Team USA will be just fine at the Rio Olympics, and is still a massive favorite to win the gold medal.
Despite missing a whole slew of stars, the United States men's basketball team will field a group of the game's elite. Paul George, DeAndre Jordan and Jimmy Butler accepted invites on Thursday, according to ESPN. Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins and Draymond Green have committed. According to a Thursday report from The Vertical, Kyle Lowry and Carmelo Anthony are in. The official roster is expected out on Monday.
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ESPN reports that Team USA brass is still hopeful Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will commit, despite their long playoff runs, but are locks if they want to play. Kawhi Leonard is expecting a child in July, and was also a favorite to claim one of the final roster spots, but ESPN reported Thursday he is not expected to play.
That wear and tear from the finals is the reportedly the biggest reason LeBron James won't play in Rio. Damian Lillard also announced Thursday that he won't play. They join a host of stars who have opted out, including Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Anthony Davis and John Wall.
Per SkyBet, Team USA is the 1-to-14 favorite to capture gold, meaning a bettor would have to wager $140 to win $10.
Team USA basketball projected Olympics roster
Committed
Kevin Durant
Paul George
Kyle Lowry
Draymond Green
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DeMarcus Cousins
Jimmy Butler
Carmelo Anthony
DeAndre Jordan
Not yet decided
Klay Thompson
Kyrie Irving
Possibles
Mike Conley
DeMar DeRozan
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Gordon Hayward (UPDATE: Hayward has withdrawn from consideration after announcing he and his wife, Robyn, are expecting a child this summer.)
Kevin Love