10 Players who will battle with Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton for 2024 Olympics

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton’s Team USA competition for the 2024 Olympics: Oldies but goodies – Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden

If I’m Grant Hill or Steve Kerr, I’m over the moon with excitement at LeBron James, whose decision to play in Paris is most likely confirmed, and Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry potentially playing for Team USA.

Unfortunately, Curry will be 36 years old by the time the Olympics roll around, and his body and health may prevent him from signing up. Still, it never hurts to ask.

There are some more “old heads” at the guard position that I would also consider. This includes Kyrie Irving (who will be 32), the aforementioned Lillard (34), and perhaps even James Harden (34).

We discussed Lillard earlier, and Harden may be wary of putting any extra strain on his body with his age and play style. Who knows where his head will be next year following his current spat with Daryl Morey and the 76ers organization.

Nevertheless, you have to think Steve Kerr is on the lookout for Harden’s headspace and will at least consider him for selection.

Politics can also play a role in roster construction, as they do around the league. If Curry says he will only sign up if Klay Thompson and Draymond Green also come along, then Kerr has to consider them, and with Kerr being the coach of the Warriors, you have to think there will be some strong consideration.

And if KD and Devin Booker, another ideal candidate, insist, Kerr may have to accept their new teammate Bradley Beal as well, thus leaving fewer spots open for Haliburton, as the field gets narrower and narrower.

Current outlook: This is tough, but let’s go ahead and put Curry in the “Maybe” tier (ahead of Lillard) along with Kyrie, and Harden in the “Not Likely” tier.