With the 2024 Paris Olympics fast approaching, USA Basketball has one of the most talented men’s rosters in history. of The most talented of all time.
Regardless of where this U.S. team ranks among the all-time teams, the first priority is to achieve a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. As that journey begins, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, making his Olympic debut, made waves by declaring himself the team’s first choice.
In truth, the U.S. team is talented enough to change its No. 1 pick depending on the situation in any given game, but there’s likely a specific order that coach Steve Kerr and his staff want.
Who is the best player on this talented team? Based on last season’s NBA and FIBA games and situations, Sporting News takes on the nearly impossible task of ranking America’s 12 best players.
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Ranking of Team USA’s best players
1. Stephen Curry
Curry’s Olympic debut will surely be one to remember, as Golden State was eliminated in the play-in tournament, giving Curry an extended offseason to prepare for Paris.
The best shooter in the world playing at a shorter 3-point line would be a scary thing for any team playing against the U.S. Curry should be in top form after hitting 40.8% on 11.8 3-point attempts per game in 2023-24.
2. Joel Embiid
Embiid will also benefit from the extended rest he’ll get after Philadelphia’s early playoff exit. FIBA competition favors dominant big men, and Embiid is a prime example of that. He’ll be invaluable during the Olympics, surrounded by players who complement his strengths.
It’s easy to forget that Embiid averaged 34.7 points in just 33.6 minutes per game in 2023-24.
3. LeBron James
If this is James’ final Olympic celebration, you can bet he’ll make the most of it.
James, a two-time gold medalist and soon-to-be four-time Olympian, is in top form at age 39. He’ll be the floor general on a talented team that will benefit from his intelligent approach and playmaking ability.
4. Jayson Tatum
Following his NBA title win in June, Tatum is looking to join an elite group of players who have won championships and Olympic gold medals this summer. The Celtics star has been the backbone of opposing defenses throughout the playoffs and should be out of breath and scoring should come easily.
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5. Anthony Davis
It’s been 12 years since Davis last stepped onto the Olympic stage, but now he has the opportunity to apply the wisdom he inherited as a 19-year-old rookie. Davis is a defensive genius and one of the most skilled players in the game.
Davis’ rim protection and defensive ability will be one of the keys to the USA’s dominance.
6. Kevin Durant
Durant limped into Olympic training camp with a calf injury, but otherwise would have likely been higher on the list.
Durant, the greatest pure scorer of all time, has a chance to win four consecutive gold medals, and even at 35 years old, he’s doing it with ease. The same could be said for the Olympics.
7. Anthony Edwards
Edwards is on the brink of superstardom, but seventh place is nothing to scoff at, and the FIBA game suits him, as evidenced by his dominating play in last year’s World Cup.
Edwards’ scoring is flashy, but it’s other underrated elements of his game that give opponents trouble.
8. Devin Booker
In 2021, Booker helped Team USA win the gold medal as a starter on a five-game winning streak after a shocking loss in the opening round. He’s three years older and an even better player now, and the experience of playing in his first Olympic Games will benefit Booker in 2024.
9. Kawhi Leonard
It will also be Leonard’s Olympic debut, and he’s set to head to Paris despite an injury that ended his playoff appearance early.
Leonard remains a premium two-way talent, but a cautious approach may limit the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s workload even more.
10. Bam Adebayo
It’s important not to underestimate the importance of big men in FIBA competition, and Adebayo led Team USA in rebounding at the Tokyo Olympics and had a chance to show why he’s viewed by many as one of the most underrated players in the league. Adebayo got a chance to do a little bit of everything in Paris.
11. Jrue Holiday
Holiday may be 11th, but he could very well be the most important player on this roster.
USA Basketball made the right move to acquire Holiday. As he proved in the NBA Finals, Holiday is the perfect team leader to make sure everything goes smoothly, and his perimeter defense will stymie opponents.
Read more: Tyrese Haliburton ready to meet gold medal standard set by USA Basketball at Olympics
12. Tyrese Haliburton
Being last among the best players in the country is not an insult, but a testament to how good the U.S. team’s roster is.
One of the best pure point guards in the world, Haliburton would be in heaven right now with the amount of players he could be paired with.
