Alas, we come to the end of the team previews for our Little League World Series-style selection for Team USA basketball. With every other team in the books, we turn our attention to the West region. How would this squad fare in a hypothetical tournament to determine Team USA? This is the same question we’ve asked of every other region, and this team seems to be shaping up as a favorite.
Every player from this team is from the West region, which is comprised of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, and California. Interestingly enough, every player who made this team hails from California. Let’s take a look at who made the cut, and why this team could win it all.
Guards
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook is one of the most explosive players in the NBA, and he’s also one hell of a point guard. Westbrook was on the 2010 and 2012 gold medal winning Team USA squads, and has shown the ability to attack the basket ferociously. He is easily the starting point guard of this team.
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Backing up Westbrook is another all-star point guard, Damian Lillard. Lillard is a great scorer and is improving as a distributor, and has voiced his displeasure with the seemingly impossible task of breaking through to Team USA’s roster. He keeps improving, and in time he could prove to be a great Team USA player. In this tournament, he might already be one.
James Harden, Houston Rockets
The deepest position on this team might be shooting guard, where James Harden might not even get the starting nod. Harden was the MVP runner up and absolutely dominated in 2014 on the World Cup team, and he was also on the 2012 Olympic team. His style of play is perfect for the international game, as he can take advantage of the shorter three-point line and make free throws. The problem for Harden is the guy who’s fighting him for playing time.
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
That guy just so happens to be Klay Thompson, one of the other best shooting guards in the game. He is a defensive stopper and gives Team West versatility on both ends of the floor. He is deadly off the ball (imagine having him on one side of the floor, Harden on the other, and Westbrook attacking the lane…yikes) and from distance. He was also on that 2014 team, and proved his mettle on the international stage.
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Another member of that team is DeMar DeRozan, who didn’t even see much playing time but is the focal point of the Raptors. DeRozan can score from just about anywhere, but would probably be squeezed out of playing time at this stacked position. However, in an emergency he is more than capable of holding his own, as he is another all-star in this loaded backcourt.
Forwards
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leading off the forward spot is the former NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is coming into his own offensively and is an absolute monster defensively. The reigning NBA DPOY can shoot, rebound, and lock down just about anybody. He is rugged and would absolutely shine on Team USA.
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
The last time Paul George was considered to be on Team USA, he suffered a horrific injury to unfortunately knock him out for almost a year. If he is fully healthy, though, George is a stud at the small forward spot. He is an all-around star and is still coming into his own at just 25 years old. This would be a great redemption story, but he’d absolutely contribute to this team in whatever role he has.
Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets
Another small forward is the underrated Trevor Ariza, yet another lockdown defender and three-point shooter. Ariza has chemistry with James Harden in Houston, and would help form one of the best defensive squads I can think of. Ariza, Leonard, and Thompson on the floor together? How could the other team score?
Paul Pierce, Los Angeles Clippers
The last of the small forwards is the elder statesman, Paul Pierce, who would primarily be used off the bench in case of an emergency. Is there anyone else you’d rather taking a clutch shot? I don’t think I could name more than a few, and even at his age Pierce is a gamer, something every team needs.
Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Finally we reach Ryan Anderson, a great shooter and offensive rebounder who would fit in with this team as a stretch four. He is a great free throw shooter and three-point shooter, and would be a great addition to Team West.
Centers
Tyson Chandler, Phoenix Suns
Another defensive stopper, Tyson Chandler would probably be the starting center on this team due to his exceptional rebounding and defense. He is a veteran from the 2010 and 2012 teams, anchoring those squads to gold. He can block and alter shots, and clean up the glass on both ends of the floor. With all the firepower on the floor, that’s all this team needs.
Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
Last up is Brook Lopez, a more offensive-minded center who would provide scoring off the bench. His defense is average, but his rebounding needs improvement. On this team, though, his teammates would cover him defensively and allow him to thrive on the other end of the floor. His variety of shots would ensure his productivity no matter who is around him.
Just Missed the Cut
Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Matt Barnes, Arron Afflalo, Robin Lopez
Team West has to be one of the frontrunners in this tournament, thanks to the fact that they are easily the best defensive team. Throw in the proven scorers in James Harden and Russell Westbrook and you’ve got a versatile, complete team from top to bottom. Half the team has Team USA experience, and this region can roll out a small-ball team, a power team, and everything in between. There aren’t many holes on this team, and they would certainly be a difficult bunch to eliminate.
Now that all the teams are previewed, who do you think will win? Next week we’ll start going through what would happen if these teams actually faced off to determine a true winner to represent Team USA.