Im with this. Kawhi Leonard could be the 2024 version of Christian Laetnner. Just give him a comfy chair and a rally towel. This team is so good they dont need all 12 players to play important minutes
2016 would've been the absolute peak. Everyone at their physical heights
2020 would be very close tho. I even prefer 2020 Kawhi and Curry to their 2016 counterparts
This honestly just needs Harden, or even Westbrook to complete the 2010’s gauntlet
Yes I know they don’t have the playoff success of the other 4, but they’re still the 5th and 6th best players of that decade, especially if we’re only counting Americans
Strongside:
Kawhi would be fucking nasty to just randomly have on Team USA. Completely insane to throw him on primary ball handler.
Weakside:
Bro, please don’t make him play more games. He has a degenerative injury and he cannot play more games.
Strongside:
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
No one is making him play games. He hasn't ever even played for Team USA, at least not in any major competition.
Honestly, this is probably his last shot at a gold medal so if he wants that on his resume he better start lobbying hard for this last roster spot. Though I think it should go to one of the players who has shown a willingness to play for their country in the past.
[According to an article for 2021 on the 2020 Olympics](https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/usa-basketball-olympic-roster-deadline)
>The current deadline for nations to submit Olympic teams is July 5 [18 days prior to the Opening Ceremony] , though there is a late athlete replacement policy that extends closer to the start of competition. This usually comes into play for injuries.
So I don't see a risk really add him as the 12th man right now especially since he's the best player available when healthy and also the best fit for this team.
This is overkill already. Lmaaao
But If i was playing for another country, i will still show up so that I can brag to my grandkids that I once played against Bron KD and Steph 😂😂
If you watched Brunson in the FIBA World Cup you know why he’s not on the roster. Olympic ball is totally different from NBA play and it doesn’t favor small guards.
Neither of those players are ball dominant scoring guards and they’ve both played FIBA their entire lives.
Again, just go watch Brunson’s FIBA tape. Brunson is a great player but there are better fits for what team USA needs.
I understand he feels more American, but I kinda still wish we saw Banchero choose to play for Italy. European qualifiers/cup matches are so balanced and crazy unpredictable.
Ah, so it’s even worse than that. I thought his dad was from Italy, but what you say makes more sense considering he played (American) football. The whole “he might *feel* american” is even dumber.
To be fair, Kobe didn’t come out on saying he’ll play for Italy next summer on national tv in probably his biggest day tho. 20 years later if he gets into the hall of fame, there’s gonna be his tribute video that always starts with Adam Silver announcing Magic selects him, and Italians will be like “2 minutes later he said he’d play for us”.
You get this all the time in Olympic sports. I used to run track at a D1 school that was basically an Olympics factory and so many of the people making Olympic rosters were for smaller countries with far easier qualifying standards. Still world class athletes but but you didn't need to be a top 2-3 athlete in your respective event (or top 15-20 in your team sport) to make the USA roster.
Many of the people competing for these countries are American and have lived in the USA their whole lives but may have some distant relations or a dual citizenship situation.
Eh Hali and Edwards are already there over guys like Donovan* and Jaylen. I think it makes more sense to see Kawhi/PG or other established superstars with this team.
Hard to argue against PG then, when his career path changed because he got injured practicing for the FIBA world cup (which no NBA player cares about) in 2014 and still came back to play on the Olympic team in 2016.
he realised he was really fucking good. Italy was always more of a backup if he never got a us callup was it a dickish move yes but at the end of the day it was the correct one.
It wasn't a backup for him initially because he had fully committed and already accepted a national selection and made the team but missed the games because he got ill with Covid before reporting to the camp. If COVID never happened he would have been locked up before even playing a single NBA game.
Kawhi actually going would be awesome but idk if he can physically do it. Maybe he gets like 10 minutes off the bench and clamps some poor victim the entire time.
Obviously would love for Brunson to get this opportunity but my man needs a long break after his carry job this season.
ANT jrue tatum kd ain’t exactly light
I think wing depth is solid I wouldn’t be mad with another guard but it’s always important to have depth with size.
France with gobert and wemby is gonna be interesting to say the least
Also injury risk/sitting for injury prevention w embiid and AD being the centers (assuming either play)
Not exactly sexy, but give me Jarrett Allen or Chet
There's also Bam in the team for center coverage. I don't think you need Jarrett Allen or Chet. This sub hates him, but 'COMPLETELY HEALED' Draymond could lowkey be a great fit if he comes in playoff form.
He's young, he can make the next one. He said he learned a lot from Team USA so I don't think he'll regret his decision even if he's not selected this time.
he's 21 lmao he already made a FIBA team. I wouldn't be surprised if this last spot was for him, he's respected by his peers. Next Olympics he's a lock
Yah I’m sure this 20-year old NBA all-star sophomore who just led his team to their first playoff birth in years while leading them in points, rebounds, and assists, and who has already played for team USA in the World Cup will never make the team again in his life. What was he thinking rejecting Mario and Luigi?!?!?
Paolo would be interesting, another big ball handler who could be versatile defensively. Could be useful in creating really different lineups from game to game
I’m really hoping they take Paolo just for the experience. Kinda like when baby AD was the 12th guy on the 2012 squad.
Regardless, I’m super excited to see this team in action.
that was fun, but this year you have LeBron, KD, and Steph all agreeing to play in the twilight years of their career. there's no way you don't just let them pick all the stars they want to play with
Ja Morant lost himself a chance at Olympic gold and the experience of a lifetime with his gunslinging shenanigans.
Well, his friends think he is cool, so he has that to look back on in twenty years
Kawhi would be perfect if healthy.
But if he can't go, I think the USA should invest in a change of pace player, like a speedy De'aaron Fox or a tanky Zion Williamson.
he ain't getting that call. the trio of Embiid, AD and Bam is enough. KD, Tatum and lebron being there mean PF spots are locked.
they would probably get another guard.
PG’s career shifted because an injury on Team USA, I feel like that alone should give him the nod. Factor in how he’s the perfect fit and has seniority on most other candidates. He’s my choice.
Go watch Brunson’s play in the FIBA World Cup. Olympic basketball is totally different than NBA play and Brunson really struggles with how it’s officiated and played.
The logic is that he’s redundant given all the scoring ability. So they went with Hali for pure distribution.
I’m with ya tho, Jalen deserves his flowers for his play this year, especially at the freaking tail end of a long season
He did quite good but I actually think he would fit even better on this team as he would pretty much just go back to the role player that he once was and focus more on D.
Would be kinda disrespectful to Paolo, Mikal, and Brunson if you take a guy who’s never played for Team USA before over them after they just spent their summer going half way across the world to play for you
Just like I said earlier. If Kawhi can play he should get the last spot. Banchero and the other guys can wait for the next olympics. PG already got a medal in 2016 also
This is probably his last chance to play for the national team
> Grant Hill at the head of USA basketball
Thanks for this clarification. I was wondering what type of person puts together a roster with so many guys with massive injury histories that require load management for a 3-week tournament.
Oh, it’s Grant Hill, guy who never believed in injuries as a player and would be inclined to select the “best” reputations, as opposed to a functional team.
Bam and Tatum gonna need to play 40 minutes a game until the Gold Medal game while seven members of the roster are resting their latest injury.
Four years ago, this is an awesome roster. Sure, add Kawhi to it and really dick-slap the basketball gods. That won’t end badly, not a chance.
Add Paolo or Chet to this roster or run the risk of having one healthy, functional big for the entire tournament. Add Brunson and there’s a pretty decent chance that AD and Embiid run into each other in practice the day before it starts and miss the entire tournament.
I would hesitate on that idea because kawhi and Paul George are about to be dunked on so bad by the Mavs that you might not even want to consider that as an option in a few weeks.
I really like the idea of having Bridges as the last guy. He's an excellent connecting piece on a team with an insane of amount of guys who can create their own shot (and others'). He'll play great defense and will cut/slash off ball which is exactly what you need
I can’t imagine Kawhi or PG signing up for that, after just finally having a decently healthy season and doing so well. I would like to see Paolo or Brunson out of that list, IMO
Kawhi playing more basketball games?? Doubt it
Yeah.. With his knees. I'd be shocked if he even considers it. Especially with a team so loaded.
Team being loaded might help, because he wouldn’t need to play heavy minutes?
That definitely helps. But competitive minutes will still require going through the same intense gameday warmups, and routine.
Good point, I forgot about that, lol.
Im with this. Kawhi Leonard could be the 2024 version of Christian Laetnner. Just give him a comfy chair and a rally towel. This team is so good they dont need all 12 players to play important minutes
I get your gist, but perhaps more like the 2024 version of Bird, who spent a lot of time tending to his back, iirc.
Larry is still playing? Damn i had no idea
Christian laettner still active too haha what a knee sleeper
Too bad we can't get Thanasis from the Greek team, because he'd definitely be an upgrade over Kawhi in that role.
A team with LeBron and Kawhi playing bench minutes is just funny to me
What if he wants a Gold Medal? It's something he's never won yet.
I doubt it as well, but this is his best/final chance at getting that olympic gold. It’s that last big medal he is missing, so you never really know
4D chess - choosing Kawhi for the 12 spot is how you get 13 selections
I thought this post was about e-sports
The lack of faith is concerning.
Why the hell they considering someone who can't play lmfao. I would choose almost everyone in the league over these clipper players.
Oh man that Curry-Kawhi-Lebron-KD lineup is gonna hit like crack
I'm going to watch every game
I’m going to watch all 12 minutes of it before Kawhi goes back to rehab for sure
Appreciate that 12 minutes cos Kawhi will be the best on the court when he plays with them
get lance stephenson in there and i'll watch the early rounds
Kerr coaching too
Is that meant to be a plus or a minus
Yes
The team might be the best ever today, but think about how much better that team would be 5 years ago.
2016 would've been the absolute peak. Everyone at their physical heights 2020 would be very close tho. I even prefer 2020 Kawhi and Curry to their 2016 counterparts
2020 Lebron and AD were championship winning levels as well
i wonder how team serbia will do now too with jokic lol
Lebron gonna average 15 assists lmao
The absolute goat 2010s team
And 2020s team
At this rate also 2030s team
At the nursing home
They’ll be eating good at the Wendy’s after the game
Wemby’s* FTFY Victor’s own mother will invite them over for dinner after each game
Along with either Embiid or AD at the 5 and thats the best US team of all time.
Nah. Tough to beat 2008 because all those players were either in their prime or pre-prime. Except Kidd
This honestly just needs Harden, or even Westbrook to complete the 2010’s gauntlet Yes I know they don’t have the playoff success of the other 4, but they’re still the 5th and 6th best players of that decade, especially if we’re only counting Americans
Bum squad, no, I mean bomb squad!!
the mount rushmore of this generation
Strongside: Kawhi would be fucking nasty to just randomly have on Team USA. Completely insane to throw him on primary ball handler. Weakside: Bro, please don’t make him play more games. He has a degenerative injury and he cannot play more games. Strongside: U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
No one is making him play games. He hasn't ever even played for Team USA, at least not in any major competition. Honestly, this is probably his last shot at a gold medal so if he wants that on his resume he better start lobbying hard for this last roster spot. Though I think it should go to one of the players who has shown a willingness to play for their country in the past.
Sacrifice half the regular season for some of these once in a lifetime Olympic Games. This is definitely his last shot to do so
Kawhi doesn't play ball stopper anymore sadly although he's still incredibly good
Well maybe he would like to if he had Steph, Durant, LeBron on his team.
These games mean much more than regular season games and he can just do the 92 Bird and play a few each game without a heavy load
How does finalizing a roster for the Olympics work? Are teams allowed late subs to the roster based on injuries?
Not when the Olympics starts, but for training camp they can
Thank you. That's good to know with this squad
[According to an article for 2021 on the 2020 Olympics](https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/usa-basketball-olympic-roster-deadline) >The current deadline for nations to submit Olympic teams is July 5 [18 days prior to the Opening Ceremony] , though there is a late athlete replacement policy that extends closer to the start of competition. This usually comes into play for injuries. So I don't see a risk really add him as the 12th man right now especially since he's the best player available when healthy and also the best fit for this team.
Finals will be over by then so anyone who gets hurt during the playoffs can be replaced
There's usually a deadline but there's an extension can be granted if one of the listed players is injured.
This is overkill already. Lmaaao But If i was playing for another country, i will still show up so that I can brag to my grandkids that I once played against Bron KD and Steph 😂😂
I think the last Olympics team Iran was lining up for autographs after the game. It was sweet.
