Knicks Stars Brunson, Hart On Team USA Olympic Player Pool
Today, Manhattan. Tomorrow, the world.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart will get a chance to reprise their roles on the United States men's national basketball team, as the New York Knicks' star duo were included among the 41-man player pool for inclusion on the roster in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. A dozen will be chosen for the run at the Americans' fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
View the full list below:
Brunson and Hart previously partook in the Americans' recent run at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, coming in fourth place. The disappointing finish reportedly prompted LeBron James (LA Lakers) to stage a recruitment tour for Paris.
A report from Shama Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic shortly after losing the third-place game to Canada said that James talked to Stephen Curry (Golden State), Anthony Davis (LA Lakers), Kevin Durant (Phoenix), and Jayson Tatum (Boston). All of James' supposed candidates also appeared on the list unveiled on Tuesday.
Both Brunson and Hart forged their way into the recent World Cup's starting five. Hart led the team in rebounding at 5.1 per game and was second in field goal percentage at 68.2. Brunson, meanwhile, was fourth in scoring (11.0) and second in assists (4.0). Despite their dour finish as headliners, Brunson and Hart's continued efforts with the surging Knicks (26-17) could garner some attention for the Paris Games.
Brunson and Hart return to action on Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT). Brooklyn also placed two World Cup holdovers on the preliminary list, as Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson were each invited.
