Aaron Gordon says Steve Kerr offered a spot on the US team; Nuggets Star Eyes Olympics 2028 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats and Rumors

DENVER, CO - MAY 14: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 2, Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado . NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon revealed that head coach Steve Kerr offered him a spot on the U.S. men’s basketball team at the Summer Olympics after a win over the Golden State Warriors at the during the 2023-24 season.

Aaron Gordon @Double0AG

After we beat the Warriors in the Bay, Steve Kerr asked me if I wanted to play for Team USA…I don’t know, bro. It’s a bit rhetorical but hey, we have gold

The discussion could have come after Gordon dropped a season-high 30 points in a 130-127 win over the Warriors on Jan. 4.

The 29-year-old admitted the question may have been rhetorical as it would have been difficult to break down the star-studded team that won gold at the Paris Olympics. Still, he’s using it as motivation to compete for a role on Team USA at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Aaron Gordon @Double0AG

If you think I’m not working every day to play in 2028 and represent…I have goals! Don’t worry if you want to see me fail

Kerr also doesn’t have the final say in constructing the Olympic roster, as Team USA general manager Grant Hill selects the 12-player squad. However, Gordon is already on Hill’s radar.

The former No. 4 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft was one of 41 finalists for the 2024 Olympic team.

There should be several spots up for grabs on the U.S. roster ahead of the 2028 Games, as aging superstars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are unlikely to return.

While Gordon may not possess the scoring prowess that typically translates into Olympic consideration, he could earn a spot due to his defensive acumen as well as his ability to remain effective without the ball in his hands.

In 73 starts during the 2023-24 season, Gordon averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 55.6% from the field.

Team USA rosters typically include several elite players, like Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, who earned a spot on the Paris Olympics roster. At the Tokyo Games, Team USA included veteran center JaVale McGee and defensive forward Jerami Grant. Neither player has an All-Star appearance.

In fact, Grant served as the Nuggets’ power forward alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokić during the season before Gordon’s arrival.

Although he will be 32 when the Los Angeles Olympics begin, Gordon could be considered for the international roster again if he is able to remain an important part of a championship contender.