James Harden A Finalist For Men's Olympic Basketball Team

Oklahoma City guard James Harden has been added to the list of finalists for the 2012 USA Men's Basketball National Team that will represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

"Being named as a finalist for the USA Basketball team is an unbelievable feeling and an opportunity that is truly humbling," said Harden. "It is an honor to be included with such talented players and I look forward to the chance to represent my country this summer."

Harden recently completed his third NBA season by helping lead the Thunder to a second consecutive Northwest Division title. During the 2011-12 season, Harden led the NBA in bench scoring with a 16.8 point per game average on .491 shooting (309-of-629), including .390 3-point shooting (114-of-292).

The official 12-man Olympic team roster will be announced later this year.

Harden, along with teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are all on the list of finalists that could be headed to the Olympic Games in London.

"James has demonstrated a great commitment to his improvement over the last three years," said Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sam Presti. "He is a team-first player and someone that is driven by team success. We are proud to have James join Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as members of the USA Basketball National Team. The Thunder is honored by the opportunity to have three players represent our country."

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held July 27-August 12 in London, England. Twelve teams will participate in the 2012 Olympic men's basketball competition.

The USA National Team opens its 2012 training with a July 6-12 training camp in Las Vegas, Nev., that concludes with the July 12 USA Basketball Showcase that features the USA facing the Dominican Republic at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center.