The Team USA basketball rosters for the 2024 Olympics are currently set, but changes could still occur.
The men’s team features prominent players such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum.
In contrast, the women’s team boasts stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier, and Sabrina Ionescu, among other notable athletes.
However, if any player is unable to travel to Paris due to injury or other reasons, alternates might step in. Here’s what you need to know about squad alternates for Olympic basketball:
What are alternates at the Olympics?
Alternates are backup players who can be called up if someone from the official roster has to withdraw. For example, the U.S. women’s national soccer team named four alternates for its 18-player roster, enabling the manager to choose one of these alternates if necessary.
For the 5×5 Team USA basketball teams, the replacement player would depend on the position that needs to be filled.
Who are the Team USA basketball men’s alternates at the Olympics?
Unlike the USWNT, which named four specific alternates, the Team USA basketball men’s team did not formally announce alternates. Instead, there is a pool of 41 players available as potential replacements, though 12 of them are on the official roster, leaving 29 possible alternates.
For instance, when Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the team, USA Basketball called up Boston Celtics guard Derrick White to join the roster.
Who are the Team USA basketball women’s alternates at the Olympics?
The women’s team also did not release a specific list of alternates. However, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Connecticut Sun forward/center Brionna Jones are reported to be potential replacements, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
When is basketball played at the 2024 Olympics?
The men’s basketball games will take place from Saturday, July 27, to Saturday, August 10. The women’s basketball games will be held from Sunday, July 28, to Sunday, August 11.