The men's U.S.A. Basketball (USAB) Team is starting its mandatory workouts for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, where the team will defend its gold medal.

In order to stay eligible for the summer games, NBA stars rehabbing from injuries are reportedly making cameos at this week's minicamp in Las Vegas. Players like Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James appeared at Team USA's minicamp Tuesday, ESPN reported, but will only take part in noncontact drills.

Durant confirmed to ESPN.com his participation in the light workouts expected to start this week. While the appearance may be a formality so Durant can play in the Olympics next summer, he said it was euphoric to be back on the court with the USAB team.

"Iron sharpens iron," Durant said told ESPN after Tuesday's practice. "I'd be a fool if I didn't get with any of these guys. If I wanted to be secretive about workouts, or be by myself, I'd be stupid to do that. To bounce ideas off of Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge, Draymond Green, Steph Curry, that's like heaven, like being in basketball heaven with these guys."

Anthony appears to be on track to return to the New York Knicks by the start of the NBA's regular season and was also reportedly in Las Vegas to maintain eligibility for the 2016 Olympics. He told ESPN New York two months ago his physical rehab is going "extremely well," but he has not commented on the Olympics.

James appears to be in a similar situation, though he has not commented publicly while reportedly rehabbing injuries of his own. USAB Managing Director Jerry Colangelo is holding James' roster spot regardless, ESPN reported.

Then there is Derrick Rose. Colangelo said his absence in Las Vegas was not a surprise and that he respects the former NBA MVP's decision, ESPN reported. Rose has dealt with multiple ACL tears and other injuries that kept him off the court for the 2012 London Olympics.

While Rose's name is absent, James, Durant and Anthony are on the USAB roster as of now.