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KYRIE IRVING, Carmelo Anthony and Klay Thompson have all been named in the US squad for the Olympics. Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder also made the 12-man team. Thompson’s Golden State Warriors team-mates Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green were also named, but Steph Curry, the NBA’s most valuable player, had already ruled himself out.

Irving’s Cleveland Cavaliers team-mate LeBron James also withdrew in June, explaining: “I could use the rest.” James led the Cavaliers to this season’s NBA title as they became the first team to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven finals against the Warriors.

The US will be favourites to win a third consecutive Olympic gold under coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will leave after the games following a decade in the job. Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs is set to replace him after Rio.

The Americans play five warm-up games before the start of the men’s Olympic tournament on August 6.

US team in full

Carmelo Anthony, Harrison Barnes, Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins, DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, Paul George,Draymond Green, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, Kyle Lowry, Klay Thompson. — SuperSport