USA Basketball has announced that at least 44 players are being considered to fill the 12 slots for the 2020 US Olympic men’s basketball team, Reuters reported.
The candidates include nine members of squads that won gold medals in the past. These are the United States’ 2016 Olympic team and seven from the 2012 squad.
The final list of players roster will be announced later this year.
This year’s Olympics will be held in Tokyo from July 24 to Aug. 9,2020 while the men’s basketball gold medal game is Aug. 8.
“The commitment, desire and excitement of all of our athletes to represent their country is genuine and remarkable,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball managing director, in a statement.
“All of the finalists are exceptionally gifted athletes who offer us amazing versatility and depth, and the group of finalists features a range of players from those who are very experienced and accomplished in international basketball to players who will be future international stars.”
Twelve nations will compete in the 2020 Games. Already qualified are the United States, host Japan, Argentina, Australia, France, Iran, Nigeria and Spain.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who is taking over for Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski will coach team USA. Assistant coaches are Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), Lloyd Pierce (Atlanta Hawks) and Jay Wright (Villanova).
The 44 candidates and their NBA teams are:
Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker
Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, Kyrie Irving
Cleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond, Kevin Love
Denver Nuggets: Mason Plumlee
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson
Houston Rockets: James Harden, Russell Westbrook
Indiana Pacers: Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner
Los Angeles Clippers: Paul George, Montrezl Harrell, Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler
Milwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram
Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Paul
Philadelphia 76ers: Tobias Harris
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker
Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard
Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes
San Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Derrick White
Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry
Utah Jazz: Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell
Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal
