Team USA Basketball: LeBron James Desires To Suit Up For 2016 In Rio

Team USA basketball just recently finished another gold medal run in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, but the conversation turned to Rio as soon as the London edition was finished. Specifically it was the question of who would be on the 2016 Rio Olympics team and who would eventually sit out. LeBron James was on the fence, but apparently he only needed a few days away to take it all in and want another run.

The AP report reads, "Fresh off winning a gold medal in London with the U.S. men's team, the NBA's reigning MVP said Sunday that if he's healthy - and if the rules allow - he would like to play again at the Rio Games in 2016. James said he's "done the math, and I'll be 31," but he'd love the opportunity to represent his country again. James is one of just three players to be on three U.S. Olympic teams."

Kevin Durant and LeBron were the two leading scorers for the team and even at an advanced age, the two would likely be the top scoring pair once again. Some new names will definitely enter the picture but Durant will only be 27 at the time. Perhaps James will take on a lesser role like Kobe Bryant did this season.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Bill Self Not Counting On 2016 Rio Olympics Coaching Opportunity

University of Kansas basketball coach Bill Self would love to coach the USA men's basketball team for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but he isn't expecting a call:

"Yeah. They’re not going to call, though...But I think there’s a guy named Popovich (Gregg, San Antonio Spurs coach) and a guy named Rivers (Doc, Boston Celtics coach) and some guys like that that probably have a better relationship with Dream Team-type players than what I do."

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski led the USA team to a 13-0 record of the course of two Olympics, seeing his team outscore the opposition by an average of about 30 points per game on their way to two gold medals. Krzyzewski has publicly stated that he doesn't plan on returning to the USA men's team for the next Olympics, creating an opening for the head coaching position.

Self is 476-158 in 19 seasons as a head coach in college basketball, including a 269-53 record at Kansas. Self's Jayhawks won the 2008 NCAA Tournament, accounting for his only national championship.

For more on the Jayhawks, head over to Rock Chalk Talk. Additional college hoops coverage can be found at SB Nation's NCAA basketball hub.

Kevin Durant Showcasing All-Time Greatness At Early Age For Thunder

Kevin Durant is only 23-years-old. Perhaps that's easy for some to comprehend, but for most basketball fans, it's likely to take them by surprise if they really think about it. He's a three-time scoring champ. He just made his first NBA finals. His team is loaded as well as any for the next half-decade or more, and he just won a gold medal in London for Team USA basketball.

Tom Haberstroh of ESPN said that among his five takeaways from the recent showing at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Kevin Durant's greatness was one of them.

"Think about this for a second: Durant is 23 years old and just scored more points in one Olympics than any player in history (156)," writes Haberstroh. "He made a mockery of the shortened international dimensions, drilling 3-pointer after 3-pointer during the tournament. All in all, Durant shot 52.3 percent from downtown and averaged 30 points per 40 minutes in these Olympics. He made more 3-pointers than Anthony and Love combined."

If anything, Durant has already placed himself alongside the greatest in the game for the short period he's been at it. If this streak continues and even declines a bit, Durant will still eventually find himself mentioned alongside the greatest of all time.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden Solid Bets For 2016

The 2012 Summer Olympics are barely over and people are already talking about Rio and the 2016 edition of Team USA men's basketball. Coach K has already said he is stepping down. Kobe Bryant has said the same. With the attention given and announcements being made, SB Nation's Tom Ziller recently took a look ahead at what the next team could look like.

In the end, he has Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook all making another appearance in Rio for the United States in their hopes for more Olympic glory. At that point, the Thunder could have an NBA title -- or four -- and Durant will not be the young 23-year-old who has the whole world at his fingertips. Instead he will be the savvy scoring champ who will mentor the rest.

Harden is the hardest to figure out here. If he moves on from the Thunder, then it becomes safe to say that his platform will only grow and his inclusion becomes even more likely at that point. If he's the third wheel on the Thunder still, then that brings up the same question.

Ziller places him as a possibility to get pushed out and writes, "Harden is included here in case he leaves Oklahoma City for Charlotte and becomes Ricky Davis Part 2. Or shaves the beard."

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Not Ready For 2016 Just Yet

Kevin Durant has already showed the entire world what he is capable of with his team-leading scoring charge through the 2012 London Olympics for Team USA. Now he's being asked if he's ready for another run in four years in Rio before he can properly celebrate a gold medal.

Shortly after the team won the gold against Spain, Durant was celebrating his moment with quotes after the game and reflecting back on the win against Spain in the final.

"I have a gold medal," said Durant. "It's unbelievable, man. I couldn't sleep last night waiting for the game. I'm glad we came out and got the W."

"They are a tough team," Durant said of Spain. "They made it tough for us all night. Fourth quarter, we were able to pull away, make some big shots. We have so many weapons on this team that can take over a game, but everybody chipped in tonight, and we got a really good win."

Instead of asking questions about the game, someone was eager to see if he would repeat his historic performance after dropping 30 points in the final.

"I'm going to enjoy this one tonight," said Durant. "We'll see probably in the next few years where we are going to go with that, but right now I'm just going to enjoy this."

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball: James Harden Calls Gold Medal Win 'Overwhelming'

The Oklahoma City Thunder can do a lot of reflecting as the NBA season begins soon enough as Serge Ibaka, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and James Harden all played in the gold medal game with Ibaka suiting up for Spain. It's a group of memories that none of the core players will ever forget, a two week trip that Harden called "overwhelming" when asked about it.

"It's hard to explain," said Harden. "Just being on this team with this great group of guys, competing for a gold medal and reaching our goal is overwhelming ... Every single day it was something different. Especially, like I said, being with these guys. You get to watch them play basketball, you play basketball against them, but once you are the same team you get a feeling for who they are as a person. Every single day was something different and I am just happy to be a part of this team."

Harden was glad to get in the game against Spain at the end and said he didn't start celebrating until the game was over given the close nature of the contest down the stretch.

"Actually, I think we were up only seven or eight and I missed two free throws, but I'm just happy we got the win," said Harden. "That was our goal. We met early in the summer to win a gold medal, and here it is."

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Earns Praise From Carmelo Anthony, Other Teammates

Kevin Durant has moved to the next level, whatever level that is. It is a level reserved for the elite NBA player who somehow stands out among the best in the entire world. After setting scoring records for Team USA Basketball in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Durant now has his teammates talking about his talent.

Durant scored another 30 points in the team's final game against Spain to help them win. His play down the stretch had players reflecting back after the win.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game coming in tonight," said Carmelo Anthony. Spain, they didn't quit; very, very physical game. It came down to us making plays. When you have a group of guys that is use to making plays like we have on this team you never know who is going to make those plays. There were times where Chris Paul stepped up big for us; LeBron stepped up; KD was outstanding from the three-point line. It took a couple of little things - rebounding, just buckling down for about four or five minutes out there in the fourth quarter for us to break the game open."

"As you saw late in the game, that's where we really broke away," said Chris Paul, "we got stops, we got in transition and when you've got guys like Melo, KD, and Kobe trailing the play, that's the way we can find those open shots.

Anthony Davis added, "It feels like the national championship all over. [inaudible] being on the court with these guys jumping up and down after we won with LeBron and Kobe, KD, Melo, all the players on the team. A great feeling."

Now there's only a handful of players in the same conversation as Durant, one that likely will put him alongside the greatest to ever play the game of basketball.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball: Players Turn To Twitter To Celebrate Gold Medal

The United States men's basketball team took home the Olympic gold medal Sunday with a 107-100 win against Spain. Following the game, a few of the players took to their Twitter accounts to celebrate their gold medal. Below is just a sampling of what some of the players were tweeting.

Mission complete!! Seat pleasant, Maryland, ya boy bringing this Gold medal back!!!

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 12, 2012

POPPIN GOLD MEDALS!!! instagr.am/p/OPMvfSSjTi/

— Chris Paul (@CP3) August 12, 2012

USA!!!!!!!!! instagr.am/p/OPIx7vNlUV/

— James Harden (@JHarden13) August 12, 2012

Surreal feel. Special moment for all of us. Gold medal. At a loss of words.#USA

— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 12, 2012

Kevin Durant led the way for the United States team with a game-high 30 points. His two Thunder teammates, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, finished with three and two points respectively.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Spain: Kevin Durant Makes Olympic History With 30 Points

Kevin Durant has anchored the Team USA men's basketball roster since the day he arrived despite the star presence all around him. With Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and several other All-Star caliber players, it would seem impossible for any single player to truly rise above the others time and time again. But Kevin Durant has done just that in these Olympics and it showed more than ever in the gold medal game against Spain.

Durant had 30 points in the final game, the only player in Team USA history to ever exceed 30 points in a gold medal game. Only five players have done it at any point in Olympic play, Durant being the fifth, and it's just the latest dominant scoring display in a long string of them.

Durant anchored the U.S. team in scoring throughout these Olympic games with 18 points per game, just ahead of Anthony's average of 17.4. LeBron and Kevin Love both scored 12 points per game in London.

If anything, it would seem to make Durant an easy choice for MVP but the buzz on Twitter after the game was celebrating the play of Chris Paul down the stretch and the overall series of LeBron. If you're handing out the hardware to celebrate the best player on the court, one man has already made that clear.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball Defeats Spain: Gold Medal In Books At London Olympics

The closing ceremonies are just around the corner in London for the 2012 Summer Olympic games, but not before the United States could put up another impressive display as Team USA men's basketball defeated Spain 107 to 100 in a game that was close as it was expected to be.

While the U.S. has been criticized at times for not being able to dominate opponents on the national stage as some would like to see, it speaks to the growth of international competition that these games have been as close as they have.

The U.S. was up early 35-27 after the first quarter but Spain came rolling back in the second quarter to make it only a one point lead for the Americans at halftime. The two then tied in the third quarter at 24 points apiece to bring it down to the wire in a thrilling game. However Team USA finally began to pull ahead in the end.

Kevin Durant led all scorers in the game with 30 points, while Pau Gasol led Spain in the losing effort with 24 points. Serge Ibaka had 12 points and 9 rebounds for Spain.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Vs. Spain Score: Kevin Durant, U.S. Lead Spain 59-58 At Halftime

Team USA carries a 59-58 lead over Spain into halftime of the Gold Medal game at the 2012 London Olympics. Kevin Durant has 17 points to lead the Americans who saw Spain mount a rally in the closing minutes of the first half.

Kevin Love has nine points and six rebounds off the bench for Team USA while LeBron James has eight points, six rebounds and three assists. Juan Carlos Navarro has 19 points to lead all scorers while Rudy Fernandez has 12.

Both teams spent a great deal of time during the first half upset with the officiating. Spain's Marc Gasol picked up his fourth foul of the first half late in the second quarter. That should take him out of the equation for at least the start of the second half.

Both teams combined for 33 fouls in the first half with 39 free throws attempted. Spain is 19 of 21 from the free throw line and also hit 7 of 13 three point attempts. Team USA was hurt by dribble penetration from Spain's guards in the second quarter and needs to emerge from the locker room focused defensively for the second half.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Vs. Spain: Carmelo Anthony Says United States Are Ready To Win Gold

Team USA and Spain are just about ready to tip off their gold medal game for the men's basketball final at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and it's clear that players on both sides are jazzed for the chance to go for the gold at this level against such a celebrated team on both sides. Not only is this a rematch of the 2008 gold medal game, but it's also a meeting of several top tier NBA players.

"It's a huge opportunity," Pau Gasol said. "Very few people get a chance to compete in a final, an Olympic final, in their careers, in their lives, and we are so fortunate that we have our second chance."

"We want to win. It don't matter. We still believe that if we win by one or two points, we're still going to believe that this team is better than '08," Carmelo Anthony said. "It's out the roof. It's my second gold-medal game to be a part of, with this team, with this group of guys. And just to know the excitement level that everybody has for this game, it's going to be exciting."

The two teams tip off at 9am CT.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Spain: Kevin Durant & Company Too Loaded To Lose Gold Medal

The final game is here which means Olympic glory will be made for either the national men's basketball team for the United States or Spain. For local NBA fans, it's the clash of the Oklahoma City Thunder with Serge Ibaka playing for Spain and James Harden, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook playing for Team USA basketball. It should be interesting to watch the gold medal game given the amount of talent, but in the end it shouldn't be a contest.

While Spain is more loaded that any other team that Team USA has faced, the U.S. simply has too much talent to be overtaken, even against a roster with Ibaka, the Gasol brothers, Jose Calderon and many other professional players. Matt Moore of CBS writes:

Spain can bring their best game, and keep this close. They can pressue Team USA and ride a wave of emotion to the very edge of the top of the podium. And then Team USA will close the door, because they not only have the more talented team, the stronger, faster, more athletic team, but they have a better team, if the play we've seen throughout this tournament is any indication. There's always an element of fear in a one-off elimination game. But no one's caught the U.S. napping yet, and it's hard to see that in Coach K's last game, with the medal on the line, that Team USA will allow itself to be embarrassed.

It's that controlled passion that should allow Team USA to grab another gold medal.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Spain Gold Medal Preview: How To Watch On TV, Live Stream

With the closing ceremonies tonight for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Team USA men's basketball roster is hoping to add one more gold medal to the total medal count for the U.S. when they face Spain in the final game for all of the glory. It's fitting that these two rivals meet. Both teams are the most talented on paper and yet they're also showing up in the games with a passion for representing their country.

Today's game comes after the Russia vs. Argentina bronze medal match, so there are two solid games to watch. Spain has a lot of international basketball experience and comes with a loaded roster -- the most NBA talent this side of the United States. The team has both Pau and Marc Gasol as well as Jose Calderon and Juan Carlos Navarro among others.

Here's the info you'll need to catch tonight's game:

TEAM USA VS. SPAIN

TV: NBC

When: 9am CT

Live Stream: NBC's Olympics Live Feed

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Spain: Mike Krzyzewski Likely Coaching His Final Game

Team USA men's basketball is ready to go for the gold medal once again in the upcoming final game against Spain in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. It might also be the final game for the team's head coach Mike Krzyzewski. The Duke Blue Devils coach said that he has had his fill of international basketball and that it's time to step aside when asked about the potential of coming back for more.

Krzyzewski is likely coaching his final game for Team USA tomorrow and it's clear his value is there. He would only speak about the game in detail while offering a simple "yes" to the question of whether he was finished after this.

"If we can win it, then it would be three major championships in a row, which I don't know when that's been done because we haven't usually won the world championships," Krzyzewski said. "It would be a huge thing for our program."

"It goes beyond what has happened on the floor," said USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, who hired Krzyzewski to run the U.S. team. "He's been so important to me in everything we've done in building the infrastructure and philosophy and standards - all of it. His legacy goes beyond the record on the court. We're 52-1, I guess since this all began, and hopefully we'll be 53-1 after tomorrow. That's a legacy in itself."

Krzyzewski coached the team to Olympic glory in Beijing in 2008 and again at the World Championships in 2010.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Argentina Final Score: Kevin Durant's 19 Points Lifts USA To 109-83 Win

Team USA Basketball came into Friday's contest versus Argentina knowing that Spain had already made it to the gold medal game. Team USA also knew that back across the pond there was shenanigans and tomfoolery brewing with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwight Howard. Most importantly, Team USA knew that they had to take care of business so that they too, could play in the gold medal game.

Take care of business indeed. The Americans rolled on a gritty Argentina team with a 109-86 victory in London to qualify for the gold medal game versus Spain on Sunday. Kevin Durant led the way with 19 points for Coach Mike Krzyzewski's squad and LeBron James scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds and delivered seven assists. Carmelo Anthony also scored 18 points, and Kobe Bryant scored 13.

Manu Ginobili led Argentina with 18 points as Argentina will look to face Russia in the bronze medal game.

Spain vs. USA is now officially on deck. Let the questions of size versus speed begin. Oh, and the let the Oklahoma City Thunder reunion in London begin as well.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Russell Westbrook Injury: Mild Ankle Sprain Will Not Keep Him Out Of Gold Medal Game

Russell Westbrook suffered a mild ankle sprain against Argentina on Friday, but says he's fine and the injury will not keep him from playing in the gold medal game against Spain on Sunday.

Russell Westbrook's mild ankle sprain won't keep him out of USA's gold medal game, source tells Y! "He's fine," source says. "He'll play."

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 11, 2012

Westbrook is averaging 9.3 points a game coming off the bench in these Olympic Games in London. Along with Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love, Westbrook provides a spark off the bench for the USA squad that would be fine without him if it came down to it.

