On January 24, the US basketball team announced a call-up list of 41 players to prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
“The King” LeBron James, scoring superstar Kevin Durant, “chef” Stephen Curry and reigning Joel Embiid lead the list of NBA stars, heading to the competition in the 5×5 men’s basketball tournament. released in Paris, France.
But in the group of players called up, experienced pillar and defensive leader Draymond Green was absent. The Golden State Warriors striker is one of four players to have multiple Olympic gold medals (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021).
According to the summon list, only Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Chris Paul have ever had at least 2 Olympic gold medals. So what is the reason why Draymond cannot attend the 2024 Paris Olympics?
US team CEO and former NBA player Grant Hill gave a detailed explanation to fans.
“First of all, I and the US team leadership acknowledge the important contributions that Draymond Green has brought. He has been a big part of this team in the past two Olympics, contributing to bringing home the last two gold medals.
But according to the events that happened this season in the NBA, we decided not to add Draymond Green’s name to the call-up list this time,” Mr. Grant Hill shared.
The above explanation shows that the continuous suspension has caused Draymond to lose his place in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This season alone, Green was banned by the NBA twice for a total of 15 matches, both due to violent behavior. .
“ We understand that this is an important and sensitive period in Draymond Green’s career, and know that he is working hard to improve himself both on and off the field.
The US basketball team will fully support Green on this journey. However, we feel that letting Green play this summer is not really necessary ,” Mr. Grant Hill added.
After announcing the centralized list of 41 players, the US team’s coaching staff will work in parallel with the NBA season to reduce it to 12 official players. This group of 12 names is expected to be announced in June.
Because the Regular Season and NBA Playoffs round take place from now until mid-year, the US team will only gather in early July in Las Vegas, have some friendly matches before leaving for Paris to attend the 2024 Olympics.
