Paul, Griffin, Jordan earn spots on preliminary 2016 Team USA roster

Monday morning, the 30 finalists for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team were announced. The Los Angeles Clippers account for 10% of that, with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan all named to the preliminary roster.

CP3, of course, was a part of both the 2008 and 2012 teams that won Olympic gold. Griffin originally qualified for the 2012 roster, but had to pull out thanks to a meniscus tear in his left knee. Jordan trained with the 2014 team as a member of the 2014 US Select Team.

One would imagine Paul's primary competition for a roster spot would be John Wall, Stephen Curry, Mike Conley, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook. Conley and Irving seem like they may be longshots, while Paul, Curry and Westbrook are near-locks.

Griffin will have to compete with the likes of Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Kenneth Faried, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Carmelo Anthony. As is the case with Paul, Griffin seems like a certainty to make the final squad, health permitting. Given how the team has liked to go small in recent years, Griffin may well see plenty of time at center, as well.

Jordan seems like the least likely of the three LAC representatives to earn a final roster spot, but he obviously has a shot. The only other "true center" types on the initial squad are Andre Drummond and Dwight Howard. However, the versatility of players like Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Anthony and Green may make it tough for them to keep more than one legitimate seven-footer.

The 30-man roster has representatives from 17 NBA teams, with the Warriors leading the way with five players. The Clips and Cavaliers have three apiece, while the Rockets, Spurs, Wizards and Thunder are each represented by two players.

The final 12-man roster will be announced some time later this year.