Team USA finally looked like its old self after blasting Iran and Czech Republic in the Tokyo Olympics. For the first time in their campaign so far, the team pulled off a convincing victories. However, it is worth noting that these nations are hardly medal contenders. And for sure, Team USA still has a lot of work to do before they can secure their gold medal streak.

With the world getting better, Team USA is facing a tall order to extend their basketball dominance in the international arena. We all witnessed how USA faltered  in the 2019 FIBA World Cup for the first time since 2006. And this time around, even with the likes of Kevin Durant, winning gold won’t be a walk in the park.

There’s no doubt that USA has assembled one of the most star powered teams. However, this could also be the main problem of this team, that there are simply too much scorers that are used to being the go-to-guy for their teams.

Putting together an All-Star team won’t cut it anymore for international basketball. FIBA play often puts emphasis on team-play. And due to the surplus of scorers for Team USA, they certainly lack in other key departments such as playmaking and shot-blocking. For this piece, let’s take a look at five players who could’ve helped Team USA.

Team USA Olympics Needs

LeBron James

Although LeBron James would’ve been another guy who’s a go-to-guy for his team, we all know what LBJ brings to the hardwood. His ability to set up his teammates would’ve been a deadly asset for the team, especially when he is surrounded with knockdown shooters like KD, Devin Booker, and Khris Middleton. With the ball in LBJ’s hands as the main facilitator of the team, the rest of the scorers would’ve had more efficient shots. In fact, even the great Magic Johnson voiced out that this team was missing The King.

On defense, LBJ would’ve been a big boost. We all know his ability to lockdown players and to make defensive plays in transition. The international style of play involves a lot of transition plays, and LBJ would easily thrive in those situations.

And experience-wise, LBJ is no stranger to international basketball. He has already won two gold medals from the Olympics under his belt, so adjusting to international play would’ve been minimal.

But unfortunately, with injuries happening as of late in his career, LBJ chose to sit-out the summer games. Despite the Lakers getting eliminated in the first round, he decided to get a well-deserved break that includes enjoying the release of his movie, Space Jam: A New Legacy. With multiple basketball achievements already, LBJ has already given more than enough to the sport.

Chris Paul

Chris Paul came awfully close at finally winning a championship, but the Suns conceded to the Bucks in six games. Although this was a difficult loss to swallow, CP3 would’ve had a chance to help USA win a gold medal in the summer games.

With the team loaded with scorers, CP3’s playmaking would’ve been a key asset for Gregg Popovich. As we all know, he is arguably the best pass-first point guard in the league. As a stellar on-court general, CP3 knows how to make his teammates look better. The Suns star also has some international experience with two Olympic gold medals under his belt. Furthermore with Suns running mate Devin Booker suiting up for Team USA, CP3 would’ve been a seamless fit for this squad.

Defensively, CP3 is one of the best guards in the league. He is currently 10th in the All-time Steals per game. And with a lot of solid point guards in the Olympics like Patty Mills, Ricky Rubio, and Facundo Campazzo, CP3 would’ve kept these guards in check.

However, CP3 isn’t getting any younger. At 36 years old, he is arguably in the last legs of his career. Because of this, there’s good reason why opted out of the Olympics this year. Clearly, he deserves some much needed rest after his incredible effort of leading the Suns into the Finals this year.

Jimmy Butler

Intensity, hustle, and two-way play could certainly help Team USA. Jimmy Butler is an elite player that can make an impact on both ends of the floor. And as we all saw in his Finals run with the Heat last year, Butler is capable of doing whatever it takes to win. In fact, although the Heat had a disappointing first round exit this year, Butler still managed to make the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. With his elite defense, Butler can certainly give opposing wings difficult nights. With solid international wings like Rudy Fernandez and Evan Fournier, Butler’s two-way play would’ve been handy in Popovich’s rotation.

Butler wouldn’t have to adjust to international ball entirely, as well. He won gold with Team USA during the team’s successful run in Rio. Butler averaged 5.6 points, 2.5 rebounds. And 1.4 assists per game.

But after limited rest and a grueling season, Butler deserves the break. The Heat star declined the invitation to join Team USA. His decision to suit up for the national team would’ve allowed him to make the summer games for the second consecutive time. Furthermore, it also prevented Butler from playing alongside teammate Bam Adebayo.

DeAndre Jordan

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In terms of front-court depth, Team USA is quite lacking. Although Bam Adebayo and Draymond Green are perfect for the modern game, there’s no doubt that they are heavily undersized. Furthermore in international play, the post game is still very much alive. As a result, only Javale McGee is the true center of the team. The traditional center allows international teams to have rim-protection, while also having someone who can finish in the shaded area with authority. Because of this, DeAndre Jordan would’ve been a perfect addition to this roster.

Jordan didn’t see action in the Nets’ postseason. However, he could’ve helped Team USA in Tokyo. Jordan was a gold medalist in the 2016 edition of Team USA in Rio. Because of this, he isn’t short of international experience. The Nets center averaged 7.4 points and led the team in rebounds with 6.1 per game.

Jordan currently leads the NBA in terms of highest field goal percentage. And with him inflicting damage in the paint, there’s no doubt he is one of the best finishers in the world. With great big men in the Olympics such as the Gasol brothers, Hamed Haddadi, and Rudy Gobert, Jordan manning the paint would’ve given USA some ceiling to keep these opposing bigs in check.

Myles Turner

Speaking of big men that can rule the paint, Myles Turner can do just that. As we all know, Turner led the league in blocks per game in the recently concluded season with 3.4 per game. This is already the second time in his career wherein he achieved this feat. Because of this, he was even a strong Defensive Player of the Year candidate and a huge snob on the All-Defensive teams.

Turner’s rim-protection would’ve anchored the defense for the team. At 6’11, he'd have no problem matching up against the likes of the Gasol brothers or Rudy Gobert. Furthermore with international play allowing big men to park in the paint defensively, opposing team’s slashers will have a rough night trying to get their shots over a block-specialist like Turner.

But unfortunately, Turner is still recovering from a toe injury he suffered during the season. And without a legitimate rim-protector in the Olympics, the U.S have to find a way to compensate for their missing pieces if they want to win the gold.