the Rio Olympics, Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski put together a solid team, capable of winning their third straight goal medal.
The Americans haven’t had much competition in basketball recently, and while the Zika virus has kept some American players from playing this year, it will have an impact on the rosters from other countries as well.
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Team USA now enjoys a 17-game Olympic win streak that dates back to the bronze medal game of the 2004 Athens Olympics.
