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One ‘Lock’ For USA Olympic Team Has Basketball Fans Scratching Their Heads

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The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are now just a matter of months away and after an embarrassing showing in the 2023 FIBA World Championships, USA Basketball is hoping to assemble the Avengers in search of redemption once again.

That includes several familiar names, such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, as well as a handful of new names such as recent US citizen Joel Embiid and Boston Celtics star.

But one name on the list of supposed “locks” from Shams Charania of The Athletic has fans feels extremely confused.

That name?

Jrue Holiday.

Charania reports that Holiday is considered a lock for the team alongside Durant, James, Embiid, Tatum, Stephen Curry and Devin Booker.

That’s seven players who are considered a shoe-in for the 12-man roster if they are health. Four of those players (Durant, James, Embiid and Curry) are former NBA MVPs. Booker and Tatum have been in the discussion for the award each of the last few years.

Holiday has not.

In fact, he’s never been particularly close.

But don’t be fooled. Holiday is one of the league’s most impactful players. He’s a two-time All-Star and has made the All-Defense first team three times (with two second-team selections as well).

Fans Wonder How And Why Jrue Holiday Is A Lock For USA Olympic Team

However, when you put him up next to the bevy of superstars that USA Basketball could choose from, the decision looks a bit startling. Especially when Holiday is not just under consideration for the team, but a “lock.”

https://twitter.com/JayV3rt/status/1762900288573239611

Still, it’s easy to see why USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill and head coach Steve Kerr see Holiday as a valuable piece. He’s an elite defense, a capable scorer, and currently a key cog on the team with the best record in basketball, the Boston Celtics.

There are also (at least) two players who aren’t going to see the floor much in Paris. Holiday is known as a locker room leader and is unlikely to complain about playing time.

When you factor all that in, he’s a perfect fit and an easy choice for the team.