Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, center DeAndre Jordan and guard Chris Paul were among the list of 30 finalists today named for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team by USA Basketball. The official 12-member 2016 U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team roster will be announced later this year.
Paul was a member of both the 2008 and 2012 gold medal-winning United States Olympic teams that each went a perfect 8-0. Paul has averages of 8.1 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals over 16 Olympic Games. The All-Star point guard is seeking to become one of four (Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and David Robinson) three-time U.S. Olympic players.
Jordan was a member of the 2007 USA U19 World Championship Team, participated in the 2013 USA National Team minicamp and was a member of the 2014 USA Select Team that trained with and against the 2014 USA National Team.
Griffin was a member of the 2012 USA Men’s Olympic Team, but withdrew due to injury.
All three Clippers players were on hand for the 2015 USA National Team minicamp in Las Vegas last July.
The 30 finalists represent 17 different NBA teams, with the Golden State Warriors leading the way with five players (Harrison Barnes, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson); while the Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving, James and Kevin Love) and the Clippers each feature three players.
The USA National Team's complete training schedule for 2016 will be announced at a later date.