Cavaliers' Kevin Love will accept Team USA invite if offered
A potential deep postseason run by the Cleveland Cavaliers wouldn't stop Kevin Love from suiting up for USA Men's Basketball this summer if push came to shove.
The three-time NBA All-Star told Cleveland.com's Chris Haynes that he'll gladly accept an invite to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"If they pick me, I'll play," Love said.
Love is one of 30 finalists vying for a spot on the final roster, which USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and head coach Mike Krzyzweski will narrow down to 12 for the Rio Olympic Basketball Tournament in August. Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers originally had the list at 31, but has since withdrawn his name from consideration.
Love has two gold medals to his name as part of the program from both the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, and 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, where he averaged 11.6 points and 7.6 rebounds.
In 75 games this season for Cleveland, the 6-foot-10 power forward is averaging 16.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with a player efficiency rating of 19.1.
The other 29 names up for consideration to make the roster are:
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Carmelo Anthony
- Harrison Barnes
- Bradley Beal
- Jimmy Butler
- Mike Conley Jr.
- DeMarcus Cousins
- Stephen Curry
- Anthony Davis
- DeMar DeRozan
- Andre Drummond
- Kevin Durant
- Kenneth Faried
- Rudy Gay
- Paul George
- Draymond Green
- Blake Griffin
- James Harden
- Gordon Hayward
- Dwight Howard
- Andre Iguodala
- Kyrie Irving
- LeBron James
- DeAndre Jordan
- Kawhi Leonard
- Klay Thompson
- John Wall
- Russell Westbrook
- Damian Lillard