Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan recently shared his excitement to join the Team USA once again at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In an interview with Mark Medina of SportsKeeda, the 34-year-old small forward stated his honor and passion for representing his country on the global stage.
“I’m always for it. I’d love to be a part of it,” DeRozan said. “I’d love to be able to represent the country again. It’s definitely an honor. If I’m asked or part of the pool that can compete for it, I’m definitely in.”
DeRozan is no stranger to international competition, having already won gold medals at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the Rio 2016 Olympics, DeRozan contributed significantly to Team USA’s victory, as part of the star-studded lineup that included Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Carmelo Anthony.
DeMar DeRozan wants to play in the 2024 Paris Olympics, per @MarkG_Medina. pic.twitter.com/dQlexCR5mR
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2023
The team’s unbeaten 8-0 record helped the United States to its third consecutive Olympic gold medal. During the seven games in Brazil, Demar DeRozan averaged 6.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per game, having a shooting percentage of 59.3% from the field and 77.7% from the foul line.
LeBron James ready to lead Team USA in 2024 Paris Olympics
The two-time Olympic gold medallist LeBron James is reported to have already committed to the 2024 Paris Summer Games, according to The Athletic. The 38-year-old basketball legend led the United States to gold medals in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics and is evidently eager to repeat the same in Paris. Despite not participating in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, James has taken an initiative to put together a strong team for the upcoming games.
BREAKING: Lebron James is “ready to commit” to playing for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Kevin Durant and Steph Curry 🏀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/v50qWnPp68
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) September 11, 2023
He has reportedly reached out to multiple stars, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green, to join him in the French capital next summer. This approach follows the United States’ unexpected fourth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a result that has intensified the country’s commitment to assemble a strong team for the Paris Olympics.
USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill acknowledged being aware of James’s interest in the 2024 Olympics but chose not to comment further. With the possibility of James leading a star-studded team, and DeRozan’s expressed willingness to be part of the team, expectations are high for Team USA’s performance in Paris, as they look to reclaim their dominance on the international basketball stage.
