NBA insider drops two new names who could start for Team USA next to LeBron James, Steph Curry against Australia
The starting lineup for Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics has yet to be solidified, as the team continues to make its way through exhibition games. NBA insider Joe Vardon of the Athletic suggested that Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will start for Team USA against Australia in Abu Dhabi.
In a clip from a practice session in Abu Dhabi, the team was seen scrimmaging 5-on-5, with Tatum and Edwards rocking dark blue uniforms along with Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Vardon linked Kerr's comments on a lineup change to the practice footage, predicting Edwards and Tatum will get their chance to start on Wednesday.
Edwards led all Team USA players with 13 points in the win against Canada. He provided a key spark off the bench, quickly penetrating from the perimeter on multiple plays to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He helped erase an 11-4 deficit left by the starting unit.
Jayson Tatum was also imperative in the second-unit surge of the first quarter, scoring six of his eight points in the frame, including a beautiful spin move and finish on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The forward is coming off his first NBA championship victory with the Celtics in which he averaged 22.2 points and 7.2 assists in a quick series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Against Canada, Team USA rolled out Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Joel Embiid to start alongside Curry and James. The unit struggled to knock down their shots and appeared to lag behind a quicker, smaller Canadian lineup.
Team USA's Steph Curry, Steve Kerr speak on Donald Trump assassination attempt
The two Golden State Warriors members spoke on the news of Donald Trump's assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania Saturday night. The attack is significant for the players are representing the country this summer.
"We've talked to the players about how important it's to show the best version of us as human beings to represent our country in a respectful, dignified manner," Kerr said (via ESPN's Brian Windhorst).
Curry said the attack paints another negative light on his country.
"You want to [see] positivity and hope. It sounds cheesy, but it's real. That's when our country's at its best and it just adds another blemish to what's going on. So, sad is just the word," he said.
Team USA play Australia on July 15, with tipoff set for 12 pm EST.