Knicks' Jalen Brunson: I'm Focused on NBA Playoffs, Not USA Basketball Olympic Roster

Jalen Brunson wasn't named among the 11 players reportedly set to represent the United State men's basketball team at this summer's Paris Olympics despite an excellent 2023-24 campaign that saw him average 28.7 points and 6.7 assists for the New York Knicks.

He didn't seem too bothered by the potential snub, however:

Per multiple reports, Team USA will roll with the following roster: The Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, the Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, the Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, the Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo and the Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton.

The team could choose to bring one last player as well, with The Athletic's Shams Charania and Joe Vardon reporting that Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is the "leading candidate" for that spot. But his teammate, Paul George—along with Brunson, the Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero and Brooklyn's Mikal Bridges—are also under consideration.

One thing standing in the way of Brunson potentially getting the nod out of that group is the presence of two natural point guards in Curry and Haliburton, a combo guard in Holiday and James, who generally serves as a point forward. Booker has also served as something of a point guard at points in his career. This current iteration of Team USA isn't lacking for ball-handling playmakers, in other words.

The team also is flush with options at the 5. Embiid is the expected starter, while both AD and Adebayo are viable options behind him. That leaves a bit less overall depth on the wing, making players like Leonard or George obvious considerations.

Granted, Brunson would have been more than deserving of a slot. He'll absolutely be an All-NBA selection this season, perhaps even a first-teamer. He was also an All-Star this season and just led an injury-depleted Knicks team to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

But it isn't easy to crack the Dream Team. For Brunson, the bigger prize appears to be an NBA title.