The United States men’s basketball team will aim for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with three key players now seemingly free of health issues.
Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Haliburton, and Joel Embiid have alleviated injury concerns and are expected to join the 12-member team for training camp starting July 6 in Las Vegas, according to general manager Steve Kerr.
“At this point, we fully expect all 12 guys to be ready to go,” said Kerr, who has been closely monitoring the players’ progress, particularly Leonard.
Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers and Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers sustained season-ending injuries during the NBA playoffs. Philadelphia’s Embiid dealt with a left knee injury last season, limiting him to 39 regular-season games and affecting his performance in other games.
Leonard missed the final three games of the Clippers’ 2024 first-round playoff series loss to Dallas due to right knee soreness, an issue that has hindered his playoff participation since 2021.
Haliburton, who led the NBA in assists with 10.9 per game, missed the last two games of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston due to a strained left hamstring suffered in Game 2. Boston swept the series.
Embiid returned late in the regular season and played through his injury in a first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks in six games, averaging 33 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, including a 50-point performance in Game 3.
This trio may make the U.S.’s quest for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal a bit easier, but the star-studded team will enter as a strong favorite regardless.
“Every roster spot is crucial,” Kerr told reporters. “You never know how things will play out with injuries. We’re staying in touch with everyone and will continue to do so as we head into Vegas next week.”
Tyrese Haliburton led the NBA in assists last season before a hamstring injury sidelined him.
“You never know how things will unfold. There’s always a chance for change, whether due to injuries or preparation.”
The Olympic basketball competition begins on July 27, with the championship game on August 10 at Bercy Arena. The U.S. will face Serbia and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic in their first Group C game on July 28. Other Group C opponents include South Sudan and the winner of a FIBA qualifier in Puerto Rico from July 2-7, with Puerto Rico expected to advance.
The Americans have won four straight gold medals, defeating Spain in 2008 and 2012, Serbia in 2016, and France in 2021, despite the delay caused by COVID.
Host France, with NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, will have home-court advantage, and Germany won the World Cup in 2023.
Joel Embiid whispers to Nikola Jokic after the 76ers’ 126-121 victory over Denver in January.
“We’re well aware of the challenge,” Kerr said. “Basketball has improved globally. We know these teams are strong, and we need to be at our best.”
The U.S. roster includes NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, and Anthony Davis. Curry, 36, will make his Olympic debut, while Durant and James were selected for the fourth time.
The talented roster will create intriguing lineup decisions for Kerr, who has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships since 2015, with Curry and two with Durant.
“My staff and I have discussed it extensively,” Kerr said. “It’s a good problem to have, but I’m guessing all 12 players on this roster will be in the Hall of Fame someday.”
“How do you pick five out of 12? The goal is to find combinations that work well together and create effective two-way lineups. Our main task in Las Vegas is to identify five-man combinations that fit and ensure all 12 players are fully committed to winning a gold medal, regardless of their role or playing time.”