Team USA breezed past Argentina to advance to the final round for the much anticipated rematch of the 2008 Beijing final. Spain defeated Russia on Friday to advance.

Read more on the 2012 London Olympics at SB Nation Kansas City and the Olympic hub page.

London Olympics 2012: Spain Defeats Russia, Advances To Gold Medal Game

Spain has a chance to play either Team USA or Argentina on Sunday in the gold medal round of the London Olympics after coming from behind to beat Russia on Friday, 67-59.

Russia led by 11 at halftime, but Spain outscored Russia, 26-15, to tie the game going into the fourth quarter. Spain took control of the scoreboard with a 3-pointer from Jose Calderon with 7:21 left to play, which jump started a 14-1 run to bury the Russians.

Pau Gasol (NOT traded in the Dwight Howard deal) led the way for Spain with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Calderon chipped in 14 points of his own, which included four 3s.

Spain awaits the winner between Team USA and Argentina, while Russia will face the loser in Sunday's gold medal round.

For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub. For more on Olympic basketball, follow the 2012 Olympic basketball section.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Australia: TV Time, Game Schedule, Livestream

The knockout stages get underway as Team USA faces Austrailia in its quarterfinal match on Wednesday.

The U.S. is coming off a dominating second half in a win against Argentina. After struggling in a win over Lithuania and the first half against Argentina, things seems to finally click again in the third quarter, when the American blew the game open.

The Australians aren't expected to keep this much of a game, although they did have a solid buzzer-beating win over Russia from Spurs guard Patty Mills. The Aussies finished 3-2 in a talented Group B.

Here's what you need to know to watch the game.

Time: 4:15 p.m. CT (10:15 p.m. in London)

TV: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Kevin Durant Promotes Health For GE From London Olympics

Oklahoma City Thunder star forward and Team USA member Kevin Durant recently took some time out to promote a healthy lifestyle for a series that GE is making with various athletes at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The promotion is linked to Facebook in the hopes that people will get on board with making exercise a regular part of their life while seeking wellness overall. Here's Durant's PSA below:

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Australia: Patrick Mills, Joe Ingles Main Scoring Threats For Aussies

As Team USA gets ready for their quarterfinal showdown on Wednesday against Australia, the roster for the Aussies isn't exactly loaded with recognizable NBA talent. The 2012 London Olympics is definitely supposed to be dominated by the Americans, but most other contenders also include a number of NBA players. Argentina is loaded, as is Brazil, and Lithuania even had a number of faces that basketball fans would know. But Australia? Well, that's not happening.

However, the Aussies are 3-2 in group play and won three straight before hitting a roadblock with Spain and Brazil in their last two games. There's plenty of scoring talent here for the U.S. to take them seriously, and that begins with Patrick Mills, who is averaging over 20 points and 4 rebounds per game. Mills averaged 10 points per game this year with the Spurs and is one of the more underrated players in international play.

Watch for Joe Ingles to also make an impact, as he's currently averaging over 14 per game in Olympic play.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Kevin Durant Anchors Team USA With Dominating Scoring Performance

Kevin Durant was five feet behind three point line and he launched the shot. The funny thing is: no one even flinched when he did so.

The United States went up for good against Argentina in the third quarter of their latest game on Monday evening and it was clear that it was Durant who was leading the charge. Team USA was on a 42-17 run after halftime, and Durant hit 8 of 10 three-pointers, helping the team move toward a 5-0 record heading into the quarterfinals where the U.S. will meet Australia.

It was the sort of night that had everyone both shaking their heads at the surprise of it all yet feeling a familiarity of having seen it happen before. Durant does that to a basketball fan -- displaying his talent night after night yet always encapsulating it with a sense of awe. Royce Young of the Daily Thunder says it best.

"It was one of those stretches we've all seen before," writes Young. "He hit one, then he hit another. And when he hit a third on a quick catch-and-shoot, you knew it was on. KD was heating up and when KD heats up, you can't stop him. He drilled a fourth 3 and as soon as Carmelo Anthony cleared a rebound, you knew exactly where Deron Williams was going with the ball. And it didn't matter where KD was going to be when he got it. That thing was going up. And more importantly, it was going in."

Durant finished the night with 28 points for Team USA.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Defeats Argentina: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Lead United States To Victory

With another victory over their latest opponent Argentina, Team USA is now undefeated heading into the quarterfinals and they have claimed the top spot in Group A at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. This latest victory was a close game at halftime, but Kevin Durant, likely the game's most valuable player, put the game away with a long-distance shooting display that had everyone in the building excited.

Marc Stein of ESPN says that LeBron James deserves a mention as a potential MVP of the game, but it's hard to ignore Durant's display.

"Durant's shooting, good for 17 points alone in the third quarter to match Argentina's total for period, was impossible to ignore," writes Stein. "It's really a coin flip with James, given how LeBron got the ball inside to start the second and changed the personality of proceedings, but 8-for-10 shooting from behind the line tends to get your attention. KD by a hair."

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

VIDEO: Russell Westbrook Dunks Over Argentina In Team USA Victory

Today's game featuring Team USA versus Argentina at the 2012 London Olympics was close at one point. That's until the third quarter started. Coming out of halftime, the United States men's basketball team decided to take over and every player seemed to hit everything. Kevin Durant hit 8 of 10 three pointers and Russell Westbrook, his Thunder teammate, decided to sport more attitude than any other point in the Olympics. Check out his slam dunk here:

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Schedule: Australia Next In Quarterfinals At London Olympics

Some games were close. Others were blowouts. One was scary while others were laughable. Yet through it all, Team USA men's basketball team held together and did what it needed to do to go undefeated through group play and it heads into the quarterfinals undefeated as the top seed in Group A. Next up is the men's team from Australia in the quarterfinals for the U.S.

