USA Basketball Team Roster for 2016 Olympics: LeBron Out? Kawhi and Draymond In as Final Rio List Takes Shape
12-Player Lineup to Be Announced Next Week
Speculation on whether Cleveland Cavaliers main man LeBron James will play in the 2016 Rio Olympics may soon find an answer. Reports have surfaced that he may not join the American team this August.
NBA Finals was Exhausting
League sources said that King James will most likely opt out of the Rio Games because of the grueling 7-game NBA Finals series he had to face against the former champs, Golden State Warriors. The games extended up to the last possible match where the Cavs claimed victory over the Stephen Curry-led team.
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There is still no official word from James, but officials of the team are already expecting a negative reply for the lineup slot. Team USA has been waiting for the player's final decision and expected a reply right after the Cavs won their first-ever NBA title.
The basketball squad is still counting on James' participation since he has been very helpful in generating points for the country since he joined USA Basketball in 2004.
Who have Opted Out of the Olympics?
If he says no to the offer, LeBron will not be the first and only player to skip the tournament. Curry earlier decided that he will miss the games to allow his knee to heal. Other big names who will not be participating are James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Russell Westbrook.
On the other hand, there will still be notable players on the team like Warriors' Draymond Green. The power forward accepted the invite to play for Team USA. He will join other players like DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, Paul George and Klay Thompson, among others.
Kawhi Could Be In
Also, San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard could be a lock for the 12-man roster of the American basketball team,. According to MySA, Leonard's desire to be part of the Olympics did not seem affected by the scheduled birth of her baby girl this coming July.
There may be some changes in the roster list with USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo earlier saying that they prepared a gameplay for two possible scenarios -- a team with Lebron and a team without him.
When Will the Final List Be Announced?
Thirty-one finalists were included in the shortlist of players who could potentially play in the Olympics. The final 12 players is set to be announced by next week since the team needs to start practicing by July 18.
