5 NBA stars likely to miss out on 30-man selection pool for TEAM USA 2024 Olympics roster

Several NBA superstars expressed their interest in playing for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. The interest came off the heels of an abysmal performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where the Americans finished fourth, behind Germany, Serbia and Canada.

According to ESPN's Marc J. Spears, USA Basketball will likely announce a player pool consisting of around 30 players soon. It's part of the preparations for the upcoming Olympics, with Grant Hill and Steve Kerr looking for the best 12 available players to bring to Paris.

Stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant could be returning to suit up for Team USA. However, the long NBA season is a huge factor for many players, so nothing is concrete until the 12-man roster is announced in the offseason.

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Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported that Team USA has begun sending invites to players regarding their participation in the 2024 Olympics. Most stars, veterans and even young players are expected to receive invites, but not all will accept due to a variety of reasons.

Here's a look at five NBA stars likely missing the selection pool for Team USA's Olympic roster in Paris:

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Five NBA stars likely to miss out on 30-man selection pool for TEAM USA 2024 Olympics roster

#1 Ja Morant

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant proved in his short stint this season that he's one of the best young point guards in the NBA. He helped the Memphis Grizzles win a handful of games following his return from a 25-game suspension but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery.

If Morant was healthy, he would have had an automatic slot in the Team USA selection pool if he accepted the invite. He's a dynamic guard who can create problems on defense. His basketball IQ is also an underrated part of his game, which is needed in international competitions.

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#2 Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will be in charge of Team USA despite the results at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Kerr was criticized by fans for his failure to at least get a podium finish, but he's not at fault if no top players wanted to play.

The four-time NBA champion coach is expected to invite his three superstars – Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. While Curry's shooting and Green's physicality are needed in international games, Thompson is the odd man out.

He's struggling against NBA defenses, which is nothing compared to the physicality under FIBA rules.

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#3 James Harden

James Harden of the LA Clippers

James Harden is having a down season with the LA Clippers, but that was expected because he's playing with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Harden can still score like he used to, but he's more effective as a playmaker for the LA Clippers.

While Harden can be a difference-maker, there are too many other options better than him at the moment. His experience won't be needed if other superstars like LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are in the selection pool.

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#4 Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram never found his footing with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He struggled with the pace of play and physicality of the international games. He even made it known publicly, which led to a lot of criticism from fans.

With the potential depth of American forwards likely to commit, Ingram could be the first one off the list for the position. It would be difficult to unseat players like Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.

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#5 Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves of the LA Lakers

While LA Lakers fans were ecstatic about Austin Reaves' inclusion in Team USA's 2023 FIBA World Cup roster, he is unlikely get picked for the selection pool. If all the top guards accept the invite, it would be difficult to impress USA Basketball's top brass.

The guard positions are too deep for the Americans. Some big names include Steph Curry, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, De'Aaron Fox and LaMelo Ball.

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