Selecting the perfect 12-man USA men's basketball roster to guarantee Olympic gold  

Has the rest of the world finally caught up? That was the question that was being asked after Team USA’s fourth-place finish in the FIBA World Cup last summer. Now, the question is: What will USA Basketball do to amend that finish? 

The number of names that have put their hats into the ring for the Olympics is mind-boggling. There is a lot of star power. It is very possible that we could have another Dream Team represent the country this summer.

Taking the 12 best players out of a 41 player pool is a tough task. However, I have come up with the ideal Team USA roster for this summer, as they aim for their fifth straight gold medal. Here is the roster that should represent France at the Paris Olympics.

Guards: Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jrue Holiday

This would be USA Basketball’s most complete guard group since the Redeem Team. You have always had great shooting in Curry, who has never played in the Olympics. His playstyle is perfect as well, as he is an off-ball assassin and his shooting makes him a threat any time he steps beyond half-court. 

As for Booker and Edwards, they are two rising stars with the ability to score at will. Either one of them can go off at any given moment. These two are also egoless and will be willing to play the defensive role that the team will need. Booker said as much last offseason and he sacrificed on his way to gold in 2021. 

Additionally, if you look at the great USA teams of the past, they all had a great lead guard. In 2024, it should be Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is having an amazing season and is leading the NBA in assists per game. His run-and-gun style would be perfect for when the team wants to push the pace and he will spread the ball around to the stars that need it. 

Lastly, the team needs a defensive stopper in the backcourt. Jrue Holiday is as good as they come. He played a huge role in leading the team to gold in 2021. When the team has good perimeter scorers like Evan Fournier, Luka Doncic, and others, having a guy like Holiday is instrumental. He’s one of the best defenders in the NBA and that is needed in international play.

Having versatile guards who offer multiple different skill sets is essential to success in international basketball. A mix of scoring, shooting, defending, and playmaking is present between these five names.