Australia should not present much of a problem at all. Australia has lost two games in a row to Brazil and Spain after winning the first three contests in group play. They are definitely a decent team, but one that the U.S. should easily dispose of compared to others that give them fits (a la Lithuania).

The two teams play at 3:15 CT on Wednesday, August 8.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Argentina: Carmelo Anthony Receives Cheap Shot

Team USA men's basketball has a lot of confidence in the second half of today's game against Argentina, and they're likely to walk away with a win and an undefeated streak since starting this journey together as the 2012 roster. However they're also likely to walk away from today's game with a bit of a chip on their shoulder towards Argentina for this cheap shot below on Carmelo Anthony.

The two teams are likely going to meet again leading up to medal contention, so it will be interesting to see how the Knicks star plays this one out:

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Argentina: Russell Westbrook Slams Home Victory With Impressive Dunk

For anyone wanting a look at just how decisive the United States came out in the third quarter, look no further than the animated dunk below featuring Russell Westbrook making a statement over the Argentinian big men in the paint. The team had been on a 42-17 tear in the third quarter before Westbrook took off, and the OKC Thunder are taking over the game. Kevin Durant hit 8 of 10 three pointers in the game, and the U.S. are now set to go undefeated through Group play. Check it out below:

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Argentina: TV Time, Game Schedule, Live Stream

In the final game of group play, Team USA is looking to rebound from their closer than expected win against Lithuania as they take on Argentina. This is the final game in group play and the United States is looking to stay undefeated. Going up against Argentina will be no easy task as they were able to cruise past Lithuania 102-97, but they also lost to France.

This will not be an easy game for the United States, and the history between these two teams will make the matchup even more interesting. Argentina was the first team to beat the United States using NBA players back at the 2002 World Championships, and they also defeated the United States in the semifinal match at the 2004 Olympic Games.

These two teams played an exhibition match prior to the Olympics and Team USA won a close match 86-80 in Barcelona. The style of play of Argentina is to annoy at the opposing team:

"They just try to get under our skins, they try to beat us up and it is what it is at this point," U.S. forward Carmelo Anthony said Sunday. "If you want to consider them a rival of the U.S., then so be it, but we'll be ready for them tomorrow."

Time: 4:15 p.m. CT (10:15 p.m. in London)

TV: NBC Sports Network and NBC's Basketball Channel

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA's Core Includes Kevin Durant, LeBron James Among 6 Main Players

Team USA finally found its weak spot in the 2012 London Olympics. After several games where the United States obliterated anyone who dared to step onto the court, the Lithuanian national team met them shot for shot and forced the U.S. into a totally different rhythm than any opponent before them. The end result was still a victory for the U.S., but it was one that was hard fought and rather revealing.

While defenses will continue to try to force the United States into a halfcourt game and slow things down to avoid the up-tempo runaway games that the U.S. has been enjoying, it also revealed who head coach Mike Krzyzewski is going to rely upon down the stretch as the competition gets tougher.

"The game revealed the half-dozen core players upon whom Krzyzewski will be relying over the final two rounds, when the pressure is high and the games could be tight," writes Ian Thomsen. "There were no surprises for the final 8:38 (which began with an 80-75 U.S. lead): James, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul were on the floor throughout, along with a two-man rotation that featured Kevin Durant, Deron Williams and Anthony (with Anthony remaining on the bench for the final 4:29)."

While the U.S. roster is loaded, Team USA has a definite core with those guys. There's no big man the team will turn to, but Tyson Chandler will also play a part in the tight rotation Krzyzewski will employ. It will be interesting to see if that lack of size in the defined core makes a major difference for the U.S.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Praises Lithuanian Team After Close Victory At 2012 London Olympics

After the Team USA men's basketball team was nearly defeated by Lithuania unexpectedly over the weekend, the players were offering up mixed opinions of what happened. It was clear that the team was a bit down on themselves after several intimidating victories in the last week over Nigeria and Tunisia. They were also surprised by a Lithuania team that deserved credit for their play.

In the end, the United States earned a 99-94 victory that had them down even late in the fourth quarter.

"We didn't look sharp at all," said Carmelo Anthony. "They almost played us perfect and it kind of caught us a little off guard. [They] had us on our heels for a moment."

Several U.S. players had nothing but praise for a team who could continue to cause problems coming into medal contention if the chips fall correctly.

"Their timing is what separates them," said Chris Paul of the Lithuanians. "I was on the bench [at one point watching Lithuania's offense] and I was like, 'I like it.' They know each other so well. They know how to play off each other."

"They're a good team," Deron Williams added. "They've been together for several years. They played well together and they execute to death. They're well-coached. They came out with a good game plan. We got a little stretched out on the floor and they got confidence. Our defense wasn't like it's been in the past."

The U.S. plays Argentina next in group play later Monday afternoon.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: First Place Is On The Line Against Argentina

The final game in pool play for Team USA basketball is against rival Argentina with first place on the line. The United States needs to move on from their slim win over Lithuania in their last game. With the history between these two teams the United States is not taking them lightly and is not looking to lose:

"We don't come here to lose,'' LeBron James said Sunday. "We come here to play at a high level and continue to get better. We don't have time to waste and say, 'OK, well, since we have the tiebreaker and all that, we can just go out and just lollygag.' We have the opportunity to get better tomorrow and we're going to do that.''

