Durant and Anthony headline USA roster for Rio Olympics

There will be no Stephen Curry or LeBron James, but there will be plenty of talent as United States seek a third straight Olympic gold.

Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony headline United States’ roster for the 2016 Olympic Games, with a host of other All-Stars poised to feature in Rio.

The roster was announced on Monday after much speculation, with NBA MVP Stephen Curry, Finals MVP LeBron James and Russell Westbrook having already opted not to play in Brazil.

Durant and Anthony will serve as the team’s elder statesmen. Durant, a four-time NBA scoring champion, is the lone NBA MVP on the list and was a member of the 2012 team that won gold in London.

Anthony will be participating in his fourth Olympic Games and looking for his third gold. He was a part of the 2004 team that won bronze and the 2008 and 2012 Olympic champion squads.

The rest of coach Mike Krzyzewski’s roster are newcomers to the Olympic stage.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving features along with Golden State Warriors trio Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes.

They will be competing in their maiden Games, as will team-mates Kyle Lowry, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, DeAndre Jordan and DeMar DeRozan.

Jordan and Barnes have never made an All-Star team, though the former did earn first team All-NBA honours this past season.

“Looking at this team, our overall balance is what strikes me,” Krzyzewski said. “We have lightning-quick guards who can score as well as distribute the basketball.

“We have great shooters and explosive scorers, we’re big and athletic, and I think we’ll really be able to defend.”

Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo added: “I think I can speak for the entire coaching staff and say we’re extremely excited about the team we will field for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I love our depth, which is another indication of the depth of talent our national team program is blessed with. We’ve got a great mix of talent, scorers, past gold medal winners and outstanding youth.”