It was like 2004 Athens all over again when Team USA lost at the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines. Only it was worse. The team returned home without a medal. They finished fourth place after Canada beat them in the bronze medal matchup. Since then, the nightmares have been persistent. Has the era of dominance come to a close for the USA?
The danger bells rang loud enough; it seems. Before the start of the season, the biggest NBA superstars expressed their intentions to take part in the Paris Olympics in 2024. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and more all put their names on the ballot. Finally, we now have a rough image of what Team USA might look like.
USA Basketball announced their list of 41 players who have been shortlisted to travel to Paris in seeking redemption for their World Cup debacle. And the names are behemoths.
Team USA is not planning to hold back anymore
The intentions were clear from the very moment the USA lost against Germany in the semifinals of the World Cup. The team wasn’t prepared for the International stage. They lacked experience, wisdom, and most importantly size. The Steve Kerr-led side tried to play small, with no true center. Jaren Jackson Jr and Paolo Banchero alternated for the five. Against traditional centers, the forwards were ineffective.
They don’t plan on making the small mistake once again. Especially considering they now have the reigning MVP and by far the most unstoppable force in basketball – Joel Embiid. The Philly starlet leads the lineup of centers alongside the likes of Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Chet Holmgren, and more.
The entire FIBA World Cup squad is part of the players USA Basketball is looking into.
They truly haven’t spared anything. The loss at the World Cup evoked a sense of urgency. The most gigantic superstars could once again assemble. For some, it will be their ‘Last Dance’. For the rest, it is an opportunity of a lifetime. With such a star-studded group, who would be the best starting five?
The starting five Team USA needs to win gold at the Paris Olympics
From their last outing it was evident, that Team USA lacked size and defense. Charged with the intent to win, these issues need to be erased. Let’s start with the backcourt combo.
At the one, there is only one right answer. It’s basketball’s greatest weapon – Stephen Curry. The Baby Face Assassin solves a multitude of problems. He helps space the floor, he can create an independent offense and he comes with championship DNA. No one can replace him, and that’s what makes him indispensable to winning the Olympics.
The only drawback to him is his defense. While his awareness has improved, pairing him with someone who is ferocious and undaunting could be the key. A coming-of-age star fits the role perfectly. It’s Anthony Edwards. Yes, it does seem like a controversial choice, but after the season he is having, it should really be a no-brainer.
Edwards is the epitome of a competitor. He is more than just a capable scorer. He has developed himself into becoming a hound on the hunt when defending. His defensive rating of 108.4 is tied for the fifth-best amongst guards. It’s because of his tenacity that the Timberwolves are the best defensive team in the league. Someone who is as good or could be better is Kawhi Leonard. The Klaw is a former DPOY and is still an elite defender. His refined arsenal has now made him a threat as a scorer. The only issue I have with him is his consistency.
The forwards will be the two kingpins of the lineup. LeBron James and Kevin Durant have their names written on the three and four. Do we really need to explain? Even an aging James is giving the league sleepless nights. His basketball IQ is so superior that he will become the engine of Team USA. Honestly, the King is the only one who can be the general of such a packed lineup. Apart from his impeccable court vision, LBJ is an expert interior scorer and is still the freight train that has been haunting the league. His 1.25 points per possession in transition remains one of the best marks in the league.
At the four is Kevin Durant. The Slim Reaper is a scoring maniac. He can do it all. Shoot the three, midrange mastery, and finish at the rim. Additionally, his size and willingness to be a rim protector is just an added bonus for Team USA. KD is virtually unguardable. He will draw defense towards him. There will be a point when teams won’t know who to guard. The problem will amplify when the five is the best scorer out of all.
via Imago
After declaring his allegiance to the USA, Joel Embiid will most likely be the starting center. What’s there to say really? He is averaging a league-best 36.1 points per game. He has an active streak of 21 games with more than 30 points. Embiid’s strength and instincts make him a threat at the rim on both sides of the floor.
And that’s it. According to me, this five has no real weakness. Just the names are enough to strike fear and send goosebumps to their opponents. The international competition is evolving rapidly. Team USA experimented at the World Cup. In Paris, it’s time to restore the keys back in their kingdom.