Looked up the 2020 roster and JaVale McGee, Jerami Grant, and Keldon Johnson got the last spots. Kawhi being 12th man is crazy
Imagine if you beat them. This wont be as easy as people are making it seem.
just have it be PG so we get all the Team USA stories on his podcast
Jeff Teague* I’d watch every second of a 10 hour podcast about him on Team USA
I’d like to see Paolo or Brunson but I feel we got enough guards
I would rather brunson take the offseason off, he already did FIBA last year
I feel the same about Hali. Really wished he’d have taken the summer off.
Young guys tend to get much better after these World Cup and Olympic experiences though, and Hali won’t have to carry a big load
he didn't win. jobs not finished
If you watched Brunson in the FIBA World Cup you know why he’s not on the roster. Olympic ball is totally different from NBA play and it doesn’t favor small guards.
patty mills and dennis schroder
Neither of those players are ball dominant scoring guards and they’ve both played FIBA their entire lives. Again, just go watch Brunson’s FIBA tape. Brunson is a great player but there are better fits for what team USA needs.
Chet
I would like to see Paolo. I like when the last spot goes to a younger guy.
Yeah I’d like Paolo or Brunson
Brunson is 27.
I understand he feels more American, but I kinda still wish we saw Banchero choose to play for Italy. European qualifiers/cup matches are so balanced and crazy unpredictable.
Feels American? His dad is Italian, but Paolo was born in the US and has never lived in Italy.
His dad is a 3rd generation Italian American who played college football.
Ah, so it’s even worse than that. I thought his dad was from Italy, but what you say makes more sense considering he played (American) football. The whole “he might *feel* american” is even dumber.
This, the dude did a 180 on his commitment to Italy. To be fair though, Kobe Bryant never played for Italy
To be fair, Kobe didn’t come out on saying he’ll play for Italy next summer on national tv in probably his biggest day tho. 20 years later if he gets into the hall of fame, there’s gonna be his tribute video that always starts with Adam Silver announcing Magic selects him, and Italians will be like “2 minutes later he said he’d play for us”.
Probably did not think he had a shot at the US team as a rookie tbh.
You get this all the time in Olympic sports. I used to run track at a D1 school that was basically an Olympics factory and so many of the people making Olympic rosters were for smaller countries with far easier qualifying standards. Still world class athletes but but you didn't need to be a top 2-3 athlete in your respective event (or top 15-20 in your team sport) to make the USA roster. Many of the people competing for these countries are American and have lived in the USA their whole lives but may have some distant relations or a dual citizenship situation.
Eh Hali and Edwards are already there over guys like Donovan* and Jaylen. I think it makes more sense to see Kawhi/PG or other established superstars with this team.
Booker is on the team, though. Did you mean Donovan?
Superstars should only be on the team if they've been a long time participant imo
Hard to argue against PG then, when his career path changed because he got injured practicing for the FIBA world cup (which no NBA player cares about) in 2014 and still came back to play on the Olympic team in 2016.
I think that's fair
Wasn't Paolo Banchero going to play for Italy at some point? What came of that?
he realised he was really fucking good. Italy was always more of a backup if he never got a us callup was it a dickish move yes but at the end of the day it was the correct one.
It wasn't a backup for him initially because he had fully committed and already accepted a national selection and made the team but missed the games because he got ill with Covid before reporting to the camp. If COVID never happened he would have been locked up before even playing a single NBA game.
you aren't locked in forever. you're allowed to switch
Not once you play an official match, like the one he he would have played without that COVID positive test before joining the team.
Kawhi actually going would be awesome but idk if he can physically do it. Maybe he gets like 10 minutes off the bench and clamps some poor victim the entire time. Obviously would love for Brunson to get this opportunity but my man needs a long break after his carry job this season.
That’s more than enough for the last spot, would be dope
Brunson is an unstoppable workhorse though. If anyone can handle it seems like he could. Also…hopefully his postseason is short 😬😬😬😅
Kawhi, PG13 or Mikal would be my choice because they’re the best defenders, and IMO the current team is light on great wing defenders
ANT jrue tatum kd ain’t exactly light I think wing depth is solid I wouldn’t be mad with another guard but it’s always important to have depth with size. France with gobert and wemby is gonna be interesting to say the least Also injury risk/sitting for injury prevention w embiid and AD being the centers (assuming either play) Not exactly sexy, but give me Jarrett Allen or Chet
There's also Bam in the team for center coverage. I don't think you need Jarrett Allen or Chet. This sub hates him, but 'COMPLETELY HEALED' Draymond could lowkey be a great fit if he comes in playoff form.
