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The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics are almost upon us, and Team USA has some defending of the throne to do. The USA will try to go further on an already back-to-back gold medal runs at the Olympics after winning the 2014 FIBA World Championship.
The Olympic teams featured the biggest stars of the NBA with guys like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, and Dwyane Wade. While the FIBA World Cup team saw some names in there that we may not see again. Guys like Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson should return, but we’ve probably seen the last of others like DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay, and Mason Plumlee.
To leave such talented players like Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, and Jimmy Butler (the list goes on…) is outrageous. But this team is already so stacked, you simply can’t pick everybody. Let’s face it, Team USA’s second squad would do pretty well competing for gold in the Olympics.
This team will not only be favorites to take the gold, but will be expected to. Anything less would be a failure. It’s tough to walk into any situation with those kinds of expectations, but that just comes with the territory.
The upcoming roster will be completely loaded and is already the hands-down favorite to pull out a three-peat for the gold medal game. With the depth of talent available, this may be the toughest squad to make in USA Men’s Basketball History.
STARTERS
Chris Paul
Sorry Cavs Nation, of course I want to put Kyrie Irving here, but let’s keep this realistic. Chris Paul, by far, is still the best true point guard the NBA and USA has to offer. He’s led the last two USA squads’ gold medal campaigns in assists and should continue to do so next year.
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Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is the best shooter in the world so having him floating in the corners without the ball will only mean pain for opposing teams. Curry also gives Paul a break with the reigning MVP’s elite ability to handle the ball and direct traffic.
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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant missed the majority of last season due to a foot injury and, somehow, people have forgotten how good he is when healthy. He was the NBA’s MVP only a season ago and is expected to be back with a vengeance to prove his worth.
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LeBron James
On the international scale, LeBron James is more than capable of playing at the four spot making him an even deadlier weapon at that position with his ability to stretch the floor and handle the ball. James will likely become the focal point of the offense as well as the defensive anchor, similar to his role in Cleveland.
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Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is the future of the NBA and USA basketball that’s why he is more than deserving of this spot in the starting rotation. Davis has improved all aspects of his game with his outside shot being the most scary weapon that he’s developed. Davis will protect the rim and space the floor offensively which makes him the perfect complement to the rest of this starting five.
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BENCH
James Harden
James Harden will be unlucky to not make the starting five but should still see as many minutes as a reserve anyway. He was a part of the gold medal-winning team in 2012 and the world championship team in 2014. He’s expected to remain part of the group that will defend USA’s throne.
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Stephen R. Sylvanie l USA TODAY Sports
DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins can be a liability on the floor with his mental lapses but playing alongside the world’s elite should make him the level-headed player whom opponents fear he’ll become. Davis should start at the five spot but Cousins will be bringing in some true size behind him. He can run the floor and occasionally make the outside shot which should make him an asset to this team.
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Stephen R. Sylvanie l USA TODAY Sports
Blake Griffin
A guy that was once known only for his high-flying maneuvers and dunking ability, Blake Griffin now has the ability to stretch the floor with a decent perimeter game and find the open teammate. His athleticism is still a huge advantage and in transition, he cannot be stopped by the other countries.
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Kawhi Leonard
Coach K loves defensive-minded wings and Kawhi Leonard fits that bill perfectly. He seems to actually enjoy playing defense and will also be a problem for opposing countries on the offensive end especially with his knack for hitting the corner three.
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Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving was the tournament MVP of the 2014 FIBA World Cup and that alone should earn him a spot in this team. He possesses one of the best handles in the league and is widely considered to be among the NBA’s elite shooters. Having said that, Kyrie deserves to be a part of this team.
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Klay Thompson
To round out this squad, adding another elite shooter is a good idea. Klay Thompson has one of the best strokes in the league that can also translate to buckets regardless of the shot’s degree of difficulty. A smart player, smart shooter, and decent defender, Thompson will be vying for gold yet again alongside Warrior teammate, Stephen Curry.
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Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has seen his team struggle for some time now so he should be anxious to get his shot at some glory in Rio. Anthony is still one of the deadliest scorers in the NBA, possessing a lightning quick jump shot and the ability to finish around the rim. A part of the 2008 and 2012 gold medal teams, I expect to see Anthony compete for his third consecutive gold medal.