Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Haliburton, and Joel Embiid are all set to join the USA Basketball men’s national team training camp in Las Vegas next week. This marks the beginning of the journey towards a potential fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal for the American team.
Leonard had missed a significant portion of the Los Angeles Clippers’ games due to knee inflammation, while Haliburton faced hamstring issues towards the end of the Indiana Pacers’ playoff run. Embiid, on the other hand, had been dealing with knee problems throughout the season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to U.S. coach Steve Kerr, all three players are expected to be ready for the camp. Despite concerns about Leonard’s status, USA Basketball has been in touch with him and is pleased with his progress during his recent workouts.
The American team will head to the Paris Games as the favorites and the top-ranked men’s team globally. However, Kerr acknowledges the rising competition in international basketball, with strong teams like France, Germany, and Canada posing significant challenges.
The roster for the U.S. team remains unchanged from the original announcement in April, with players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry set to compete for the gold medal. The team is gearing up for exhibition games against Canada, Abu Dhabi, and London before the Olympic competition begins on July 28th.
The U.S. will face tough opponents like Serbia, South Sudan, and the winner of the qualifier in Puerto Rico in the group stage. With seven players on the team already holding Olympic gold medals, the American squad is determined to maintain its winning tradition on the global stage.
As preparations continue for the Olympic campaign, the American team remains focused on the ultimate goal of claiming another gold medal and solidifying their dominance in international basketball. The players are eager to showcase their skills and represent their country with pride and determination on the world’s biggest sporting stage.