See which of the players on the list of finalists will join them on the team in London.
This season, Chris Paul averaged almost a double-double per game. He hit 19.8 points per game to go with 9.1 assists per game.
It's his passing and playmaking ability that will pay the most dividends for the U.S. in London, as well as Paul's ability to play nearly the entire game if necessary.
He also scored over 20 points in four of 11 playoff games, showing he can perform when the pressure is on. Finally, Paul was a member of the 2008 team, so he also knows what it takes to win at the Olympics.
It's his passing and playmaking ability that will pay the most dividends for the U.S. in London, as well as Paul's ability to play nearly the entire game if necessary.
He also scored over 20 points in four of 11 playoff games, showing he can perform when the pressure is on. Finally, Paul was a member of the 2008 team, so he also knows what it takes to win at the Olympics.
After getting his first NBA championship ring, LeBron James is
set to claim his second Olympic gold medal with Team USA in London.
U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski has also said that James is going to be on his team, even though the selection has not been officially announced. The AP (via Fox Sports) reported that the coach "said matter-of-factly that 'I know LeBron will play.'"
James' growth over the last few years has been visible, and he now has the mental toughness to go with his insane athletic abilities.
U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski has also said that James is going to be on his team, even though the selection has not been officially announced. The AP (via Fox Sports) reported that the coach "said matter-of-factly that 'I know LeBron will play.'"
James' growth over the last few years has been visible, and he now has the mental toughness to go with his insane athletic abilities.
This one is a little more of an arguable choice, but Blake Griffin needs to start because he will overpower his opponents.
The NBA is known as a big, physical league, and Griffin exemplifies that. He is fairly one-dimensional in his play, but he is also an unstoppable offensive weapon against teams with players who are not used to defending somebody like him.
That's really the only reason to have Griffin in the starting lineup, and that may change depending on the opponent and the situation. Still, Griffin needs to start the first game to send a message that the U.S. won't be messed with this year.
The NBA is known as a big, physical league, and Griffin exemplifies that. He is fairly one-dimensional in his play, but he is also an unstoppable offensive weapon against teams with players who are not used to defending somebody like him.
That's really the only reason to have Griffin in the starting lineup, and that may change depending on the opponent and the situation. Still, Griffin needs to start the first game to send a message that the U.S. won't be messed with this year.