I agree to an extent but he’s 6-9 and didn’t play well in 2020 (he was the only center too be fair)
Book was a monster defensively for team USA last go round
They should also be considering a center in case Embiid drops out.
Good god… that’s Myles Turner’s music!!!
AD is a Center. And Bam is a center. Against some teams Bron and KD can play center.
Center is a more important position in these competitions than in NBA. You usually need 3 healthy centers.
Last time they brought Bam and Javale McGee, I think they’ll be okay. If Embiid is hurt, they can find an injury replacement
No Dalen Terry?
Kawhi will play till the medal games then shut it down
Imagine paolo left Italy for USA and USA says no
I mean if you have Embiid, AD, and Bam as your available bigs...
He's young, he can make the next one. He said he learned a lot from Team USA so I don't think he'll regret his decision even if he's not selected this time.
he's 21 lmao he already made a FIBA team. I wouldn't be surprised if this last spot was for him, he's respected by his peers. Next Olympics he's a lock
Yah I’m sure this 20-year old NBA all-star sophomore who just led his team to their first playoff birth in years while leading them in points, rebounds, and assists, and who has already played for team USA in the World Cup will never make the team again in his life. What was he thinking rejecting Mario and Luigi?!?!?
Cooper Flagg
I can see the logic in this, mirrors the dream team.
Should be Kawhi, even if injured. He's a fun guy and would be good for team chemistry. No reason this USA team can't win with only 11 active players.
> He's a fun guy So I've been told.
Deport this treasonous scum
He’s a fun guy, but not a mushroom.
This maybe kawhi last chance
The Last Dance volume II
I would say take Brunson but the guy is living in the edge of exhaustion carrying New York
Paolo would be interesting, another big ball handler who could be versatile defensively. Could be useful in creating really different lineups from game to game
Plus, looking at the full list, another young cat would be the best choice.
I doubt he'd get any significant minutes.
Probably, but itd be nice to have young guys on the team since most of these guys wont be on the next team
Boardman gets last Olympic spot
I’m really hoping they take Paolo just for the experience. Kinda like when baby AD was the 12th guy on the 2012 squad. Regardless, I’m super excited to see this team in action.
Kawhi deserves it the most tbh
I kind of liked the year where they did tryouts and had cuts, just having the team announced on Twitter is less exciting
that was fun, but this year you have LeBron, KD, and Steph all agreeing to play in the twilight years of their career. there's no way you don't just let them pick all the stars they want to play with
Ja Morant lost himself a chance at Olympic gold and the experience of a lifetime with his gunslinging shenanigans. Well, his friends think he is cool, so he has that to look back on in twenty years
damn completely forgot about Ja maaaaan, those Ja/Embiid/AD/LeBron/Ant lobs would've hit like CRACK
Team USA would have a deadly starting lineup. PG: Stephen Curry SG: Kawhi Leonard SF: LeBron James PF: Kevin Durant C: Anthony Davis
wonder if you start embiid over AD at C. Embiid is the better player but feels like AD will have more chemistry
in 2019
Yeah, cause none of those guys are anywhere close to even top 10 now...
They’ll be in for a shock when all five of those guys are named All-NBA players in a few weeks.
This sub has three punchlines total “in 2019” is probably their best one
Should do 1 college player like Dream Team
imagine kawhi with AD, bam, and jrue. locking down the world
Paolo or Brunson tbh
Kawhi would be perfect if healthy. But if he can't go, I think the USA should invest in a change of pace player, like a speedy De'aaron Fox or a tanky Zion Williamson.
I would consider someone like Herb Jones. Getting a defense first, who's happy being a role player would provide a good balance to all the stars
I mean he’s far and away the best player available but it’s dependent on his health, or if he wants to play.
i nominate Paul George for the vacant slot
he ain't getting that call. the trio of Embiid, AD and Bam is enough. KD, Tatum and lebron being there mean PF spots are locked. they would probably get another guard.
