Kyrie Irving at point guard, Klay Thompson at shooting guard, Kevin Durant at small forward, Carmelo Anthony at power forward and DeMarcus Cousins at center.
How’s that for a starting five for the U.S. men’s basketball team at the Rio Olympics?
Or how about this lineup? Kyle Lowry at point, Jimmy Butler at shooting guard, DeMar DeRozan at small forward, Paul George at power forward and Draymond Green at center.
Or mix DeAndre Jordan at center and Harrison Barnes at forward into either of those lineups. Or come up with another five-man lineup.
Regardless, those are the 12 players the U.S. is bringing to Rio in August for a chance at a third consecutive gold medal. Despite no LeBron James, Chris Paul, James Harden, Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook, the U.S. will be the favorite.
USA Basketball made the roster official on Monday morning.
"I love our depth, which is another indication of the depth of talent our national team program is blessed with. We've got a great mix of talent, scorers, past gold medal winners and outstanding youth," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement.
The U.S. has won 63 consecutive games, including FIBA, Olympic and exhibition contests, and has won 17 consecutive Olympic games. Its last loss came against Greece at the 2006 world championship. During the time, the U.S. has won two world championships (2010, 2014) and two gold medals (2008, 2012).
"Looking at this team, our overall balance is what strikes me. We have lightning-quick guards who can score as well as distribute the basketball," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "We have great shooters and explosive scorers, we're big and athletic, and I think we'll really be able to defend."
