- LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have committed to the Olympics
- International teams won’t fear Team USA until a superteam is built
- The Americans can create the ultimate version of a Redeem Team 2.0
Team USA is not living up to its reputation as the most dominant force in basketball. The Americans have not won the last two FIBA World Cups, finishing seventh in 2019 and fourth in 2023. That means two World Cups have passed without the Americans even managing to earn a medal, let alone the gold one.
Most recently, the major criticism was that the Americans sent their “C” Team to the 2023 FIBA World Cup without any known stars outside of Anthony Edwards who is only 22 years old. USA reached the semifinal but they ran into a talented German side led by Dennis Schroder.
As expected, Germany won thanks to their teamwork and defense in a 113-111 victory. In the bronze medal game, the USA once again lost, this time to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Canadians in a 127-118 result. No doubt, this has to be one of the most shocking exits in international competition. That means the USA needs to seriously think about creating a Redeem Team 2.0 before the 2024 Olympics or risk worldwide embarrassment.
With very possibly the last time we can see three of the greatest players ever LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry play with each other, Team USA has the opportunity to create one of the greatest international sides of all time. Specifically, the side will also feature reigning MVP and two-time scoring champion Joel Embiid who has committed to the Americans.
Team USA can create a completely stacked squad for the 2024 Olympics and it is time to name all the superstar names that will bring a gold medal back home to let the world know who is in charge.
Point Guards
Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard
Known for his incredible shooting range and three-point prowess, Stephen Curry is a two-time NBA MVP and widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His ability to create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates is unparalleled. In an international setting, Curry’s long-range shooting could be a game-changer along with the fact that he is motivated to play for his country for the first time.
Damian Lillard is another elite point guard with a deep shooting range and a clutch factor. He has consistently been among the NBA’s top scorers and is known for his fearless attitude in late-game situations. This past season, Dame averaged 32.2 points per game and if he wins the championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, he might have the taste of victory and would want some more.
Together, Curry and Lillard would provide Team USA with a potent backcourt duo. Their shooting, playmaking, and leadership skills would stretch opposing defenses, create open opportunities for teammates, and make Team USA a formidable force at the head of the team.
Shooting Guards
Devin Booker, Kyrie Irving
The shooting guard position for Team USA in the 2024 Olympic Games will be exceptionally strong, boasting a trio of elite players in Devin Booker and Kyrie Irving. Devin Booker offers a diverse offensive skill set that includes three-point shooting, mid-range jumpers, and effective drives to the basket.
Moreover, his recent experience in the NBA Finals has sharpened his ability to perform under immense pressure, a trait that would translate well to the Olympic stage. There is no doubt Booker is the best shooting guard in the world right now.
Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, is a maestro with the basketball. His extraordinary ball-handling skills, combined with his knack for creating shots, put him in a league of his own. His clutch performances in previous NBA playoffs and prior contributions to Team USA have solidified his reputation as a dependable playmaker, capable of thriving in critical moments.
Together, Booker and Irving form a formidable backcourt that would undoubtedly be a key driving offensive force behind Team USA’s pursuit of Olympic gold in 2024.
Small Forwards
LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler
The small forward position for Team USA in the 2024 Olympic Games is built to win and deliver the gold medal. In fact, it has to be the most scary and stacked position when looking at the entire team.
Easily one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James brings unmatched versatility and basketball IQ to the team. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate plays makes him a true all-around threat. The King already has two gold medals (and one bronze) so going for a third would greatly help his legacy in the never-ending GOAT debate. The Americans need the best winners available and James headlines the team as the undisputed leader of the group.
Known for his stoic demeanor and two-way prowess, Kawhi Leonard is a defensive stalwart with a knack for clutch shots. His mid-range game is nearly flawless, and he’s a force on the defensive end with his steals and lockdown defense. The superstar player wants to play for Team USA and earn his first gold medal to continue building a Hall of Fame legacy. Behind James, Leonard will be a driving force and leader for the crew in terms of winning intangibles.
