Team USA failed to snag a medal in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. For some, it was just a casual letdown, but for others, it could be a sign of the Americans’ reign coming to an end.
The US has claimed gold in men’s basketball in the last four Olympic runs since 2004, which was one of its rare disappointing finishes, not including their seventh-place chagrin in the 2019 World Cup. We usually see USA Basketball’s Team B players in the World Cup, which is quite odd since Team USA can easily whip up the most talented roster from their long list of notable NBA players.
After the struggles shown by Team USA in the World Cup, reports came out that LeBron James has expressed interest in joining the 2024 team at the Paris Olympics, as well as other superstars, such as Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Most recently, reigning MVP Joel Embiid has chosen to play for Team USA rather than for France.
Although Team USA has heard commitment from these A-list players, other teams would still have a chance to topple them once again, considering that other countries also have some of the best players from the league. Serbia has Nikola Jokic, Greece has Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Slovenia has Luka Doncic. Canada also has a handful of good NBA players.
With the potential intense competition in the Paris Olympics, let’s look at the possible starting lineup that would seek to ignite the waning supremacy of USA Basketball.
Guard: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Curry is undeniably the top choice in the game right now entering the 2023-2024 season. Despite falling in the playoffs last season, it seems like he is currently still hitting his peak in basketball. He’s arguably the best shooter of all time and his constant and swift movement off the ball could readily open up a lot of space for everyone else on the floor.
Guard: Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Tatum would be a great addition to Team USA as he can complement LeBron and KD positionally. After stepping up for the Americans in his first Olympics appearance in 2021 and earning back-to-back first-team All-NBA nods with the Boston Celtics, we can place Tatum among the best choices for the spot. He’s a big wing that can shoot from anywhere and he has the skill to attack in isolation.
Forward: Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
Durant has a decorated background with the national team. He won FIBA World Cup MVP in 2010 and has amassed three Olympic gold medals to his name. He was also Team USA’s scoring leader in Tokyo just two summers ago. They would need him again in the wings where he can deliver his sweet-shooting stroke and deep range. His size is also needed to defend multiple positions.
Forward: LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
If LeBron eventually commits to Team USA in the Olympics, he’s definitely going to be starting for them. He will be 39 years old then but we can expect him to bully his way inside the paint and get the easy and clutch points. He’s an exceptional defender and he can make the younger guys better with his playmaking. He’ll run the floor and get everyone involved as a leader on and off the court.
Center: Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Embiid choosing to play for the US is the icing on the cake. His presence in the paint would be a huge factor for Team USA. We can see him stand out in Paris as an impressive center who can seal the rim airtight from opponents. Other countries would have to find a way to get past his interior presence. You can also expect Embiid to contribute midrange shots.
The dream roster for Paris 2024
All looks well for Team USA if all these players mentioned above really do decide to play next year though. There’s a chance USA Basketball won’t be able to land all of them because of various reasons but the good news is that there’s a lot of available talent to keep the team at an elite playing level.
Other stars who can round out the squad are Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis. They can also get younger guys like Bam Adebayo, Mikal Bridges, Tyrese Haliburton, and Zion Williamson.
Let’s face it. The world has caught up to the United States in recent years. The World Cup proved just how much little room for error they have against teams on the international stage. The 2024 Paris Olympics can be the perfect place for them to commence the turnaround and establish themselves as the top dogs once again.
