One week after Stephen Curry announced he would not compete in the 2016 Olympics, a pair of All-Star guards followed suit with Russell Westbrook and James Harden both revealing they will not play this summer. The conditions in Brazil will prevent a number of athletes from making the trip and it will be very interesting to see what the final product looks like for the US. Even without Curry, Westbrook and Harden the US men’s team should have more than its fair share of talent. Here is a look at what the projected starting lineup for the USMNT.
PG: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
The absences of Curry, Westbrook, Chris Paul and John Wall will likely mean Lillard getting the start for the USMNT at the point guard position. Lillard proved he is one of the NBA’s rising stars this season when he led Portland back to the postseason despite the mass exodus of talent that they dealt with in the offseason. He is more than capable of filling this role for the United States. The question is who will back him up as the team’s depth takes an obvious hit. Kyrie Irving is expected to be in the mix and will likely form a formidable 1-2 punch with Lillard at the point guard position. Irving has played particularly well in the NBA Finals and with so many other stars bowing out, it opens the door for him and Lillard to get a chance.
SG: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
What’s one Splash brother without the other? We will likely find out with the USMNT this summer. While Curry withdrew from consideration, Thompson remains committed at this point and is expected to get the nod as the team’s starting shooting guard. Thompson size and ability to consistently shoot the three-ball should be a major asset for the US team at these Olympic games. Remember, this is a team that has been challenged from long range at times but having Thompson there likely means that won’t be a problem. He’s an excellent spot-up shooter.
SF: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
There have been countless rumors about where Butler will end up next season after voicing his displeasure with the Bulls and while his NBA future is yet to be decided, it appears as though he is set to play for the US at the Olympics this summer. Chicago’s failure to make the playoffs means Butler will be well rested and ready to go by the time the Olympics roll around and he should hold down the starting job on the wing. Kevin Durant’s committal could shift Butler to the bench but for now it appears as though he will start at small forward.
PF: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James could very well line up at the power forward spot if he opts to join the USMNT but the more likely situation has him staying home following another grueling season and allowing his Cavaliers’ teammate Love to start at power forward. Love would likely be the best possible starter following Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis and LaMarcus Aldridge dropping out. Draymond Green could be a dark horse to start should he decide to make the trip to Rio, but look for Love to make the cut either way. Although he hasn’t been a great fit for the Cavaliers, he’s still an excellent player overall and is the perfect type of power forward you want to have at these Olympic basketball events. He can rebound, bang inside and score, while also having the ability stretch the floor and score.
C: DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
The absences of Davis and Aldridge could force the issue with Cousins called on to start at the five spot for the USMNT. Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan are all still reportedly available but Cousins is the most skilled of that group by far. He has maintained a positive attitude in his past appearances with the USMNT and it appears as though he is the best fit to start for them at Rio this summer. He’s been an effective player for the Americans in the past and he should be a monster inside at the Rio Games.
