Reports: Melo and Lowry in, Lillard out for U.S. Olympic team

Carmelo Anthony will go for his third gold medal in Rio.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Jun 23, 2016

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Carmelo Anthony has committed to playing for Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

Anthony will be seeking his third Olympic gold medal after being a member of the U.S. squad in 2008 and 2012. He also owns a bronze medal from his first Olympics in 2004.

The New York Knicks star averaged 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists at the 2012 Olympics. Only Kevin Durant, who has already committed to playing in 2016, scored more points.

Anthony is coming off a season in which he averaged 21.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists for New York.

• Team USA debate: Will two Warriors break out with Team USA in Rio?

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green have also committed to Rio.

Butler, Lowry, Jordan and George head to first Olympics

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry has accepted USA Basketball's invitation to play at the 2016 Olympics, according to Wojnarowski.

Lowry will play on his first Olympic team as point guard Stephen Curry and Chris Paul have withdrawn due to injuries. Lowry will reportedly by joined by his Raptors teammate DeMar DeRozan.

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard also withdrew his name in order to rehab from a plantar fasciitis injury, according to The Vertical’s Shams Charania.

According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, Indiana Pacers star Paul George has also decided to don the red, white and blue for the first time since suffering a compound fracture of both bones in his lower right leg in a showcase scrimmage in August 2014.

Clippers Star DeAndre Jordan has also earned a spot in Rio, according to Stein.

Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler has accepted an invitation to compete in Rio, according to Stein.

Kawhi Leonard and Gordon Hayward have both declined their invitations.

NBA Finalists on the way

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving and Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson will ultimately decide to go to the Olympics after their long playoff runs, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

It would be the first Olympic team for both players.