Chris Paul is one step closer to being an Olympian again.
Paul was one of the 44 finalists for the US Men’s basketball team that was announced by USA basketball on Monday morning.
Should he be selected for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, it would be Paul’s third Olympic appearance, his first since 2012.
Paul won gold medals as part of Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Olympics in London.
He’s a perfect 16-0 in Olympic play, averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 steals across both tournaments.
According to the Thunder, “with the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London, Paul started in each game and grabbed a team-best 20 steals. In Beijing in 2008, he led the team with 33 assists and ranked second with 18 steals.”
Paul is one of the most experienced players on the finalists list.
He’s played in 50 international games in his career, including the 2006 FIBA World Cup in Japan where he brought home a bronze medal.
Also on the list are former Thunder players Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.
In his first year in Oklahoma City, Paul is having a resurgence. He was just selected to the 10th All-Star Game of his career, averaging 17.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists this season.
The 2020 Olympic Games being on Friday, July 24 and last through Sunday, Aug. 9.
