Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green has expressed interest in playing for Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics, but will LeBron James block his chances?
Houston Rockets Jalen Green had a short time with Team USA this summer. And despite his brief stay, Green left a great impression on the program.
“Him playing off the ball was good — coming off pin downs, coming off screens, keeping the defense honest on the backside movement,” Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “I think he did a really good job of not chasing it, being able to find opportunities to create for his teammates. And whenever the ball did find his hands, he was a live go.”
The Rockets’ third-year guard expressed interest in representing Team USA during the 2024 Olympics.
But after the embarrassing 127-118 loss to the Canada Men’s National Team during the FIBA World Cup bronze medal game, the defeat could lead to Team USA making significant changes to their roster. The adjustments could botch Green’s chances of participating in the Olympics next summer.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, LeBron James is “ready to commit” to Team USA for next summer.
James’ commitment has sparked interest from several future Hall of Famers, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving. The decision to revamp Team USA’s roster began following their 113-111 loss to Germany on Sep. 8.
“Part of the deal with USAB is you pass the baton on to the next coaching staff, the next group of players,” Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re unique in that we have a deep talent pool and a lot of very worthy players, and I think those players and coaches all deserve to have the honor of wearing this USA jersey.”
Green was a part of the USA Select Team that trained and scrimmaged against Team USA, which represented the country at the FIBA World Cup.
According to the Washington Post, the select team defeated Team USA in two consecutive 10-minute scrimmages in Las Vegas. Green, who put on a show alongside Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, “was effective during the scrimmages.”
“He [Green] played well,” Grant Hill said per the Houston Chronicle. “He was one of the few guys that I had not seen in person. I obviously had seen him in highlights and on videos, even going back to high school. He’s dynamic. He’s explosive. He’s very confident.”
“A s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed and really talented player, he might not have been featured as much, but there were some moments,” Hill said. “There were situations where you saw his gifts and his talents. It was very impressive.”
Green will make for a good candidate to represent Team USA. But his chances of playing for the program will likely come following the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Green led the 22-60 Rockets in scoring last season, averaging a career-best 22.1 points on 41.6 percent shooting from the field, 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds across 76 games.
“I’m just happy to be here and compete against the guys,” Green said. “Hopefully, I’ll set up a future to play with the USA team later down the road.”
