Griffin, Iguodala, Harden fill final three spots on U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, the recipient of this year’s NBA Sixth Man Award, received a higher honor Saturday when he nailed down one of the final spots on the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.

Joining Harden among the final three were Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala. They joined LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Tyson Chandler, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love and Deron Williams as the announcement was made at Wynn Las Vegas to a national TV audience watching on NBA TV.

“It’s the best phase of my life,” said Harden, a three-year NBA performer who averaged 16.8 points this season to help the Thunder to the NBA Finals. “I’ve just tried to stay humble throughout this entire process, and I feel so blessed to be part of a team like this.”

The three not selected – forwards Rudy Gay and Anthony Davis and guard Eric Gordon – will be alternates and would be called upon in the event someone gets hurt between now and July 27, when the Olympics begin in London.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said a lot of thought went into deciding who to keep, and identifying specific skill sets was a key factor.

“These were very difficult decisions to make,” Colangelo said. “But in the end, we were looking to fill certain needs, and the selections reflect those needs.”

Iguodala, a 6-foot-6-inch swingman who can defend multiple positions, said he thought his versatility led to his selection.

“I think I understood what they wanted and what’s needed,” said Iguodala, who started for the gold medal-winning World Championships squad in 2010. “I wasn’t really worrying about it. I just played and left my mark on the floor.”

Griffin, the Clippers’ sensational 6-10 forward, knew that as long as he had a chance to rest, the knee issues that plagued him late into the compacted NBA regular season and into the playoffs would not be an issue.

“They can’t afford to take any guys who aren’t 100 percent,” Griffin said. “I’m just thankful I’m OK.

“I knew if I could get some time off to rest up that I’d be fine. I feel great, and I’m ready to do whatever they need.”

All three will come off the bench for coach Mike Krzyzewski. For Harden, it will be no different from what he does in Oklahoma City.

“I think that’s why I made the team,” Harden said. “They needed someone to do what I do (off the bench). It fits in perfectly with what they do.”

Iguodala said he will have to adjust after spending his eight-year NBA career as a starter.

“I think playing the exhibition games will be important for me,” Iguodala said. “It’s more of a mental adjustment for me; you’ve got to stay ready.”

Krzyzewski said now that the final roster has been selected, it’s important to move forward quickly. The team will practice at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center today through Wednesday, then play its first pre-Olympics exhibition game at 6 p.m. Thursday when it faces the Dominican Republic at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“This is our first step on the road to London in our goal to capture the gold,” Krzyzewski said. “We’ve got a lot of international experience – five players from our Olympic team in 2008 and five from our World Championships team in 2010. It’s a good group of guys with great camaraderie.”

For Griffin, Harden and Iguodala, fitting in will be no problem. They know their roles – Harden’s is to provide instant offense, Griffin’s is to rebound, and Iguodala’s is to defend.

“I watched those guys win the gold in China (in 2008), and I could only dream about what it must have felt like,” said Harden, who ironically will wear No. 12 in his first stint with Team USA. “Now I’ll get the chance to experience it firsthand. I can’t wait.”

■ NOTES – Guard Chris Paul said his sprained right thumb was better, and he hoped to practice in a couple of days. Paul injured his thumb trying for a steal during Friday’s practice and was held out of Saturday’s workout. … The Thunder have the most players on Team USA with three (Harden, Durant and Westbrook). … James and Anthony will be playing in their third Olympics. Both played for Team USA in 2004 at Athens and 2008 in Beijing. They will join David Robinson (1988, 1992, 1996) as the only three-time USA Basketball Olympians.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.