As reported here on VigilantSports.com last Thursday, Paul George was all in on playing on the Olympic Team and he had accepted his invitation to play for a gold medal August 5-21.
PG-13 will be on display at the Rio Olympics.
On Monday, USA Basketball made it official by naming the 12-man roster that will compete in the Rio Olympics.
“I’m really excited to have this opportunity again to represent my country,” George said in a statement. “The injury two years ago has added motivation to want to play again!”
He added that he doesn’t expect it truly hit him until August when they are in Rio.
“I think the National Anthem before the first game is probably when it will sink in that this is the moment I’ve dreamed of and was looking forward to as a kid.”
[FIRST LOOK: Paul George in his PG-13 Team USA uniform]
Speaking late last week, after the draft, Pacers General Manager Kevin Pritchard shared how the front office felt about George’s decision.
“I think it’s terrific,” he said. “What happened to him was tough, and to have him come back and have the year that he did, I don’t think we could be more proud. Hearing the news and seeing that he’s going to play for his country, I think that’s something we should all be proud of. Monumental for us.”
Roster:
4. Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls)
5. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
6. DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers)
7. Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)
8. Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors)
9. DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors)
10. Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)
11. Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)
12. DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings)
13. Paul George (Indiana Pacers)
14. Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
15. Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks
2016 Olympic Team.
“Looking at this team, our overall balance is what strikes me,” Mike Krzyzewski of the his final Olympic Team. “We have lightning-quick guards who can score as well as distribute the basketball. We have great shooters and explosive scorers, we’re big and athletic, and I think we’ll really be able to defend.”
[Mike Krzyzewski ‘anxious’ for Paul George’s debut]
Durant and Anthony are the two lone returners from the 2012 gold medal team. The average age of this roster is 26.8.
Despite so many top names declining to participate, this team is still expected to earn the gold medal. Team USA is 75-1 since 2006 and is currently riding an outstanding 63-game win streak.
[Pacers Podcast with head coach Nate McMillan, also a former USA Basketball assistant coach]
Indiana’s own Gordon Hayward was extended an invite but he declined due to family reasons. He’s got his second child on the way.