Most national teams in basketball would be lucky to have one NBA player on their roster. Team USA has the opposite problem—trimming the list of American players to a 12-man roster. USA basketball is attempting to have a bubble for Team USA, Spain, and Australia to train in and have exhibition games with one another. This will serve as preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
Below is the best lineup that can be assembled for the Red, White, and Blue. These players were taken from the 44 finalists for the Olympic roster, although there are reports that say that the current pool is composed of at least 60 players. Some notable additions were Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans and the Atlanta Hawks All-Star point guard Trae Young.
12. Myles Turner, PF/C, Indiana Pacers
People have been waiting for Turner to make a leap and this year might finally be it. Turner is an excellent rim protector and has a decent touch from the outside. Many of the best players of the other participating countries are bigs like France's Rudy Gobert and Spain's Marc Gasol, so getting a strong presence underneath the basket is important for Team USA.
11. Bam Adebayo, PF/C, Miami Heat
As basketball becomes more and more position-less, versatility is key. Adebayo provides interior toughness inside and uncanny playmaking for a big man. This team won't be in dire need of playmakers, but it's really useful to have a big who can effortlessly locate cutters and open shooters. Adebayo also provides high energy, which was his calling card back in college.
10. Anthony Davis, PF/C, Los Angeles Lakers
The Brow can score from anywhere in the field and is especially devastating in the post. His combination of instincts, athleticism, and size make him an eraser on the defensive end. He can even switch comfortably onto smaller players and make life difficult for them. Davis is most comfortable playing the four.
9. Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets
Durant is one of the most unstoppable scorers the NBA has seen. He's a seven-foot shooting guard. He's a deadly shooter with a tight handle for a guy his size. Durant can score from anywhere on the court and is an underrated defender. There were times when Durant would be deployed as a small-ball five. He was a deterrent in this role as he used his long arms to swat shots.
8. LeBron James, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers
At age 36, LeBron seems to show no signs of slowing down. He is the most complete athlete to ever play the game. As a point-forward, stuffing the stat sheet is commonplace for him. He's a gifted playmaker with a high basketball IQ. While he is best when driving to the rim, he can score from all over the court. When needed, he can be a menace on the defensive end and show flashes of his Miami Heat version, which almost won the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
7. Kawhi Leonard, SF, Los Angeles Clippers
With basketball becoming more international each day, talents have arisen from all over the globe. To match up against these players, the team would need a smart, athletic, and versatile defender. This is where Leonard comes in. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year can lock down opposing wings with his length and lateral quickness. He has grown his offensive game considerably and is automatic from mid-range.
6. Jayson Tatum, SF/PF, Boston Celtics
Tatum is an electric scorer, who gets better every year. He has now doubled his scoring average per game compared to his rookie season. He can comfortably make shots at all three levels. Tatum has a willingness to get rebounds and plays solid defense, especially off-ball.
5. Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors
Curry is a playmaking sharpshooter who revolutionized the game. The two-time MVP is a high-usage operator, but can also work off-ball and put pressure on defenses with his outside shooting. He has translated his quick release in shooting the ball to getting steals.
4. Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers
You know what's better than having a guard, who can light it up from outside and make plays for the team? Having two of them. Lillard has a limitless range and is adept at setting up his teammates, especially in pick-and-rolls. He has one of the highest usage rates in the league, but as he regularly plays with another ball-dominant guard in CJ McCollum, he should be able to adapt.
3. Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards
Currently, Beal is the NBA's leading scorer. While he is used to having a heavy workload, he can adjust his game to other stars, like when he played with John Wall. Beal is a volume scorer and hits his outside shots. He is also an effective cutter.
2. James Harden, PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets
Of the aforementioned guards, Harden's game is probably the most difficult to fit in a star-studded roster. If his stint so far with the Nets is any indication, he is also willing to take a step back, figuratively, and get his teammates involved. Harden takes a lot of 3-point shots, but he can make them at a respectable clip. He is very adaptable and sets up his teammates, especially bigs for easy baskets.
1. Malcolm Brogdon, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers
This is the most controversial inclusion in this list. After all, Brogdon is not a household name. This, however, is the reason for his inclusion. Every team needs a glue guy, someone who is willing to do the unglamorous side of the game. Brogdon is a wing-sized guard with the length and strength to defend guards and even some forwards. He is an efficient player in general and once had a 50-40-90 season, which means he shot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from deep, and 90 percent from the charity stripe.
Team USA is in good hands with the kind of talent available ahead of the Summer Olympics.
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