2016 U.S.A Olympic Basketball Team

Team USA dominated the 2012 Olympic games, for the most part.  Coach K and Jerry Colangelo have helped restore the prestige and importance of representing the USA in Olympic competition.  Following the 2012 Olympic Games, there was some concern that Coach K would not return for the 2016 Olympic Games.  However, recently, he committed to the Team.  With him in tow as the coach, I am anticipating another gold medal for Team USA in 2016.  That said, it is time to discuss the 12 players who I think will represent the USA in a few years (The players on the team below are likely to change due to unforeseen injuries).

Starting Five:

1. Chris Paul:  As the best point guard in the game this choice is simple.  He controls the game like no other point guard and he is the best on-ball defender at the point guard position.
2. James Harden: With Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade being three years older in 2016, James Harden is the clear choice for the starting two-guard position.  He is a great competitor and a guy that is a very solid shooter and defender.
3. Kevin Durant: In three years, Durant will be coming into his professional prime, and will be impossible to guard.  He will likely lead the team in scoring as he did last summer.   
4. Lebron James: Greatest basketball player since Michael Jordan.  Enough said.
5. Dwight Howard: I am not a fan of his, but he is the best center in the game.  He will provide much needed rebounding and shot blocking.

Bench:

1. Kyrie Irving: Kyrie is the best of the very young point guards in the NBA.  He is already a better shooter than all of his contemporaries not named Steph Curry.  He also possesses the best handle in the game and a very high basketball I.Q.  He will only be 24 in 2016.  Scary!
2. Russell Westbrook: I realize that his selection over Derrick Rose may be controversial to some people.  However, I think that both players are very similar.  The biggest difference is Westbrook played on the 2012 team and he is the superior defensive player.  He can guard 1's, 2's and 3's.  He is a slightly better shooter as well.
3. Carmelo Anthony: He is the OG of the team. His game is tailor made for international competition and he has the size to play the 3, 4 or 5, in certain circumstances.  
4. Kevin Love: Two words: rebounding and shooting.
5. Lemarcus Aldridge: I think he is one of the most underrated power forwards in the game.  He has the height, and size to play the 4 or 5 in international competition.  He is also a very good shooter for someone his size.
6. Stephon Curry: He is on the team for his ability to shoot.  He is probably the best shooter in the world.  This is the first of my specialist positions.
7. Paul George: He will play the X-factor position.  He is an excellent defensive player, and has the ability to effectively guard positions 2-4.  

Notable Snubs:

1. Derrick Rose
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Blake Griffin
5. Anthony Davis

Peace