The announcement of the 30 finalists for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team proved there will be little mystery surrounding the final 12-man roster. As many as 11 of the spots are effectively locks, with just one open for competition. That would leave 19 players competing for it, and it should come down to Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green or Andre Drummond.
1. LeBron James
Getty ImagesLeBron James is the centerpiece of the entire team, and a favorite of head coach Mike Krzyzewski. James can be the team's primary handler and guard the other team's best player. The best player in the world changes everything for the U.S. team as he's going for his fourth gold medal.
2. Stephen Curry
Getty ImagesStephen Curry is coming off of an MVP award, and is certain to win another at the end of this season. Curry is the best shooter in the NBA, and the 27-year-old is the future of USA basketball.
3. Anthony Davis
Getty ImagesAnthony Davis should be able to play the stretch-four position with the shorter FIBA three-point line, and after playing such an important part in the 2014 World Cup, he's expected to have just as great an impact in the Olympics.
4. Carmelo Anthony
Getty ImagesLike his close friend LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony is also going for a fourth gold medal and with his college coach Jim Boeheim an assistant, Anthony will be as motivated as any player on the team.
5. DeMarcus Cousins
Getty ImagesDeMarcus Cousins took a backseat in the 2014 World Cup as Anthony Davis started center and the U.S. went small with Kenneth Faried at power forward. This year will be different. Cousins is the best center in the NBA and will be counted on to dominate on offense.
6. Kevin Durant
Getty ImagesKevin Durant abruptly quit the 2014 World Cup team after the injury to Paul George, so he has plenty to look forward to in these Olympics. He has rebounded nicely from last season's foot injury and regained his usual form, which is a good sign.
7. Chris Paul
Getty ImagesChris Paul should be the starter at the point guard position and can lead the team when LeBron needs a break. Paul is going for his third gold medal, and his incredible success with the national team makes him someone to count on.
8. Paul George
Getty ImagesPaul George was likely going to be a focal point of the 2014 World Cup before his injury, but with other talented wings on this team, his role will be reduced this time around.
9. Kawhi Leonard
Getty ImagesKawhi Leonard has become one of the NBA's top five players this season, taking his game to a new level. His current head coach Gregg Popovich will take over the U.S. Team after the Olympics, when Leonard's role will undoubtedly expand.
10. Russell Westbrook
Getty ImagesRussell Westbrook will likely play off the ball during the Olympics, which tells you how great the point guard lineup is. Westbrook is capable of putting up points in bunches and creating huge runs all by himself, which is helpful when the U.S. wants to blow out a lesser team.
11. Kyrie Irving
Getty ImagesKyrie Irving was at Duke with Coach K, and that history will get him a spot if he is healthy enough. He's one of the league's best point guards, and his chemistry with LeBron makes him an ideal candidate.
12. Andre Drummond
Getty ImagesKlay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler would be great assets, but Drummond's dominance on the boards and on the defensive end is too great to pass up.
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