Team USA has not technically won their group, but there is a chance that they could not win the group -- but is a long shot. Winning against Argentina is the simple way to clinch their group, but if Argentina can defeat the United States then things get interesting. If that happens then the United States and Argentina are tied with nine points.

However, France also comes into play in deciding who wins the group. They play Nigeria and should win that game, and if that happens then they also will have nine points to create a three-way tie for first place. If there is a three-way tie the United States would win the group due to point differential, France would place second and Argentina being third.

The only way that Team USA does not win the group is they lose to Argentina, and France somehow falls to Nigeria then that result would allow Argentina to win the group.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

VIDEO: Mike Krzyzewski Breaks Down Team USA Vs. Lithuania

After two straight dominating performances by the Team USA men's basketball squad over international opponents Tunisia and Nigeria, their undefeated streak nearly came to an end yesterday against a tough Lithuanian team that matched them basket for basket until the very end of the game when the U.S. finally pulled away. It was a hard fought 99-94 victory for the United States that put a scare in the victor and gave confidence to every other contender.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski talked about the game afterwards and broke down the team's performance:

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Looks Rusty Against Lithuania At 2012 London Olympics

Lithuania was supposed to represent an increase in competition. It wasn't supposed to potentially be an upset of the Team USA men's basketball team. However, the Lithuanian national team was up late in the fourth quarter over the U.S. before the men finally pulled out a victory on the scoring of Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Consider it a lesson learned for the Americans.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski was likely reflecting on record setting wins in recent days by the Americans when giving them two days off this week. Games against Nigeria and Tunisia went as expected in dominating victories for Team USA, so it's understandable that the team's leader would feel quite confident. Not anymore.

"It's safe to say, though, that the Americans have enjoyed their last practice-free day of the Olympics after coach Mike Krzyzewski unexpectedly canceled Friday's workout, having already given his players a full day off Wednesday," wrote Marc Stein. "The extra rest in the past 72 hours was conceived to help keep the Americans fresh for the medal round, but they looked several notches short of sharp against a team that, by contrast, has continuity and confidence in abundance."

Expect Team USA to come out with an extra spark against Argentina on Monday.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Quotes, Analysis And Prognostication From USA's 99-94 Victory Over Lithuania

Team USA was favored by 34.5 points in their contest Saturday versus Lithuania in Pool A play in the 2012 London Olympics Men's Basketball tournament. Lithuania wasn't really concerned about the point spread, and they played USA tougher than anyone thus far. Yes, the USA won 99-94 in a hard-fought contest, but ultimately this probably helped both teams in the long run.

First a quote from ESPN's Jalen Rose on Lithuania's play offensively versus Team USA:

Well hopefully no one was betting on that game and betting that point spread because Lithuania wasn't paying attention to that at all. You have to give that team credit, they made free throws, they got to the paint, did a good job of playing pick and roll basketball, misdirection basketball, and confuse the USA defensively. -- Jalen Rose

Next, some analysis from ESPN's Marc Stein on USA's porous defense and lacking offense:

Getting a fight from their fearless foes is nothing new -- it's been happening at the Olympics since the Sydney Games in 2000 -- but this Lithuanian squad isn't the same force that won bronze medals in 1992, 1996 and 2000. Not without its most seasoned big man, Robertas Javtokas, missing the entire Olympics with a foot stress fracture.

Team USA nonetheless struggled mightily to cope with Lithuania's pick-and-roll attack and found itself leading by a mere four points at halftime, 55-51, after clanking its final seven 3s before the break.

Lithuania then had the temerity to take the lead early in the third quarter, 56-55, on a wide-open 3 from the wing from Sarunas Jasikevicius and again in the fourth quarter, 82-80, on a wing 3 from Linas Kleiza. Missing 12 of its 31 free throws and 23 of its 33 attempts from deep -- after draining 29 3s against Nigeria -- Team USA couldn't shake free until LeBron James' burst of nine points in the final four minutes of regulation.

Finally, some prognostication from yours truly.

If anything was to be gained from this, its that even on its worst day Team USA should be able to dig down deep and find an answer to win a game. That answer is LeBron James. It was reminiscent of LeBron's seven game tear in the conference finals and finals where Bron did what was necessary at all times. A block, a drive to the rim, a three-pointer, what was needed was delivered by The King.

Craig Sager and Deron Williams both called it out to LeBron that why didn't he do it earlier, a simple question with an answer no one has. Not even LeBron. Carmelo Anthony was performing well, but Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant struggled at times. On a team full of stars, its hard to let one dominate at all times.

Its Coach Mike Krzyzewski's decision to make, but maybe in the medal stages its time for LeBron to dominate the first three quarters, so that the fourth isn't such a compromising situation.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Lithuania Final Score: United States Gain Hard Victory At 2012 London Olympics

Until now, the United States men's basketball team had steamrolled opponents leading up to their match with Lithuania. It was clear to everyone that the schedule wouldn't be as easy as it had been with previous opponents like Tunisia and Nigeria providing historic scoring opportunities for Team USA. But today at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Lithuania proved themselves to be a strong opponent for the Americans and a potential contender for the gold medal. In the end, the Americans won 99-94.

The Americans simply could not score at will against an athletic Lithuanian team, and there were numerous lead changes down the stretch. The Lithuanians shot well all day at 58 percent from the floor and Linas Kleiza led all scorers with 25 points. Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Kevin Durant handled the scoring load for the U.S. with 20, 20 and 16 points respectively.

Team USA faces Argentina on Monday in their next game to wrap up group play.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Lithuania Beating United States In Fourth Quarter

One game after making history with 156 points against Nigeria, Team USA is now facing a potential loss against Lithuania in men's basketball at the 2012 London Olympics. While they could still bring home the gold even after a loss, it's clear that the U.S. isn't as dominant as previously believed after steamrolling both Tunisia and Nigeria as expected. Instead, they're currently down to Lithuania in the fourth quarter.

