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5 Teams That Might Not Get Embarrassed By U.S. in Olympics

By Matthew Medley

July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts with guard Klay Thompson (11) and guard Jimmy Butler (4) against China in the second half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts with guard Klay Thompson (11) and guard Jimmy Butler (4) against China in the second half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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VILLENEUVE D’ASCQ, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 20: Pau Gasol #4 of Spain drives to the basket against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of Lithuania during the EuroBasket Final game between Spain v Lithuania at Stade Pierre Mauroy on September 20, 2015 in Villeneuve d’Ascq, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
VILLENEUVE D’ASCQ, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 20: Pau Gasol #4 of Spain drives to the basket against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of Lithuania during the EuroBasket Final game between Spain v Lithuania at Stade Pierre Mauroy on September 20, 2015 in Villeneuve d’Ascq, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) /

Spain

The Spanish National Team, also known as “La Roja” is looking for revenge in Rio. They lost back-to-back gold medal games to the U.S. in 2008 and 2012, losing by 11 points in Beijing and seven points in London.

Spain is one of the contenders to win a third straight silver medal and, although that’s not the ultimate goal, it’s certainly a realistic possibility.

Some may not agree on the likelihood of Spain challenging the U.S., but all would attest to the fact that the 2008 and 2012 U.S. teams were viewed as more talented and had more experience than the one heading to Rio.

It would be fair to say that if Spain kept it within 11 points in 2008 and seven points in 2012, then they could be expected to possibly close the gap even more in 2016 against a less-experienced and slightly less-talented U.S. team.

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However, Spain will be without star center

Marc Gasol

, but they will have his brother

Pau Gasol

on the court for possibly one last Olympic appearance.

If Marc was able to play, the game could become much more interesting and Spain could be an even bigger threat to USA’s chance at winning a third consecutive gold medal.

It’s worth pointing out that the Spanish team was without one of its best players, Ricky Rubio in 2012 and still made it an interesting championship game.

Perhaps Spain can withstand the absence of Marc Gasol and still make it an interesting match if they face the U.S., whether it’s in the gold medal game or potentially in the semifinals.

Although Lithuania, Serbia, Argentina, France, and Spain are counted out by many in terms of a head-to-head matchup against the U.S., they are five teams that might give the U.S. more of a scare than fans would expect.

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Perhaps another dark horse team surprises people, like Croatia or Australia. We’ll find out in the coming weeks.