CLEVELAND: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were included in the 30 finalists for the 2016 U.S. men’s Olympic team, although James remains unsure of whether he’ll chase a third gold medal in Rio.
“I’m not any inch closer to playing or not any inch closer to not playing,” James said Monday before the Cavaliers hosted the Golden State Warriors. “I haven’t really thought about it much.”
Love won gold as James’ teammate in 2012 in London, the summer James really became impressed with Love’s overall game. Irving has never played on an Olympic team, although he was named Most Valuable Player of the 2014 FIBA World Cup when the Americans also won gold.
The length of his NBA season and how he feels after it will affect his decision, James said, although he called it “ridiculous” to believe the Cavs will automatically play into June. Asked about the importance of a victory over the Warriors on Monday in anticipation of a June reunion, James laughed.
“We only want to focus on today and for us to have any sense of entitlement about June is absurd to me,” he said. “As far as what the future holds, we don’t know.”
There will be plenty of competition for the 12 spots. Irving is considered a strong candidate to make the team, particularly given his college ties to Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski, but other point guards in the candidate pool include John Wall, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Steph Curry.
Power forwards competing with Love include LaMarcus Aldridge, Kenneth Faried and Blake Griffin.
One name not on the finalists list is Kobe Bryant, who withdrew his name over the weekend.
“That’s his wish,” James said. “I just think he feels like he’s gave enough, not only to Team USA but to the game of basketball and that’s why he’s retiring after the season.”
Hot shot
Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s back is apparently feeling better. At least well enough to make a half-court shot.
Kerr, who has not coached a game yet this season because of back issues, swished an underhand shot from half court during the Warriors’ shootaround at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday morning. The video quickly went viral.
“We have some really good shooters on our team,” interim coach Luke Walton said. “And we have one really good shooter on our coaching staff. He’s hit those before. I’m not surprised.”
Handle with care
Curry was asked who has a better handle, him or Irving?
“I don’t know how you judge it. He has a certain style, I have a certain style,” Curry said. “He amazes me with what he can do out there with the ball, how shifty he is, the way he can change a dribble move into a finish and all of that kind of stuff. It’s pretty fun to watch.”
Dribbles
• Matthew Dellavedova had no comment on a recent Los Angeles Times poll that declared him the dirtiest player in the league.
• Walton saw nothing wrong with Curry’s remark that he hoped the Cavs’ visiting locker room still smelled like champagne. “It’s an honest statement,” Walton said. “It was one of the greatest moments we’ve ever had in our lives. They shouldn’t be shy or ashamed about how much they enjoyed winning.”
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Cavs blog at www.ohio.com/cavs. Follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ.