As the 2024 Paris Olympics near, the USA men's basketball team is rounding into form.
After opening the pre-Olympic schedule with a convincing win over Canada, Team USA has continued tinkering with its rotations while earning wins over Australia and Serbia. As rotations take shape, so is the hierarchy of who's who on the national team's roster.
Before the pre-Olympic cycle began, I used inexact science to come up with an objective (and apparently controversial) ranking of the 12 players on the United States roster. In the time since, Kevin Durant has yet to debut, Kawhi Leonard has been replaced, and Joel Embiid has yet to find his way on the FIBA stage.
With new information comes new rankings, and the midway point of Team USA's exhibition schedule is the perfect time for an updated look at where each of the team's 12 players stand.
MORE: Stephen Curry sets the tone in Team USA's rout of Serbia
Best players on Team USA, ranked
1. Stephen Curry
Curry's first two performances had ups and downs, but his third showing was enough for him to hold on to the top spot. Against Serbia, Curry put forth a performance that reminded everyone that he is the best shooter in the game's history.
When Curry is shooting at an otherworldly level — something he does effortlessly — this team is virtually unbeatable.
24 PTS, 6 3PM... Steph Curry was cooking all game in the #USABMNT Showcase win against Serbia 👨🍳🔥 pic.twitter.com/jCSL83CJSf
— NBA (@NBA) July 17, 2024
2. LeBron James
With a bevy of talent around him, James has been putting his one-of-a-kind basketball IQ on display. James has had standout moments, for sure, but he's constantly been the straw that stirs the drink and the most important part of the Team USA equation.
3. Anthony Davis
Davis has been the perfect FIBA big man. Anchoring the second unit and playing alongside the perfect complementary big in Bam Adebayo (more on him momentarily), Davis has dominated as a scorer, rebounder, and rim protector. He could end up being the team's most impactful performer.
MORE: Team USA found its answer for Nikola Jokic — and it's not Joel Embiid
4. Anthony Edwards
The concept of ranking Team USA's talent came from Edwards' proclamation that he is the team's No. 1 option. He's done a pretty good job living up to the billing. Edwards is backing up his words with his play and looks like he'll be the feature guy for this program next Olympic cycle, if not sooner.
5. Bam Adebayo
Adebayo came in at 10 last time due to a misunderstanding of how large of a role he'd take on. As the other half of Team USA's fearsome second-unit frontcourt duo, Adebayo has been incredible. The defense, rebounding, and playmaking is to be expected, but Adebayo is now hitting 3s. Watch out, world (and NBA).
6. Jayson Tatum
Tatum joined Team USA a little later than everyone else and has yet to truly have standout performances, though he's had some big moments early on. Expect him to come on strong as the Olympics near, especially in lineups where he'll be the feature guy.
7. Devin Booker
Without complaints, Booker has found ways to make his presence felt in a variety of roles. While it hasn't always been loud, his international experience has led to him being one of the most consistent and reliable members of the team thus far.
8. Joel Embiid
The biggest faller on the roster, Embiid drops from No. 2 to No. 8 as he continues to struggle to adjust to being a part of this team on this stage. Yes, Embiid is still making his presence felt, but it has not been the cleanest fit and there will be plenty of adjustments needed for him to carve a role.
9. Jrue Holiday
Holiday feels like he should be up higher, but landing at ninth is more of a commentary on the team's talent. There's still no denying that he may rank No. 1 with respect to importance. You can plug Holiday into any role with any combination of five players and he'll make his presence felt.
10. Kevin Durant
This is the equivalent of an incomplete grade for Durant, who remains sidelined with a calf injury. Why does he come in before players who have actually suited up? He's still Kevin Durant.
11. Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton is going to have big moments for this team, and his big 3s down the stretch against Australia are an example of how. When the team gets to full strength, however, I can see him having a role that fluctuates, which will likely disturb his rhythm.
MORE: It's clear why Team USA picked Derrick White to replace Kawhi Leonard
12. Derrick White
Someone's got to land at 12. White has yet to gain his footing with the team after being tabbed to replace Leonard. Similar to Holiday, White can be another connective piece for the team, but it's unclear how large of a role he'll have while he's caught up to speed.
