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"We know we have a collection of incredible
talent for this summer. And a lot of guys are experienced," USA
Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill told
reporters in New York on Wednesday.
"They know very well just how difficult this is. We can't just
show up, you know, we have to come. We have to play. We have to
compete."
Also named to the squad were Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin
Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves),
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston
Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers) and Jayson Tatum (Boston
Celtics).
All 12 members of the Paris "Dream Team" have been NBA All-Stars
and it includes four NBA MVPs and six NBA champions.
Hill said that an "overwhelming" number of players wanted to be
a part of the team and that James committed to competing in
Paris in a passing conversation not long after breaking the
all-time scoring record.
"I just went up to him and said, 'Hey, man, I need to you in
Paris'. And he was like, 'I'm in'," said Hill.
"He deserves - because of all that he's done and what he's still
doing - to be on this roster. And so we're thrilled."
The U.S. will play in Group C with Serbia, South Sudan and the
winner of a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico on Aug. 3.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 11.
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto and Amy Tennery in New
York. Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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