There are still several minutes to go, but it's clear the U.S. has their hands full and Mike Krzyzewski is going with his best players when it counts.

Team USA going with LeBron, Durant, Bryant, Paul and Melo down the stretch.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 4, 2012

If the Lithuanians can pull this victory off, it will definitely shape the Olympic conversation for the rest of the weekend.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Praised By Magic Johnson, Mocked By Charles Barkley

One day after Team USA men's basketball dominated the Nigerian national team at a historic level, which included a record 156 point total, members of previous incarnations of the roster came out to discuss the win. For some, it was a national cause to trumpet. For others, or at least Charles Barkley, it was a chance to throw out another sarcastic quip about the current team.

Every four years, there are more and more debates about the current team versus the '92 version which featured Barkley, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and others. Barkley is one of the main players who won't let the comparisons fade.

"That's probably how many points they'd beat the '92 team by ... if we played today," noted Barkley after the Team USA win over Nigeria.

His teammate Magic Johnson had a much different take. "I want to congratulate the guys on their continued dominance in London. This is starting to look a lot like our 1992 Dream Team. I look forward to watching them continue to drive for that gold medal and bring it home for the USA."

However, the Americans seem unphased by any comments made from players from 20 years ago.

"We respect those guys and we understand what those guys did. We understand the standards that those guys set," said Carmelo Anthony. "But we're playing for ourselves right now, for our country, for this moment. We're not out there on the basketball court making plays and making shots and playing defense and saying, 'This is (like) the '92 Dream Team.' Those guys did what they did in 1992 and now we have the chance to do something special."

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Coach K Almost Apologetic To Nigerians After Historic Beatdown

Team USA was beyond automatic from the arc against Nigeria on Thursday in the 2012 London Olympic Games. The Americans' insane 29 3-pointers led Mike Krzyzewski to sound almost apologetic in the post-game press conference, according to ESPN:

"I've never had a team, at any level, shoot the ball like that," Krzyzewski assured Bakare, sounding almost apologetic as he tried to explain -- again -- what fueled the otherworldy, record-setting display of precision from the perimeter that Carmelo Anthony and the rest of Team USA had just inflicted.

"I would just flush it," Krzyzewski said, counseling his Nigerian rival that there's no point spending any significant time dwelling on what went wrong on one crazy night against a team of NBA All-Stars that almost literally could not miss.

While Team USA is an overwhelming favorite win gold and the early competition has been less than even sub-standard, the numbers put up against Nigeria were insane - part of the 156 points the Americans scored came from Carmello Anthony's record Team USA high 37, which came in just 14 minutes on the floor.

Still, it's hard to blame Coach K for feeling sheepish after such an onslaught. While basketball is certainly a world sport and growing in popularity across foreign markets year by year, the disparity of talent is still overwhelming:

"You have to take a shot every 24 seconds," Krzyzewski said, "and the shots we took happened to be hit."

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Nigeria: Kevin Love Teases Anthony Davis On Twitter

If anyone noticed that Team USA didn't play one of their big men last night in the first half in a game where the deepest roster players should have been on the floor against Nigeria, that's because Anthony Davis did not his jersey against Nigeria in the 2012 London Olympics. Without proper attire, he couldn't enter the game.

"Davis ran up to the scorer's table, but had to come back and sit down when he realized he never put it on after warm-ups," writes Kurt Helin. "The rest of the American bench simply could not stop laughing - Kevin Love and LeBron James were cracking up. Even Krzyzewski almost thought it was funny. Almost. Davis did play much of the second half."

After the game, Kevin Love took to Twitter to tease his teammate:

Look very closely at this photo...notice anything? The Rookie Didn't put his jersey on!!!instagr.am/p/N3W_elM9y6/

— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) August 3, 2012

Davis eventually entered the game in the second half and had 9 points and 6 rebounds.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Dominates Nigeria Despite Sitting LeBron James, Kobe Bryant

Yesterday was an incredible display of dominance for Team USA men's basketball and even that dramatic of a saying is understating the game between the United States and Nigeria in group play in the 2012 London Olympics. The U.S. defeated the Nigerian national team 156-73 and after the game, head coach Mike Krzyzewski said he took offense to anyone who questioned whether the U.S. ran up the score.

"We didn't play LeBron [James] and Kobe [Bryant] in the second half, and with Carmelo shooting like that, we benched him," Krzyzewski said. "We didn't take any fast breaks in the fourth quarter, and we played all zone. You have to take a shot every 24 seconds, and the shots we took happened to be hit. I take offense to this question because there's no way in the world that our program in the United States sets out to humiliate anyone."

Anthony scored 34 points and 6 Americans were in double figures, along with another three with 9 points apiece.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook Help Team USA Basketball Performance Dominate Nigeria

Team USA made quick work of Tunisia, but the real lopsided victory came with today's game against Nigeria. The final score? 156 to 73 in favor of the United States. It was the sort of ridiculous steamrolling made for Harlem Globetrotters vs. Washington Generals and predictions that the U.S. would easily move on now sound like understatements.

In the end, Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points leading 6 Americans in double figures (and another three with 9 points each) to defeat the Nigerian national team to historic degrees. Some quick facts:

*Team USA shot 63 percent from 3-point range. They took 46 shots from that range.
*Team USA forced 24 turnovers.
*Only one player, James Harden shot less than 50 percent from the floor. Only three players shot less than 60 percent from the floor.
*LeBron James only scored 6 points.

