The 2024 Paris Olympics are quickly approaching and USA Basketball has assembled one of its most talented men’s rosters ever. Some even say it could be he The most talented of all time.
Regardless of where this iteration of Team USA ranks in the all-time conversation, the first order of business is the quest for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. As the journey begins, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, a first-time Olympic participant, made headlines by proclaiming he will be the team’s No. 1 choice.
The truth of the matter is that Team USA is talented enough to have a different No. 1 option depending on the pulse of that particular game, but there’s likely a particular order in which head coach Steve Kerr and staff would prefer things to happen.
Who is the best player on this talented team? Based on last season’s NBA, FIBA play and circumstances, The Jugo Mobile attempts the near-impossible task of ranking 12 of America’s best.
Team USA’s best players, ranked
1. Stephen Curry
Curry’s Olympic debut will certainly be memorable. Following Golden State’s elimination from the Play-In tournament, Curry has had the benefit of a longer offseason to prepare for Paris.
The world’s best shooter playing with a shorter three-point line will be a huge asset for any team facing the United States. After making 40.8 percent of his three-point shots on 11.8 attempts per game in 2023-24, Curry should have a field day.
2. Joel Embiid
Embiid will also benefit from having had a long break following Philadelphia’s early playoff exit. The FIBA game is beneficial to dominant big men and Embiid is just that. His value will be on full display during the Olympics as he will be 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’ last Olympic hurrah, you can guarantee he’ll make the most of it.
James, a two-time gold medalist and soon-to-be four-time Olympian, is somehow at the top of his game at age 39. He will be the floor general for a talented team that will benefit from his cerebral approach and playmaking skills.
4. Jayson Tatum
After winning an NBA title in June, Tatum is looking to join the elite group of players who have won a championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same summer. After being the center of attention for opposing defenses throughout the playoffs, the Celtics star can breathe easy, meaning the scoring should come easily, too.
5. Anthony Davis
It’s been 12 years since Davis stepped onto the Olympic stage, but he now has a chance to apply the wisdom he received 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 prowess will be one of the keys to the United States having a chance to dominate.
6. Kevin Durant
Durant came into Olympic training camp suffering from a calf injury, otherwise he would jump higher on the list.
Durant, one of the purest scorers the game has ever seen, has a chance to win his fourth consecutive gold medal. Even at 35, he’s still making it look easy. The Olympics should be no exception.
7. Anthony Edwards
To say that Edwards is on the cusp of becoming a superstar and has reached the seventh spot is not a disrespect. The FIBA game suits Edwards well, as evidenced by his dominant play during last year’s World Cup.
Edwards’ scoring is loud, but the other underrated elements of his game are what will hurt opponents.
8. Devin Booker
In 2021, Booker helped lead Team USA to gold as a starter on a team that reeled off five straight wins after a shocking loss in the tournament opener. He’s three years older and an even better player now, and the experience from his first Olympic performance will benefit Booker in 2024.
9. Kawhi Leonard
This is also the Olympic debut for Leonard, who will travel to Paris despite injury problems that prematurely ended his playoff participation.
Leonard remains an elite two-way talent, but a cautious approach could result in a more limited workload for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
10. Bam Adebayo
It’s important not to underestimate the importance of the center in the FIBA game. Adebayo led Team USA in rebounding at the Tokyo Olympics and has a chance to show why many consider him one of the most underrated players in the league. Adebayo has the opportunity to do a little bit of everything in Paris.
11. Jrue’s Vacation
Holiday comes in at number 11 but could very well be the most important player on this roster.
USA Basketball made a point of bringing in Holiday, who, as demonstrated during the NBA Finals, is the perfect glue to ensure everything goes as it should. His perimeter defense will also hamper opponents.
12. Tyrese Haliburton
Being last among the country’s best players isn’t a slight, but rather a commentary on how good Team USA’s roster is.
Haliburton, who is one of the best pure point guards in the world, will be in heaven with the amount of players he can now prepare.
