New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson was ranked Thursday on the U.S. team’s potential roster for the Tokyo Olympics, one of 15 names added as the team prepares for the uncertainty of the list as it heads into an unprecedented summer.
Julius Randle of the New York Knicks and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, both first-time All-Stars this season as Williamson, were among those added to coach Gregg Popovich’s roster. There were already 42 players on the roster, which has now risen to 57 as USA Basketball tries to give itself options for the 12-man team.
There are many chances that even more players can be considered when the training camp opens in early July. The American team’s first game in Tokyo is scheduled for July 25, just three days after the last possible end date for the NBA Finals.
Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo has lobbied the U.S. Olympic Committee and FIBA, which runs the Olympic tournament, to allow list changes even during the Olympics to accommodate players who could participate in deep playoffs.
Typically, the lists are set several weeks before the Olympics. No official ruling has been handed down.
“It’s important that we continue to be flexible and consider all the players who can contribute to our efforts to get the best U.S. team possible,” Colangelo said. “Having a larger group of players than we normally have is critical because of all the uncertainties we have about availability.”
Among the names added to the roster are Miami Heat’s Duncan Robinson and Houston Rockets’ Christian Wood, who have no history with the national team.
The other 55 players who are already on the list have played for the national team or have participated in training sessions in the past. Also on Thursday were the Atlanta Hawks ‘Trae Young, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen, Detroit Pistons ‘Jerami Grant, Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson, Toronto Raptors ‘Fred VanVleet, Rockets’ John Wall and Eric Gordon. , Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin of the Brooklyn Nets.