Jimmy Butler Listed as Finalist for Team USA Olympic Spot

Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler has vaulted into the upper echelon of NBA players over the past few seasons, and that status was reinforced Monday as he was named as a finalist for the United States' men's basketball team at the upcoming Olympics.

Butler is one of 30 finalists to make the roster as the team prepares to make a run at another gold medal in Rio de Janeiro this summer. The team has won gold in the last two Olympics in Beijing and London, and will be considered a heavy favorite to win another one as they add some new faces and bring along familiar ones as well.

Butler has a decent shot of making the roster, as the team could surely use his strong defensive presence and his excellent scoring touch, but it’s going to be a tough slog. Players like Kevin Durant, Andre Igoudala, and DeMar DeRozan are also finalists for spots, and it’s unclear how the team will be constructed as the summer deadline to do so nears.

Butler's teammate Derrick Rose, who opted not to attend a mandatory mini-camp for the team last summer, was not among the finalists listed. Rose was likely going to play for Team USA at the 2012 Games in London, but tore his ACL during the NBA playoffs and was unable to participate.

Here is the full list of candidates:

LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love (Cleveland)

Kenneth Faried (Denver)