By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young discussed how he wants to be part of USA Basketball’s team that will compete in the 2024 Olympic Games.
“Obviously, I definitely want to [play in the Olympics with Team USA],” Young said during an appearance at Gilberto Arenas’ Gil’s Arena. “I’ve talked about playing for Team USA a couple of times. I definitely want to and it’s up to them if they want me to.”
In 2019 and after a stellar rookie year in the NBA, Young didn’t make see his name among the 44 players that were called ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He specifically said that he’s “hurt” to be absent from that list and that he believed he deserved a spot.
“I would love to play with those guys and show off my passing even more and not have to go out and score a lot. Just be there if they need me to,” Young also mentioned about next year’s Olympic tournament.
Young refers to possibly having a different kind of role and responsibilities than with the Hawks since Team USA will likely be packed with some superstar scorers. One of them could be Golden Warriors’ Steph Curry, who has yet to compete in an Olympic tournament.
Curry has also been challenged by Steve Kerr, the head coach of both the Warriors and Team USA, to play in Paris so that he’ll “have a complete resume.” He’s one of the veterans that are expected to be present in the Olympics.
“I respect the OGs and understand that you got to take your turn,” Young added. “But I believe I should be on the team.”
Young has yet to make his debut with the senior team of USA Basketball. As a youngster, he became a world champion with USA in the FIBA U18 World Cup of 2016.