Team USA is missing a number of its top players, but they remain the favorite to win the tournament.
Even before Team USA began its training camp in advance of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, they knew they were going to be without some top talent for the tournament. LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook all decided to skip the World Cup, while Blake Griffin withdrew due to a back injury and Kevin Love didn't participate because of trade talks.
After the camp started, Paul George suffered a devastating leg injury in a scrimmage and Kevin Durant withdrew shortly afterward. But even with so much elite talent missing from the roster, Team USA is still loaded, and they enter the tournaments as favorites.
With some of the top competition in the World Cup boasting strong frontcourts, Team USA's final cuts didn't include any big men. Anthony Davis and Kenneth Faried were both safe heading into cut-down day, but DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Drummond and Mason Plumlee all made the team over other wing candidates.
How they got here
Team USA qualified for the World Cup by winning gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Team USA's World Cup roster looks much different than the Olympic roster, with Davis and James Harden the only two players to be on both. Team USA played in four exhibition games prior to the World Cup, winning all four handily.
Key players
Anthony Davis: Davis didn't play much in the 2012 Olympics, but he'll play a major role in Spain. The Pelicans big man will be the primary rim protector for Team USA and he should be able to use his immense physical gifts to dominate many opponents on both ends of the floor.
James Harden: Arguably the best pure scorer on the roster, Harden will be counted on to provide buckets. Coach K has also praised Harden's leadership, and the guard's prior Team USA experience should come in handy.
Stephen Curry: Curry is the best shooter on the roster, and although he plays point guard for the Golden State Warriors, he'll be playing off the ball a lot for Team USA.
Kyrie Irving: Irving enters the tournament as the starting point guard after playing well in the exhibitions, although there's a chance he and Derrick Rose alternate as starters.
Kenneth Faried: Faried emerged as the surprise fifth starter for Team USA during training camp, and his energy and rebounding will be key throughout the World Cup.
Derrick Rose: Rose's return to the court after another major injury was a major story throughout camp, and there are still questions about whether he can hold up during the rigorous World Cup schedule. But if he stays healthy, Rose is expected to be a significant contributor and could start some games.
Medal chances
Team USA enters the World Cup as the heavy favorite to repeat as champions. All signs point to a showdown with host country Spain in the final, which would be a rematch of the gold medal game in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The United States won both of those matchups, but that's when they had LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul on the roster.
It's possible, if not likely, that Team USA won't even be tested until the semifinals of the knockout round, when Lithuania could stand between the Americans and the final. Anything can happen in a single elimination format, but it would be a big surprise if Team USA wasn't playing for gold by the conclusion of the tournament.
Schedule
Group C
August 30 vs. Finland
August 31 vs. Turkey
September 2 vs. New Zealand
September 3 vs. Dominican Republic
September 4 vs. Ukraine
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