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U.S. Men’s Basketball Team Welcomes NBA Star Kawhi Leonard to 2024 Olympics Roster
The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team has announced the addition of Kawhi Leonard to its roster for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Leonard, a standout player for the Los Angeles Clippers and former key contributor to the Toronto Raptors’ 2018-19 championship team, will be the twelfth and final player to secure a spot on the prestigious U.S. men’s basketball roster.
Earlier reports had already unveiled the first eleven players set to represent the nation in Paris, with basketball icons such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant among them. Notably, most of the selected players have previous experience playing for Team USA in major international competitions, including the Olympics and World Cup, with the exception of Joel Embiid, who obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022.
Kawhi Leonard, recognized for his stellar career in the NBA, will be making his debut appearance for Team USA at the Olympics. Despite facing various injury setbacks in recent years, Leonard’s impressive track record as a six-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP has rightfully earned him a spot on the star-studded roster, which boasts multiple former MVPs and NBA champions.
Throughout his career, Leonard has battled injuries ranging from torn ACLs to ankle and quad issues, limiting his availability for international competitions. However, this season has seen him successfully navigate these challenges, participating in a significant number of games and showcasing his skills with impressive statistics in various categories, including points, rebounds, and assists.
Leonard’s inclusion in the roster comes at a crucial time for Team USA, as the squad aims to redeem itself after a disappointing fourth-place finish at the FIBA World Cup in 2023. The team’s ultimate goal is to repeat the success of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where they claimed the gold medal by delivering a stellar performance throughout the tournament.
Joining returning players such as Durant, Adebayo, Booker, Holiday, and Tatum, Leonard’s presence is expected to bolster Team USA’s chances for a successful campaign in Paris. The finalized roster, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, is poised to make a strong statement in the quest for Olympic glory.
Final Team USA Roster for 2024 Olympics:
- LeBron James, F, Lakers
- Stephen Curry, G, Warriors
- Kevin Durant, F, Suns
- Joel Embiid, C, 76ers
- Jayson Tatum, F, Celtics
- Devin Booker, G, Suns
- Jrue Holiday, G, Celtics
- Anthony Davis, C, Lakers
- Anthony Edwards, G, Timberwolves
- Bam Adebayo, C, Heat
- Tyrese Haliburton, G, Pacers
- Kawhi Leonard, F, Clippers
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