Chris Paul is the epitome of a point guard in today’s game, and for that very reason, USA basketball is eager to have CP3 on the team for the Tokyo Olympics.
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Currently in a deep playoff run as his Suns reached the Conference Finals. However, due to either him having COVID or being in a risky scenario, Paul is set to be out indefinitely. He entered the league’s health and safety protocol which has sidelined him for the time being.
However, assuming he comes back healthy, and is up for the offseason challenge, team USA would love to have him for the Tokyo Olympics. Apparently, they’re aggressively pursuing him too.
The most pressing issue, obviously, is his availability for the Western Conference finals, but Phoenix’s Chris Paul has been actively pursued this month by @usabasketball for a spot on the Tokyo Olympic team, league sources say. Lots for Paul, 36, to weigh amid a deep playoff run
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 18, 2021
Chris Paul Would Join Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Draymond Green For Team USA
Team USA already has several superstars committing to join the fold. Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum have already committed to the part. His teammate, Devin Booker has also said he’ll join the team.
The NBA’s leading scorer, Bradley Beal has also confirmed that he’ll be taking part. LeBron James has shot down the prospect, and Steph Curry is still debating over whether he’ll play or not.
If they make the team (which they probably will), Booker, Lillard, Tatum, and Beal will all be playing in their first Olympic tournament. Draymond Green is the only player with prior experience to commit to the part as of now.
Green played for team USA in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro winning a gold medal in the tournament. CP3 could join Green as the only members to have played for Team USA before if he accepts. CP3 played in the 2012 USA team that won gold at London.
Team USA would likely still be well off without CP3, but his addition would make them that much more dangerous. It’s always good to have players with experience on the roster, and who better than the point god himself.
Team USA will be seeking its fourth consecutive gold medal as Greg Popovich is set to coach the team. Training camp will begin on July 7th for Team USA, and the Olympics are scheduled to take place on July 23rd. Basketball will start from July 25th.
Group stage games will go from July 25th to August 1st while the knockout stage will run from August 3rd to 7th. If Paul joins the roster, there’s no reason to doubt that Team USA will be looking to add another gold medal to their impressive resume.
