Top Americans

Four years ago in Athens, Anthony made a bold statement by predicting Team USA would win the gold medal. Well, they didn't... and the slide continued as they didn't win the 2006 World Championships either. However, we can chalk up his bravado to youth. Anthony is four years older and has more international experience, so we can expect Melo's game and confidence to aid Team USA to gold!

Boozer doesn't exactly have the ideal size for a center, but will need to step up his game if he has to play the five because of Team USA being somewhat deficient at that position. Luckily, Boozer is an adept player and is capable of collecting double-doubles. Boozer probably won't get the playing time to achieve that mark, but his contribution down low will be important against the bigger teams in the Olympics.

He might play professionally in Canada, but Bosh is all USA. Bosh is as smooth and quick as they come for a big man AND he is arguably the funniest big man in the NBA. However, during the Olympics you can bet Bosh will be all business as he helps Team USA achieve redemption!

Bryant is considered one of the best players on the planet and at the Beijing Olympics, he'll get to prove it. Ever since joining the team for the qualifying FIBA Americas Tournament in 2007, Bryant has made a substantial difference for Team USA, if only for his teammates knowing Bryant is on their side.

Howard is Team USA's only legitimate center, but what a center to have! Howard is simply a beast down low grabbing boards and throwing thunderous dunks down on defenders! He'll need to make sure he stays out of foul trouble and adjust to the international way whistles are blown. If he does that, Howard will control the middle and negate the international big men on the floor.

What more can be said of James? He's right up there in the debate for best player on the planet, but after only winning the bronze medal in 2004, James was being called LeBronze. This time around, James is more focused and ready show the world that he can be called LeGold.

Kidd is one of the best point guards to ever lace them up and at the Olympics, he'll get to teach some of the younger lead guards a lesson or two! Kidd is easily the oldest player on Team USA, but don't sleep on him! The "kid" gots skeelz!

Speaking of kids with skills, Paul is making a big-time name for himself in the NBA. He can score, dish dimes, board, and his forte, swipe the rock! The world probably doesn't know quite how special Paul is, but they'll learn.

Many critics wonder why Prince was chosen for the team instead of selecting another big man for an undersized team. Well, ask the players on the Detroit Pistons and they'll tell you why. Prince is an outstanding team player that doesn't necessarily need the ball to be effective. He let's the game cme to him.

When James Blunt sings "You're Beautiful," he very well could be singing about Redd's smooth lefty jumper. Redd was a much needed addition in order to shoot against the zone defenses that gave Team USA fits during the 2004 Olympics. Don't be surprised to see Redd draining open jumpers frequently.

Wade was another youngster along with the likes of his fellow 2003 NBA draftees Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James that lost out on gold in 2004. Even though Wade has the gold of an NBA championship, adding a gold medal would be a welcome addition to Wade's hardware. But more than just the physical symbol of winning, that burden off the soul of USA Basketball that's lifted into redemption will matter more to Wade this summer.

Williams will be the third point guard on Team USA, but could easily be the starter if it weren't for the old-timer Kidd and the ridiculously talented Paul. In any case, Williams will be a potent backup and can not only fill up the assists stat, but can also score and hit from long-range. Williams will look to do what his mentor, John Stockton did and that's win a gold medal.