Anthony Edwards on playing for Team USA: 'They got to fit in and play around me'

Anthony Edwards is about as confident of a player as there is in all of sports. One would think that that’d come down to earth a bit, though, with him competing in his debut with Team USA for the 2024 Olympics.

Well, it didn’t at all actually. While speaking with the media in Las Vegas, Edwards discussed his role as part of the star-studded roster of Americans. While some may see him as just a player on their team, he made it clear that, at least in his mind, he is the player on it.

“I’m still the number one option,” stated Edwards. ‘I mean, y’all might look at it differently. I don’t look at it no different.”

“You know, they got to fit in and play around me,” Edwards smiled. “That’s how I feel.”

Team USA is always a fascinating dynamic when it comes to the players that the nation sends from the NBA. They’re each all-league talents and legends in some cases in their own rights for their individual franchises. However, they must all come together and meld once every four years to compete in the summer games.

In 2024, the roster will include Edwards along with LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jrue Holiday.

Edwards is one of five first-time Olympians on the team and the youngest on it at just 22. That might normally mean a smaller part for him alongside other great players, including those who have played more of the international game. Still, that’s just not the approach that Edwards has ever had, especially coming off his best year yet with the Minnesota Timberwolves at 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.

With that said, Edwards is willing to do whatever it takes for them to bring home gold.

“I just go out there and be myself – shoot my shots, play defense,” said Edwards.

To outright say you’re the No. 1 option on Team USA might be laughable for some. That’s especially so if it’s coming from the program’s newest player. Even so, Edwards actually believes it completely, which is why he’s there to begin with as one of the best in world.

Durant suffers minor calf injury, sidelined to start training camp for Team USA

USA Basketball got some concerning news on Sunday in the midst of training camp.

Kevin Durant, the leading scorer for Team USA in Olympic history, has a minor calf strain and is sidelined to start training camp in Las Vegas. The move is out of precaution according to Joe Vardon and Shams Charania.

Team USA opens up exhibition play against Canada on Wednesday. Durant’s status is now up in the air for that. It’s important to note, though, that there are still three full weeks until their first official game in the Olympics.