The 2021 Olympics is steadily approaching even if there are doubts about the COVID pandemic. Nonetheless, the players on the USA Dream Team will be the favorites in the competition.
They are the most dominant players in the tournament by far, especially when analyzing the players available in each position. Here is the expected Dream Team that will suit up for Team USA in 2011.
Point Guards: Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard
As expected, the Dream Team features 3 superstar point guards. Stephen Curry is the best shooter of all-time, and he is having a sensational season averaging 31.2 PPG and 5.7 APG on 42.8% shooting from deep this season.
Damian Lillard is right behind Stephen Curry as the best point guard in the world, putting up 28.3 PPG and 7.5 APG on 37.6% from three. The duo of Curry and Lillard will blitz teams from deep to the advantage of Team USA.
Kyrie Irving, the world’s best ball handler, backs up Curry and Lillard and will even see minutes at the shooting guard position. Irving is averaging 26.9 PPG this season, so the three-pronged attack at the point guard spot is simply stacked.
Shooting Guards: James Harden, Paul George
At the shooting guard spot, James Harden is the starter for the Dream Team. Alongside Stephen Curry, Harden will form the best backcourt in the world. Harden is averaging 25.2 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 10.9 APG for the Brooklyn Nets and will bring his triple-double ability to the Olympics.
Backing up James Harden is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine are fantastic offensive players, but Paul George brings the defensive dominance needed to defend the world’s best players in the Olympics. George is averaging 23.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.5 BPG for the Clippers this season and will be the perfect backup for the offensively inclined Harden.
Small Forwards: LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum
Who else starts at the small forward spot? LeBron James is the best player in the world, and his experience and on-court leadership will be the driving force behind Team USA’s position as the most talented team in the Olympics. James already has 3 Olympic medals, so expect him to be hungry for a 4th one.
Backing up LeBron James is arguably the best two-way perimeter player in the NBA. Kawhi is averaging 25.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, and 0.4 BPG for the Clippers. Leonard and James form the best forward lineup in the world on both ends of the floor.
23-year old Jayson Tatum will provide the offensive explosion that Team USA will need at times since the Celtics star is averaging 25.7 PPG on 45.3% shooting from the field. Tatum has a better all-around game than other contenders in this position so he takes the spot over the likes of DeMar DeRozan and Brandon Ingram.
Power Forwards: Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson
Next to LeBron James, Kevin Durant is the best possible partner at the frontcourt. Durant is a 4-time scoring champion in the NBA and also has 2 Olympics medals which he won over the past 2 tournaments. Durant is averaging 27.1 PPG and 6.8 RPG for Brooklyn this season and he will make Team USA unstoppable in the Olympics.
Backing up Durant is first-time All-Star Zion Williamson. The athletic phenom is developing into the superstar we all expect him to become, and his talent seems transcendent. Williamson is averaging 26.9 PPG for the Pelicans this season, and his rebounding and athleticism will be a massive factor in fortifying the paint for Team USA.
Centers: Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo
At the center position, Anthony Davis has to start for the Dream Team. Davis is averaging 21.4 PPG and 8.0 RPG in an injury-plagued season for the Lakers, but he is the best big man in the game when he’s healthy. Davis has the skills to dominate both ends of the court and fits best with Team USA since he can run the floor and defend.
Backing up Davis is All-Star center Bam Adebayo who is putting up 19.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, and 5.3 APG for the Heat. Adebayo is the best possible defensive center who will rebound, hustle, and score when necessary. Bam’s two-way play as a center fortifies Team USA’s interior and he will be the final piece to the Dream Team.
Honorable Mention: Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker, DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, Draymond Green, Karl-Anthony Towns
