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When the 2016 Olympics kick off in Rio de Janeiro this summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers could have three players representing USA Basketball.
Today, USA Basketball released its list of 30 finalists for the 2016 Olympic Roster and LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love made the early cut. All three have represented America on the international stage in the past. USA Basketball announced the finalists in a press release and a tweet. As of now, no date has been set to when the final 12-man roster will be finalized.
Check out U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Finalists Roster - https://t.co/vayEDA2kM4 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/vvxEfXygFl
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) January 18, 2016
All three Cavs have compelling cases for a spot on the roster. LeBron, of course, is still the best player in the world and if he wants a spot, he'll probably get it. As reported by Joe Vardon of cleveland.com, however LeBron is currently undecided about playing in the Olympics and said he 'hasn't thought about it'.
As for Irving, he faces stiff competition from Steph Curry, John Wall, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Mike Conley at the point guard spot. Irving, though, is close with coach Mike Krzyzewski and was the MVP of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup where the Americans won the gold medal. Irving was also the 2014 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
Love also faces stuff competition at power forward, where LaMarcus Aldridge, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Blake Griffin and Kenneth Faried are also finalists. Additionally, players like LeBron and Carmelo Anthony (if they play) play more at the four spot in international play and it's not hard to see how Love could squeezed off the roster simply because he plays at a crowded position.
The Cavs, along with the Clippers, have three players amongst the 30 finalists. The Warriors led all NBA teams with five players named finalists.
The 2016 Olympics kick off on August 5 and end on August 21.