Paolo Banchero on Team USA Shortlist for Paris Olympics, But Focus Remains on Magic
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero could be back with Team USA this summer.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Banchero is one of 41 finalists for Team USA's roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will take place this July and August.
"I think this thing is cool," Banchero said. "I haven't really been focused on it. They let me know that I'm gonna be on their list. All great players and they'll select the 12 that they see fit best."
Here's a look at the full list of players ...
Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, Alex Caruso, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, De’Aaron Fox, Paul George, Aaron Gordon, Tyrese Haliburton, James Harden, Josh Hart, Tyler Herro, Jrue Holiday, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Ingram, Kyrie Irving, Jaren Jackson Jr., LeBron James, Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Trae Young
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Banchero, 21, admitted that while he's excited about Team USA, he's focused on the second half of the Magic's season as Orlando has a chance to make its first playoff appearance since 2020.
Banchero is emerging in his second season in the NBA. He's averaging 22.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the Magic this season. There's a chance he could make his first All-Star team later this month as well, making him one of the top candidates among the list above.