PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to the media during his Philadelphia 76ers introductory press conference on July 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Paul George Talks Snub from USA's 2024 Olympic Roster: 'Ain't Gonna Be Sour About It'

Doric SamJul 30, 2024

Philadelphia 76ers star forward Paul George was left off the Team USA roster for the Paris Olympics, but he's not letting that decision bring him down.

"I understood it, obviously, I ain't gonna be sour about it," George said during an appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Mero (22:20 mark).

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However, the 34-year-old went on to add that he was a little disappointed when the roster was initially announced because he was hoping for the opportunity to play in the Olympics for the second time after winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Games.

"But at the same time, it was like, damn, I was looking forward to representing the USA and being a part of that team, having gone through it already and it was a blast," George said. "I learned so much, I feel like I grew as a player from that process. So I wouldn't say I was hurt, but I for sure [felt a way]."

Team USA initially opted for George's former Los Angeles Clippers teammate Kawhi Leonard, but he withdrew from the roster amid his continued injury recovery. USA Basketball opted to replace him with Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White, which surprised many who expected George or Celtics star Jaylen Brown to get the nod.

Team USA got off to a strong start in Paris on Sunday with a 110-84 win over Serbia and will look to keep the momentum going when it faces South Sudan on Wednesday.