USA Basketball Roster for 2016 Olympics Finalized: Complete List of Players for Rio Games Bared -- Who Made it to the Final 12?
Kyrie Irving Secures Last Spot on 12-Man Roster
The long wait is over as the 12 players for the USA Basketball Team has been finalized barely two months before the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Star Players Out
This year's roster is different from previous lineups for the past Olympic games with NESN noting that big names like Stephen Curry, LeBron Hames, Chris Paul, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, among others, decided to opt out of the tournament due to a variety of reasons. However, it was highlighted that all the players selected for the 2016 Olympics are the best among the 30-player shortlist earlier released.
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Who Made it to the Final 12?
Names of all those included in the lineup are expected to be announced on Monday but a leaked copy from reliable sources has been published in various sports websites. Below is the complete list of the USA Team for the Rio Games, as per SB Nation:
| Position | Name | NBA team |
| G | Kyrie Irving | Cavaliers |
| G | Kyle Lowry | Raptors |
| G | Jimmy Butler | Bulls |
| G | DeMar DeRozan | Raptors |
| G | Klay Thompson | Warriors |
| F | Carmelo Anthony | Knicks |
| F | Harrison Barnes | Restricted free agent |
| F | Kevin Durant | Thunder |
| F | Paul George | Pacers |
| F | Draymond Green | Warriors |
| C | DeMarcus Cousins | Kings |
| C | DeAndre Jordan | Clippers |
Starting Lineup
The starting five is projected to be composed of Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Paul George, Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins. Oklahoma City Thunder's Durant is said to be the top player on the team. NESN said he will replace James as the team captain for the upcoming August Olympics.
Another strong addition to the team is Indiana Pacers forward Paul George who broke his leg two years ago prior to the FIBA World Championships. He managed to recover from the injury and is now 100 percent ready for his next tournament.
Irving Made Late Decision
Irving and Barnes were reportedly the last two players who accepted the invitation to join the 12-man roster for Team USA. It was highlighted that Irving contemplated for the past week on his decision to participate in the Olympics.
The 2014 Basketball World Cup MVP had an average of 19.6 points and 4.7 assists in the past season with NBA titleholders Cleveland Cavaliers. Irving will join the team expected to defend their gold medal win four years ago.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski said the players will practice in Las Vegas from July 18 to July 21. After this, ESPN added that they will have exhibition games from July 22 and Aug. 1 with teams such as Nigeria and Argentina.
