The NBA season did not end the way Harrison Barnes was hoping, Golden State lost to Cleveland in the finals and Barnes struggled all series.
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The Olympics are mere weeks away now, and the roster for Team USA is set to be officially announced on Monday. Irving and Barnes have accepted spots, the person told The Associated Press on Saturday, June 25, 2016, two days before the Americans plan to announce the team headed to Rio.
Shortly after Barnes committed to Team USA, NBA Champion point guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving followed suit to be the 12th NBA player to represent the United States in Rio. They were confirmed to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because roster details were to remain private.
The other 10 players are forwards Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Draymond Green; centers DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan; and guards Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Klay Thompson.
It’s not as experienced as recent US teams, as only Durant and Anthony have played in the Olympics. Out for health reasons are LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio Spurs), Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans), Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers), Chris Paul (Clippers) and John Wall (Washington Wizards).
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Barnes is expected to be one of 12 players from the 31-player pool of finalists to be on the American team that will try to win a third straight Olympic gold medal. Barnes’ decision was reported by Yahoo Sports.
