DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls expressed their willingness to play if asked. This sentiment was shared by Brown, Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks, Julius Randle of the New York Knicks, Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets, Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors, Booker, and Bradley Beal. Last week, Kyrie Irving said the same thing at the Dallas Mavericks’ media day.
James noted on Monday that the abundance of talent will make it simpler for him to add to his two Olympic gold medals.
I don’t believe it would be too physically taxing based on the players we have here who could fill that roster, he said. “I wouldn’t have much to do. Rebound a bit, pass a bit, defend, and block a few attempts, you know. However, we shall see. We shall see what transpires.”
In addition to media day giving us unexpected insight into the prospective Olympic pool, the gathering of teams provided us with more information than ever before about Joel Embiid. Next summer, the MVP of the Philadelphia 76ers is uncertain whether he will play for Cameroon, France, or the United States.
“My objective is to compete in the Olympics. I adore all three alternatives. Cameroon, I was born there, I was raised there, and I always want to represent my nation. The objective is also to compete in the Olympics. If we had an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics, the decision would be simple, he said. “However, this is still uncertain [because Cameroon must still qualify for the 12-team Paris field in July]” And I truly desire to compete in the Olympics.”
France gave him a deadline of October 10, leaving him with only two options.
Other stars choose to concentrate on the upcoming season
Not recruited by James, Booker, Irving, De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, and Damian Lillard, the newest addition to the Milwaukee Bucks, reportedly had an early interest in the Olympics. Lillard has yet to discuss his intentions for next summer, while Fox fielded some questions Monday about the Summer Games.
Fox, who led the Kings to their first playoff appearance since 2006, had to “find a nice way” to explain he was not considering Team USA during media day. Monday morning, the reigning Clutch Player of the Year stated that the franchise’s aim is to win its first NBA championship in 72 years. After being summoned up for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the quick guard withdrew his name from consideration. He expressed a desire to concentrate on season preparations.
Trae Young of Atlanta stated on Monday that he wishes to play for Team USA but feels snubbed for not making the World Cup squad.
Young told reporters on media day, “If you don’t believe I’ve been disrespected, you’re simply lying.” “But, you know, it’s fine. For myself, I simply want to maintain the main focus the main focus and win. I know that when I win a championship, everything will be taken care of.”
The NBA season is sufficiently lengthy for the situations of any players who have expressed an interest in playing in the Olympics to change. Whoever earns a spot on the roster will be anticipated to help bring home the fifth consecutive gold medal for the United States.
