There were a record 46 NBA players on the rosters for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. There may be even more in Tokyo in 2021.
The United States’ men’s basketball team — which fields a 12-man team entirely of NBA players — is looking for its fourth straight gold medal. Nigeria may wind up with 12 NBA players — including former Georgia Tech star Josh Okogie — on its roster for these games as well.
Big news from Josh Okogie. https://t.co/xVP32bT1v4
— Ken Sugiura (@ksugiuraajc) June 29, 2021
Final rosters are expected be announced July 17. Men’s basketball tips off in Tokyo on Sunday, July 25, and run through Saturday, Aug. 7.
All but one of the 12 teams participating in Tokyo has at least one NBA player on the roster. Here is a look at who will be competing:
Argentina
Argentina’s squad is led by a trio of NBA players: Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gabriel Deck and guard Luca Vildoza, who signed with the New York Knicks in May.
Australia
The Australians will make their 13th consecutive appearance in the Olympic men’s basketball field, a streak dating back to 1968. San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills joins Utah Jazz sharpshooter Joe Ingles, Toronto Raptors center Aron Baynes, Cleveland Cavaliers guards Dante Exum and Matthew Dellavedova, and Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green on the roster.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic qualified for its first Olympic Games. The team is led by Chicago Bulls guard Tomas Satoransky.
France
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert leads the French team, which will make its third straight appearance in the Olympics. The Utah Jazz big man will be joined by L.A. Clippers forward Nicolas Batum, Boston Celtics forward Evan Fournier, Brooklyn Nets guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina.
Germany
Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner and Washington Wizards forward Isaac Bonga are on the German squad, playing in its first Olympics since 2008.
Iran
No NBA talent.
Italy
Golden State Warriors guard Nico Mannion and Dallas Mavericks center Nicolo Melli bring NBA experience to the Italian roster.
Japan
Japan will make its first Olympic appearance since 1976 with Toronto Raptors forward Yuta Watanabe and Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura.
Nigeria
Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown coaches the Nigerian national team. Nigeria will have a bevy of NBA players to choose from, as players like Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie, Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa and Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris were invited to training camp.
Slovenia
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will be one of the biggest names in the Olympic field. Slovenia is playing in its first Games.
Spain
The Spanish roster boasts both current and former NBA talent, with Pau and Marc Gasol, Willy and Juancho Hernangomez and Ricky Rubio leading the squad.
United States
This U.S. roster will be led by Kevin Durant, who will be looking to win his third gold medal. Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Zach LaVine, Bam Adebayo, Draymond Green, Jerami Grant, Bradley Beal and Kevin Love make up the rest of the roster.
