Kawhi Leonard gets final spot as Team USA roster unveiled

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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard received the 12th and final spot on Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday, as the full roster was announced Wednesday.

USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill met with most of the 12 invitees on the 2024 Olympic team over the past few days, and it wasn't until Tuesday that Team USA officials were able to firm up Leonard's acceptance to join the roster for Paris, sources told ESPN.

The other 11 players on the Team USA roster areLeBron James (Lakers), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Kevin Durant (Suns), Joel Embiid (76ers), Anthony Davis (Lakers), Devin Booker (Suns), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Jrue Holiday (Celtics), Bam Adebayo (Heat) and Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers).

"We're giving ourselves a chance to win with the talent we have," Hill said on NBC's "Today" show. "It'll be exciting. It'll be tough. It won't be easy. We have great respect for all the other teams. But certainly, this is going to be an iconic roster."

The Warriors' Steve Kerr will coach Team USA, assisted by Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue and Mark Few.

Leonard averaged 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Clippers this season. He missed the final eight games of the regular season with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.

Training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas are scheduled for July.

"Obviously, it's a great honor to represent your country," Adebayo said. "But for me, to be in that room as part of those 12 players, part of who they think the 12 best players to represent the United States, it takes it to a different level."

The Olympics will take place from July 26 through Aug. 11 in Paris. There will be 12 teams competing for the gold medal in men's basketball.

"The goal is to win the gold," Hill said. "They know that."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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