Team USA might not have the best team possible for the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics, but there’s no question they are the biggest favorites to win the gold medal. The team will be deep, talented, and might be a nightmare matchup for European teams.
Sure, Stephen Curry won’t be there. Neither will LeBron James, Russell Westbrook or John Wall. Even Damian Lillard and Chris Paul declined the invitation due to injury. But that doesn’t mean the 12-man roster won’t be talented and versatile.
Here’s the confirmed team:
Guards: Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls), DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Forwards: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), Paul George (Indiana Pacers), Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors)
Centers: DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings), DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers)
It doesn’t look like the Dream Team, but there’s enough talent to cruise its way until the final rounds. With the 12 players confirmed to participate, let’s see who might start in Rio. Mike Krzyzewski likes to have versatility on the lineup, so we won’t see the best five scorers at all times. There has to be some balance and defensive ability as well.
With that being said, Irving is expected to start at point guard. Aside from his connection with Coach K from his Duke days, he’s the only upper-echelon PG who decided to accept the invitation, and he improved on both ends of the court during the playoffs. Lowry is a more-than-capable backup, and he adds a much-needed change of pace compared to Irving.
Shooting guard is where things tend to get tricky. Thompson is the better scorer. Butler is the superior defender. DeRozan is the more athletic guard that can score in transition, but he doesn’t add much defensively. Considering the three-point line is shorter on international play and that Butler is a very good scorer on his own right, it seems the Chicago Bulls guard has the inside track to start at Rio.
Small forward and power forward are essentially the same on this roster, as Krzyzewski called four small forwards and a stretch-four like Draymond Green. Based on experience, though, Durant and Anthony are likely to start at the three and the four, respectively. Anthony, in particular, is a dominant scorer on the international stage. He will be a threat both inside and outside, causing a nightmare-matchup for opposing defenses.
George will be the jack-of-all-trades in this roster thanks to his versatility to play as a SG, SF and even PF on both ends of the court. Barnes, on the other hand, will be the 12th man. He’s not expected to log considerable minutes, especially against tougher teams.
Green’s case, meanwhile, is interesting. He’s strong, athletic and versatile enough to play as a stretch-four. But he can also play as a center on small-ball lineups. If Coach K decides to play small, expect Green to start at the five. If he wants to play with a more traditional lineup, then, either Cousins or Jordan would start. Signs are the Sacramento Kings has an advantage due to his athleticism and offensive versatility, though.
Considering the analysis, Team USA would likely start with Irving at PG, Butler and Durant on the wings, Anthony as a stretch-four, and either Green or Cousins at the five.
It’s not the deepest or the most talented lineup by any means. But the roster is strong enough to make Team USA the favorites to win a third-straight Olympic Gold medal.