Anthony Edwards is a wonderful talent and so is Bradley Beal, but Jimmy Buckets, as he’s affectionately known, is a relentless competitor. His work ethic and ability to lead by example make him a valuable asset. Butler has proven to be an exceptional leader for the Miami Heat, leading them to the NBA Finals twice and constantly coming through in the clutch. Jimmy Butler deserves his spot because he is as clutch as a player can get.
With LeBron’s leadership, Kawhi’s two-way dominance, and Jimmy’s grit and determination, the small forward position for Team USA would be rock-solid as it has a winning mentality that has been lacking for the Americans in recent years.
Power Forwards
Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum
Team USA will field power forwards that fit the modern NBA in terms of shooting, scoring, and athleticism. Is there a better power-forward duo than Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum? The answer is no.
Durant is one of the most versatile scorers in the history of basketball. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability is unparalleled and he has proven time and time again he is a master of international competition.
Durant can score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s draining threes, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or finishing at the rim. He has three Olympic gold medals and is the all-time leading scorer in Team USA history.
As a superstar backup, Jayson Tatum represents the future of basketball, showcasing a versatile scoring game and impressive defensive skills. His ability to create shots off the dribble, score from beyond the arc, and defend multiple positions make him a rising star in the league. At 6’8”, Tatum won’t have an issue defending bigger players and will actually give an advantage to the Americans in terms of versatility.
Centers
Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo
The center position for Team USA in the 2024 Olympic Games would feature a dominant duo in Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid. Davis has chemistry with LeBron James and will likely start some games, although Joel Embiid is the better player and his commitment to Team USA means only Serbia can compete with them in terms of the center position.
International teams should be scared that Joel Embiid is a dominant force in the paint with a combination of size, strength, and scoring ability. He possesses an array of post moves, a soft touch around the basket, and the capability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line. Now that he is an American, USA’s center rotation is completely dominant to complete one of the greatest teams in history.
Anthony Davis is a versatile big man with exceptional shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and a reliable mid-range jumper. Davis’s experience as an NBA champion and his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the league make him an anchor in the paint. His chemistry with LeBron James will also bode well for the team’s camaraderie.
Finally, in case you were wondering, Bam Adebayo is almost guaranteed a spot on the USA’s roster. As one of the best defensive players in the league and a proven All-Star, Bam will be the safeguard in case Davis or Embiid get hurt during the competition. He is a two-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive player in the NBA, so his credentials and impact is there for the world to see by the time the Olympics comes around.
Team USA Is Guaranteed To Win Olympic Gold
With a roster of 12 superstars, Team USA is more than capable of winning gold. In fact, it is almost a foregone conclusion that they will go undefeated in the tournament. The 2023 “C” Team lost three games in the tournament as a whole, so committing a team of the 12 best players in the NBA outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic should go unbeaten.
No international side has their shooting, athleticism, basketball IQ, or raw dominance on both ends. When looking at the competition, Slovenia, Greece, Serbia, France, and Germany are all major contenders for the gold medal. However, not one of them can match the USA.
Slovenia has Luka Doncic, who is a triple-double threat, but the Americans can place Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler on him. Greece has the most athletic player in the world in Antetokounmpo, but the USA has paint protection in Davis and Embiid while James, Tatum, and Durant basically match him with height. Serbia has reigning NBA champion Nikola Jokic, but the USA counters with two dominant centers.
France is a tough side because of Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama, but they lack the superstar power in other positions like the USA has. Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Devin Booker are all superstar perimeter players who can take over. Finally, Germany did well to win the 2023 FIBA Tournament, but their best player Dennis Schroder won’t have a sniff of making the USA’s team.
We saw how the Redeem Team recovered America’s image in 2008 with Kobe Bryant on the team, but now it’s time to see the Redeem Team 2.0 side that will very likely go undefeated and win the gold to prove who the best players in the world are.
