April 2021 Basketball Wiretap

LeBron James Likely Won't Play For United States Again

Jun 30, 2021 1:00 PM

Jerry Colangelo believes LeBron James has likely already played his last game with the United States.

"You know, Father Time takes its toll," Colangelo said of James. "... If you're a human being, your body is built to go so long depending on what your sport is, and then it's a downhill situation. LeBron made choices these last couple of Olympics not to participate because he's got a lot of things going on in his life. So he put in his time, he made a contribution that is appreciated, but I think his time is over."

James has opted out of the past two Olympic cycles, though he told ESPN's Rachel Nichols in 2016 that "Every time I watch 'em, I wish I was out there," while Team USA won gold in Rio de Janeiro.

James has 68 games and three Olympics of international experience with Team USA.

James last played for the United States in 2012 in London.

ESPN

Tags: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, United States, NBA, National, National Teams

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Ben Simmons Won't Play In Tokyo Olympics

Jun 28, 2021 9:41 PM

Ben Simmons will not participate in the Tokyo Olympics. for Australia 

Brian Goorjian said in a statement that he and Team Australia "understand and support his decision."

"The best thing for everybody right now is for him to go on and develop that skill package and improve in a couple of areas for his next season in the NBA, but the Boomers are always here for him. We wanted him to know that in his time of need, the culture and the guys here are behind him and support him," Goorjian said.

Simmons heads into an uncertain offseason following the Philadelphia 76ers' second round exit.  

ESPN

Tags: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia Sixers, Australia, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant Become Team USA's Final Commits For Olympics

Jun 23, 2021 3:35 PM

Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant have committed to the United States for the Tokyo Olympics to complete their 12-man roster.

James Harden has withdrawn as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The United States has also received commitments from Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Draymond Green, Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Kevin Love, Bam Adebayo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. 

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Tags: Jerami Grant, Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Khris Middleton, Kevin Love Commit To Play In Olympics; Chris Paul Declines Invite

Jun 22, 2021 3:19 PM

The United States have received two additional commitments for their Tokyo Olympics roster.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the United States received commitments on Tuesday from Khris Middleton and Kevin Love. Love was a member of the 2012 team.

Chris Paul has declined an invitation after previous reported indicated he intended to commit. 

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: Chris Paul, Kevin Love, Khris Middleton, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Stephen Curry Decides Not To Play In Olympics

Jun 21, 2021 5:18 PM

Stephen Curry has decided not to participate in the Tokyo Olympics.

Curry had been trying to decide whether or not to play for the United States over the past few weeks. Curry has not played in the Olympics during his career.

Shams Charania, Anthony Slater/The Athletic

Tags: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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James Harden Commits For Olympics, Kyrie Irving Likely To Pass Due To Ankle Injury

Jun 21, 2021 2:31 PM

James Harden has committed to play for the United States in the Tokyo Olympics. 

Harden played in the 2012 Olympics and 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Kyrie Irving, however, is unlikely to play as he recovers from his ankle injury suffered in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Irving last played for the United States in the 2016 Olympics. 

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Tags: Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Brooklyn Nets, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Bam Adebayo Commits To United States For Olympics

Jun 21, 2021 1:40 PM

Bam Adebayo has committed to the United States for the Tokyo Olympics.

The United States has also received commitments from Damian Lillard, Draymond Green, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

Adebayo averaged 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 33.5 minutes per game last season for the Miami Heat.

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tags: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Bradley Beal, Devin Booker Commit To USA For Olympics

Jun 18, 2021 5:08 PM

Bradley Beal has committed to Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics, per The Athletic. ESPN adds that Devin Booker has also committed to join Gregg Popovich's team in Tokyo.  

Beal joins Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green as the initial commits. 

Beal has only previously played for the United States in junior events.

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon/The Athletic

Tags: Bradley Beal, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Jayson Tatum Commits To Team USA For Olympics

Jun 15, 2021 8:07 PM

Jayson Tatum has committed to play for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics.

Tatum joins Damian Lillard and Draymond Green as the first commits for the United States.

Tatum averaged 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over two games in the 2019 World Cup before he suffered an ankle injury. 

Chris Haynes/Yahoo! Sports

Tags: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Damian Lillard, Draymond Green Become First Team USA Commits For Tokyo Olympics

Jun 15, 2021 12:57 PM

Damian Lillard and Draymond Green have become the first commitments for the United States for the Tokyo Olympics. 

Green previously played for the United States in the 2016 Olympics. 

Training camp begins on July 6th in Las Vegas.

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon/The Athletic

Tags: Damian Lillard, Draymond Green, United States, NBA, National, National Olympics, National Teams

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Stephen Curry Remains 'Literally 50-50' On Olympics

Ann Killion/San Francisco Chronicle

LeBron James Won't Play In Tokyo Olympics

RealGM Staff Report