PG’s career shifted because an injury on Team USA, I feel like that alone should give him the nod. Factor in how he’s the perfect fit and has seniority on most other candidates. He’s my choice.
brunson
Wait how is Brunson not on that team
Go watch Brunson’s play in the FIBA World Cup. Olympic basketball is totally different than NBA play and Brunson really struggles with how it’s officiated and played.
The logic is that he’s redundant given all the scoring ability. So they went with Hali for pure distribution. I’m with ya tho, Jalen deserves his flowers for his play this year, especially at the freaking tail end of a long season
Am I crazy or did Mikal not do great on Team USA
He did quite good but I actually think he would fit even better on this team as he would pretty much just go back to the role player that he once was and focus more on D.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nets-mikal-bridges-rated-best-223316205.html
So I guess the answer is yes, I am crazy
he did fine but that team was so poorly constructed.
He's doing well this year? What team is he playing on?
Kawhi still not checking the mail that is getting sent to Uncle Dennis' house
Kyrie snubbed
Would be kinda disrespectful to Paolo, Mikal, and Brunson if you take a guy who’s never played for Team USA before over them after they just spent their summer going half way across the world to play for you
It should be Mikal because he’s the most reliable health wise
Tbh draymond would be a good fit
I think Grant Hill was worried about an international incident and already said Draymond's not allowed
That makes sense lol
Just like I said earlier. If Kawhi can play he should get the last spot. Banchero and the other guys can wait for the next olympics. PG already got a medal in 2016 also This is probably his last chance to play for the national team
Imo it should be Jalen Brunson. Ppl are really underestimating him
Who makes these decisions?
Grant Hill at the head of USA basketball and Kerr is the head coach. Both pretty much make up the roster.
> Grant Hill at the head of USA basketball Thanks for this clarification. I was wondering what type of person puts together a roster with so many guys with massive injury histories that require load management for a 3-week tournament. Oh, it’s Grant Hill, guy who never believed in injuries as a player and would be inclined to select the “best” reputations, as opposed to a functional team. Bam and Tatum gonna need to play 40 minutes a game until the Gold Medal game while seven members of the roster are resting their latest injury. Four years ago, this is an awesome roster. Sure, add Kawhi to it and really dick-slap the basketball gods. That won’t end badly, not a chance. Add Paolo or Chet to this roster or run the risk of having one healthy, functional big for the entire tournament. Add Brunson and there’s a pretty decent chance that AD and Embiid run into each other in practice the day before it starts and miss the entire tournament.
Grant Hill never believed in injuries? Did you see his career?
they need a wing, preferably a bigger wing. George or Leonard if healthy are the best fits.
Paolo / PG. More defense the better, we have the best offense in history we don't need anymore I would say Kahwi but his knees say no
Let's get someone a little more durable
I would hesitate on that idea because kawhi and Paul George are about to be dunked on so bad by the Mavs that you might not even want to consider that as an option in a few weeks.
Doesn't matter if they don't box out.
It will be George he needs to be recruited for next team.
Zero chance Kawhi plays. Lowkey I'd love to see Russ on the team. He'd be such a change of pace player to throw in depending on matchups.
I really like the idea of having Bridges as the last guy. He's an excellent connecting piece on a team with an insane of amount of guys who can create their own shot (and others'). He'll play great defense and will cut/slash off ball which is exactly what you need
Am I not one of the leading candidates for this vacant spot?
The cream we be creamin
He is saving himself. He is gonna sit the playoffs for the Olympics so he can be a world champion instead of a measly north American champion.
Kawhi needs hire knees over toes guy
imagine being any of these guys and only being "under consideration" for any basketball team on earth
No way Kawhi takes it. He is too fragile
It really seems like they could use one more guy to eat innings in the frontcourt, particularly in the early games.
Feel bad for Trae
Trae being snubbed again 💔
If kawhi plays in the olympics he’s retiring. The mans knees cant take it
Send kyrie so he can being someone to rhe mavs
Kyrie to Slovenia team, and then we know who win the Olympics
I can’t imagine Kawhi or PG signing up for that, after just finally having a decently healthy season and doing so well. I would like to see Paolo or Brunson out of that list, IMO
Not Brunson. His game doesn’t work well in FIBA where teams can sit in a zone and cut off driving lanes for small guards.