It seems that the world is catching up to the once invincible and unbeatable USA Basketball National Team. For two World Cups in a row, Team USA failed to bring home a medal. Due to their shortcomings, some changes need to happen. After such a disappointing run in the World Cup, which NBA players should play for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics? Here are our early predictions on who’s in and who’s out of the Olympic roster.
Team USA 2024 Olympics lineup
We think the NBA should pull the Avenger card and send some of the best superstars to the upcoming Olympics. Say you want a team that’s going to dominate any nation in the tournament. A team that can win games via blowout. Well, we just have the almost perfect roster:
Who do you wanna see on Team USA in the Paris Olympics next year? 👀 pic.twitter.com/jc1jFXoAkK
— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2023
PG: Steph Curry, Jrue Holiday, De’Aaron Fox
Starting at point guard is no other than the greatest shooter ever, Stephen Curry. After missing the 2016 Rio Olympics, Curry is yet to make his Olympic debut. At 34 years old, this could be the first and last time the Golden State Warriors star can represent his country. Backing him up is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, Jrue Holiday. Holiday was part of the Team USA that won Gold in the 2020 Olympics. The 33-year-old All-Defensive team member will be a very impactful member of the team with his disruptive lockdown defense.
Aside from the two best point guards in the NBA, Team USA could also finally see De’Aaron Fox step up to the plate. In 2019, Fox withdrew from the National team prior to the 18th World Cup. But, in recent years, the young guard has improved so much that he helped the Sacramento Kings make their first playoff appearance in 17 years.
SG: Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards
Devin Booker is another Team USA player who garnered the gold back in 2020. The Phoenix Suns guard is arguably one of the best young players in the league today. Slowly, DBook is becoming a superstar in the West.
It would also be acceptable to put Anthony Edwards as the backup shooting guard. The Ant-Man was part of the 2023 World Cup crew that only won 4th place in the tournament. However, he was obviously the team’s best player and consistently produced great numbers. Unfortunately, on a team that comprises Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, Edwards will surely be the new guy.
SF: LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Mikal Bridges
Since LeBron James hinted at possibly joining Team USA, the Los Angeles Lakers star will undeniably be the pure leader. LBJ will play similarly to Kobe Bryant’s role in the 2008 Redeem Team. By the time the 2024 Olympics begin, The King will be 39 years old which could be a potential hindrance to his final Olympic appearance.
On the bench, we have Jimmy Butler and Mikal Bridges. Butler’s defense and clutch genes make him an outstanding choice while Bridges turned out to be the second-best player in the recent Team USA.
PF: Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum
It would be very exciting to finally see Steph Curry, LeBron, and Durant finally team up together to save America’s legacy. Just imagine the damage these three could do when they are on the same court, playing for the same team.
Sadly, Jayson Tatum must come off the bench since KD will be the starting power forward. Although, we would like to think Tatum could be this team’s most impactful scorer.
C: Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo
The biggest question here is Joel Embiid’s choice. The 2023 MVP can suit up for either the United States or France as he has citizenship in both countries. If Embiid gets recruited by Team USA, this would be a nearly unstoppable squad.
Reinforcing him at the center position are defensive big men Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo. AD may still be questionable due to health and injury issues. On the contrary, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo will be the perfect big man for the second-stringers.
Honorable mentions:
- Evan Mobley (C)
- Tyrese Haliburton (G)
- James Harden (G)
- Trae Youg (G)
- Paul George (G/F)
- Julius Randle (F)
- Aaron Gordon (F)
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