USA Basketball filled 11 of the 12 players on their roster for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games on Monday night. But that spot was quickly filled on Tuesday, rightfully by one of the best players that the game of basketball has to offer.
The players named on Monday consisted of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton.
Sources with @joevardon: Team USA is finalizing 11 of its 12-man Olympic roster:
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo and Tyrese Haliburton.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2024
It’s certainly an impressive list of top-tier players that should give any country in the world a run for their money in the upcoming Summer Games.
But on Tuesday, the team added a proven veteran to their roster, as Kawhi Leonard was named as the final player on the Team USA roster.
Kawhi Leonard will fill the 12th and final spot on the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team in Paris, I’m told.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) April 16, 2024
Initially, it was certainly a surprise that Leonard was initially left off of the roster. Not only is he one of the premiere defenders in all of basketball, but he brings some very high-level experience in big games as a two-time NBA Champion.
Many basketball fans weighed in on the decision on social media, with most comments largely agreeing that Leonard very much belongs on this team with the rest of the best players in the United States.
Finna be the best player on the team 🔥
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) April 16, 2024
Let’s gooooo
— Lamar Jackson first responder. (@Freshh_LA) April 16, 2024
This is deserved
— Ramesh Saxena (@Docktus_) April 16, 2024
Only time will tell whether Team USA will live up to the high expectations that they have every year. But it sure seems like Kawhi Leonard is the perfect player to round out this already-stacked team.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.