LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer and Joel Embiid, the current MVP, are leading the U.S. men’s basketball team to the Paris Olympics, as announced by USA Basketball on Wednesday.
James, a winner of two Olympic gold medals and one bronze, who missed the previous two Olympics, will be playing alongside his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns who has three Olympic golds, and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
The team also includes Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics). This star-studded group, referred to as the Paris “Dream Team,” consists entirely of NBA All-Stars, includes four MVPs, and six NBA champions.
Grant Hill, the managing director of USA Basketball’s men’s national team, expressed his gratitude for the commitment of these 12 players. “The United States boasts some of the world’s finest basketball talent, and their willingness to participate is greatly appreciated,” Hill said. He acknowledged the high level of competition expected at the Olympics, which he described as the apex of sporting events.
The U.S. team is set to compete in Group C against Serbia, South Sudan, and the winner from the qualifying rounds in Puerto Rico, beginning on August 3.
The Paris Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11.
