The USA has held the rest of the world hostage when it comes to basketball at the Olympics in recent years. The Stars and Stripes have won the men’s gold medal in each of the last four games, with their reign of dominance spanning back to 2008. However, their recent poor performances at the FIBA World Cup have seemingly lit a fire under their bellies, unlike anything we have seen in the past two decades.
The Americans were defeated in the semifinals by eventual champions Germany, losing a thriller by 113 points to 111 in the Philippines. The squad still featured stars such as Tyrese Halliburton, Austin Reaves, and Anthony Davis, but was unable to get the victory against Die Mannschaft. Now, they have called upon their biggest and brightest to secure the gold medal, just as they did after they were beaten by Manu Ginóbili’s Argentina in 2004.
With several superstars back in their lineup, here are the players who will feature for Team USA in Paris this summer.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry’s star may have waned somewhat over the last couple of years, but he remains the undisputed king of three-pointers. The baby-faced assassin is known for his incredible shooting range and game-changing abilities, and his presence alone is enough to strike fear into opponents. His Golden State Warriors dynasty may well be over, but he will be aiming to add an Olympic gold medal to his overflowing trophy haul and bring the curtain down on a stellar career.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker was one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA last season and he returns to the Olympic stage after his successful stint at Tokyo 2020. The Phoenix Suns man’s scoring prowess and versatility make him a potent weapon for Team USA, while his ability to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions gives his team plenty of flexibility.
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards was a crucial cog in an upstart Minnesota Timberwolves side that made it all the way to the Western Conference finals last season. Ultimately there the Dallas Mavericks had too much for them to handle, eliminating them in six, but their 22-year-old shooting guard will bring plenty of youthful energy and explosive athleticism to the Stars and Stripes.
Jrue Holiday
34-year-old veteran Jrue Holiday has just been crowned NBA champion for the first time in his career with the Boston Celtics. The latest NBA odds make his side the +300 favorites to retain their crown next term. He was in scintillating form in the 4-1 Finals victory against the Mavs, top scoring for his side in the game two victory at the TD Garden. His tenacious defense and playmaking skills will be a crucial component of Team USA’s backcourt.
Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics are without a doubt the best team in the NBA in recent years, and the key to their success has been the emergence of Jayson Tatum. The 26-year-old is a five-time All-Star already, and it has been his clutch displays and line-up with Jaylen Brown that have been crucial to the success in Beantown. His experience in previous international competitions has prepared him well for the global stage, and he is now primed and ready to steal the show under the bright Olympic lights.
Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers’ resident floor general Tyrese Haliburton brings exceptional vision and passing ability to an already star-studded roster. He was one of the stars of the show as he led an unfancied Gainbridge Fieldhouse outfit all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, shockingly defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks and the second-seed New York Knicks along the way. His knack for creating scoring opportunities for his teammates makes him a perfect fit for the international game, where ball movement is key, and you can expect him to shine brightly in the French capital this summer.
LeBron James
The jewel in the American crown is undoubtedly LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is the NBA’s leading all-time points scorer and arguably the greatest player to have ever played the game. He returns to the fold for what could be his final Olympic appearance, and his leadership, experience, and all-around game make him an invaluable presence in the Stars and Stripes lineup.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is another who can be considered an all-time great, and alongside the aforementioned King James and Curry, he could be considered the best player of his generation. He is back to add another Olympic gold medal to his collection, in addition to the ones he picked up in London, Rio De Janeiro, and Tokyo. He was considered the MVP in the Land of the Rising Sun three summers ago, and if he performs at the same level at the age of 35, the rest of the world should be worried.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and he now brings his defensive expertise and clutch performance to the national team. Known for his “Klaw” defense, the Los Angeles Clipper’s ability to guard multiple positions will be pivotal for Team USA. He has been considered one of the finest players in the league since leading an upstart Toronto Raptors side to the Larry O’Brien for the first time in history back in 2019, and he has continued to build on his legacy in the years since.
