U.S. team players who may miss the Olympics due to injuries

The U.S. team has finalized its 12-player roster for the Paris Olympics, but injuries to some players could result in some changes to the team that travels to France to represent the United States in the Olympic Games, which begin on July 27.

In particular, Joel Embiid (Bell’s palsy, knee) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) are at risk of being forced to withdraw from the Olympics. Embiid was far from 100% during the seven-game series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. If Embiid wants to be at his best next season, a summer away from basketball would be beneficial for the 2023 NBA MVP.

Leonard’s Olympic participation is also up in the air. His knee has been so inflamed recently that he only played two games in the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Given Leonard’s history of knee problems and his age (he turns 33 in June), some could argue that sitting out Paris is the best decision for his body and his career.

Paris is also looking at the other players on the USA roster who are questionable, including Embiid and Leonard, as well as Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been plagued by severe back problems all season and which were aggravated during Indiana’s recent matchup with the Knicks.

Additionally, Haliburton just re-examined a nagging left hamstring injury in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, leaving his participation in the remainder of the series uncertain, and with multiple injuries to deal with ahead of next season, doctors may recommend he sit out the Olympics.

Besides considering what’s best for the careers of Embiid, Leonard and Haliburton, there is also the competitive needs of Team USA to consider. Team USA already has a fairly old roster and can’t afford to bring injured players to Paris. Seven of the team’s 12 players are over 30 years old: Embiid (30), Anthony Davis (31), Leonard (32), Jrue Holiday (33), Kevin Durant (35), Stephen Curry (36) and LeBron James (39).

If Haliburton, Leonard and/or Embiid can’t make it to the Olympics, who should Team USA pick to replace them? Let’s take a look at the top candidates.

Tyrese Haliburton’s successor

Possible replacement: Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is currently playing at such a level that it calls into question Team USA’s decision to leave him off the roster for Paris, and with Jalen Brunson definitely out (broken hand), Irving is the obvious choice to replace Haliburton at the Olympics.

Not only is Irving the greatest ball-handler of all time and perhaps the best non-dunk finisher of all time, he also has Olympic experience, so if Haliburton pulls out of the Olympics, Team USA could add Irving to the roster and perhaps right the mistake of leaving him out of the starting lineup.

Donovan Mitchell is another guard that the U.S. could choose to replace Irving over Haliburton, but Mitchell has also been plagued by injuries and missed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ final two games of the season.

Replacement for Kawhi Leonard

Possible replacements: Paolo Banchero, Jaylen Brown

When considering replacing Leonard on the U.S. national team, two names immediately come to mind: Paolo Banchero and Jaylen Brown.

The 21-year-old Banchero is joining the team because he provides the team with a much-needed young player, plus he is capable of playing in a small-ball five role in international competition, something coach Steve Kerr wants to give a team with only a few true centers (pending Embiid’s status).

The U.S. selection committee may also be hesitant to add Brown rather than Banchero because it would add a third Celtic (Tatum, Holiday) to the U.S. team, which may seem excessive for a 12-man squad.

At the same time, Brown is making a strong case for an invite to Paris. He’s playing better than anyone in the playoffs right now, and his defensive versatility would be invaluable in the Olympics. Plus, if Boston can win the 2024 NBA title, the idea of ​​having three Celtics players on Team USA would suddenly seem a lot less controversial.

Joel Embiid replacement

Possible replacements: Chet Holmgren, Bobby Portis

Both Chet Holmgren and Bobby Portis are good at long-distance shooting, so their playing styles are well suited to international basketball.

Holmgren would bring an injection of youth that was cited as part of Banchero’s appeal, but with multiple seats open, it’s doubtful both Banchero and Holmgren would be invited.

Portis is a much bigger player than Holmgren and the U.S. team might want to add him to their roster, especially given the fact that international matches can get rough at times when the stakes are higher. Portis could be the perfect type of firebrand the U.S. wants on their side when it comes down to it in Paris.

On the other hand, if the U.S. team chooses Brown over Banchero to replace Leonard, Holmgren might get an invite because of his youth. Sure, Holmgren isn’t as strong as Portis, but he’s already one of the best shot blockers in the world.

Best case scenario: Irving, Brown, Holmgren

The “best-case scenario” for the U.S. team would be for all three of the original Paris invitees – Haliburton, Leonard and Embiid – to play in the Olympics, negating any consideration of replacements.

But if all three players were to opt out of the Olympics, the best replacements for the U.S. national team would be Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown and Chet Holmgren.

Irving and Brown, in particular, are worthy of a spot on the U.S. national team given their recent dominance in the NBA playoffs.

Ultimately, the Team USA selection committee can’t go wrong because there’s an incredible amount of talent to choose from. Regardless of who makes it onto the final 12 in Paris, the U.S. will be considered the favorite to win the gold medal. And the entire basketball world would naturally be shocked if Team USA failed to achieve this feat.

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