Basketball: US picks strong team for Rio

Kevin Durant (with ball) and Draymond Green were both named in the US squad to play at the Rio...
Kevin Durant (with ball) and Draymond Green were both named in the US squad to play at the Rio Olympics. Photo: Getty Images

The USA confirmed their 12-player men's basketball roster for the Rio Olympics today, picking a star-laden team despite the absence of many first-choice players.

Kyrie Irving was the final player to confirm his involvement in the team and is joined by Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler in the backcourt.

In the frontcourt Carmelo Anthony returns for his fourth Olympics, while Kevin Durant, Paul George, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes, DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan fill out the remaining spots.

The squad possesses threats all over the floor, capable playing almost any type of game and beating teams in any number of ways.

It is an impressive lineup, considering they are without the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. Such is the depth of US basketball though, they will enter as the hot favourites to reclaim the gold medal.

Since professionals were first allowed to compete in 1992, the US has been denied gold just once, in 2004 where they claimed bronze.

Meanwhile New Zealand will begin their last-chance Olympic qualifying tournament next week, where they are in a Group alongside hosts Philippines and world No 5 France.

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