James Harden added to Team USA’s preliminary roster

UPDATE: It’s official — Harden is on the roster.

With Team USA dealing with a rash of injuries, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said he would consider re-opening the player pool for roster additions to this summer’s Olympic team.

Included as a likely addition to the preliminary roster? James Harden. Via USA Today:

Harden likely will be added, possibly as soon as today, USA TODAY Sports learned from a person with knowledge of the situation who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Currently two Thunder players are on the Team USA roster (Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant). Twelve players will make the final London roster, with both Durant and Westbrook virtual locks to make that team. Team USA needs to turn in a 12-man roster and six alternates by June 18.

Along with Harden, players like Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe, Kyrie Irving and John Wall reportedly are being considered. Davis and Harden have emerged as the two likely frontrunners for the extra slots though. With Davis and Harden, that brings the roster to 18, which is the number Team USA needs to hit.