A first-time All-Star one week and a USA National Team member the next (for now)!
On Wednesday, USA Basketball announced the 57 finalists for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team that will compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Included in the most recent additions to the roster is the Bulls very own Zach LaVine, alongside players like Zion Williamson, Trae Young, and Fred VanVleet.
USA Basketball announces the 57 finalists for the U.S. men’s Olympic team: pic.twitter.com/uu7ZbULVU5
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) March 11, 2021
Of course, 57 players will not be representing the country overseas, and there will be a long process to decide who makes the final cut. However, just knowing LaVine will be in the mix alongside some of the team’s top talent is exciting news for Bulls fans. Not to mention, it is yet another well-deserved recognition of his ascent in the NBA’s general player rankings.
Whether or not LaVine is fully invested in joining the team is still unknown, especially after he reportedly pulled his name out of FIBA World Cup contention last season. At the same time, he wasn’t the only big name to turn down that particular tournament, and there is no question competing on the Olympic stage is a far more coveted opportunity. The issue for many NBA players, though, will be the proximity of the NBA season to the Olympics tip-off. After having to postpone the event in 2020, the Olympics are now scheduled to start on July 24th, which is just two days after the last possible day of the NBA Finals (July 22nd).