Yes, it was that lopsided that the team didn't even go to its best scorers. Up next for Team USA will be a much tougher contest with Lithuania.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Pressured To Be More Aggressive

Kevin Durant is already leading theTeam USA men's basketball roster in scoring so far at the 2012 London Olympics with 17.5 points per game on a roster loaded with a dozen players who could rack up 30 on any given night. However, head coach Mike Krzyzewski and NBA analysts have been wondering whether or not Durant will truly take on a greater role on the team.

It might sound ridiculous to expect Durant to step up as the aggressive go-to scorer despite the presence of teammates like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but Durant holds a special place on this team and as an elite NBA player.

Mark Medina writes, "It's not that he isn't playing well. It's that both Krzyzewski believes Durant could be even more aggressive in looking for his own shot. With James and Bryant on the helm, it's understandable that Durant wants to defer. But with James playing the play-making role and Bryant playing limited minutes, it's clear that Team USA is setting Durant up to be the main scoring option."

Durant and Team USA take on Nigeria this evening in the third game of group action for the U.S.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Nigeria: Live Stream, TV Time, Game Schedule

The United States are finally up for their third game in group competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and Nigeria presents the Americans' second straight easy opponent. The team already decimated Tunisia earlier this week, and now they're predicted to do the same against a Nigerian team with a couple of NBA players but nowhere near the talent up and down the U.S. roster.

Ike Diogu and Al-Farouq Aminu are both present on the Nigerian team, so expect them to impress the most. However, Kevin Durant and company should roll. Here's the info you'll need to know for tonight's game:

Team USA vs. Nigeria

Time: 4:15pm CT (10:15 in London)
TV: NBC
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Team USA Upcoming Men's Basketball Schedule:
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Tanking To Avoid Americans Is Possible

One of the big stories of the Olympics was the expulsion of eight women's badminton players for trying to throw matches in group play in order to set up a better draw for themselves in the knockout round.

As Steve Perrin points out on SB Nation, a similar dynamic may end up playing out in men's basketball, as teams in Group B try to avoid Team USA as long as possible:

As it happens, the Olympic men's basketball tournament is another perfect storm and has a potential nightmare scenario looming for the final day of pool play. If Russia goes undefeated in Group B (a distinct possibility given the way it has looked so far) then in all likelihood the game between Spain and Brazil Monday night will determine the second and third seeds in Group B, with the winner finishing second (B2) and the loser finishing third (B3). The format of the knockout stage places B2 on the same side of the bracket as the first place team in Group A (A1), aka Team USA, while B3 goes into the other side of the bracket.

Russia pulled out a dramatic last-second victory over Brazil on Thursday, making Perrin's hypothetical all the more realistic headed into the weekend.

For Brazil and Spain, playing the Russians in the semifinals instead of the Americans could be the difference between silver and not receiving a medal at all.

And while we are unlikely to see anything as blatant as what happened in badminton, the chances are very good that the Spanish will be "resting" injured players like Marc Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro against Brazil if they end up losing to Russia in Group B play later in the week.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Kobe Bryant Taking In Sights At 2012 London Olympics

As the most experienced and decorated player on the Team USA men's basketball roster, Kobe Bryant has definitely been here before. He's not earning the lion's share of playing time or scoring, but Bryant says he is enjoying another time around the Summer Olympics with Team USA and he's planning on using this trip to London to take in some sights he's missed out on before.

"This time around I want to do some of the major sports, but I also want to see some of the ones that don't get the recognition," said Bryant. "I want to go see a little bit of archery, weightlifting, wrestling. I definitely want to check out some gymnastics, the diving, it's a long list. That's definitely my wish list. Whether or not I can pull it off remains to be seen."

Bryant is averaging 7 points per game in just 21 minutes for Team USA so far in competition.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Nigeria: Al-Farouq Aminu Praised By Mike Krzyzewski

Team USA men's basketball is up again today at the 2012 London Olympics, and Nigeria is the opponent -- another game that should be quite easy before the competition level ramps up significantly in the coming days. The United States already enjoyed a dominant outing against Tunisia, as predicted, and Nigeria should only be slightly more formidable than their rivals.

"Nigeria is very athletic and they have a lot of American players," said head coach Mike Krzyzewski. "In Al-Farouq Aminu they have a player that can get a double-double who is a NBA player; and his brother (Alade) is also really good inside and played at Georgia Tech.

"For us it's a matter of just continuing our preparation; making sure that we don't take anything for grant and we come out and play hard and try to get minutes for everybody so we're developing everybody as we go into the latter stages of pool play."

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

London Olympics 2012: Shuttle Bus Reportedly Kills Bicyclist In Olympic Park

The full details are not yet known, but word is leaking out via NBC News that a bicyclist has been killed in London here on day five of the 2012 Summer Olympics currently being held there. Apparently a shuttle bus for media members is involved as well and that an accident has resulted in a fatality.

NBC News reports a London media shuttle bus struck and killed a bicyclist outside Olympic park. No ID on victim yet.

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) August 1, 2012

According to Al Michaels just now, a media shuttle bus at the Olympics hit and killed a bicyclist in London. Jeez.

— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurke_SI) August 1, 2012

Today were the time trials for both the men's and women's individual competitions for road biking after the men's and women's road races had already been held over the last few days. More details will emerge on the identity of the victim.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Juan Carlos Navarro Injury: Team USA's Biggest Threat Hobbled

Spain, which features two All-Star 7'0 (Pau and Marc Gasol) as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder's Serge Ibaka, has been penciled in as the biggest threat to Team USA in London since their narrow loss in the gold medal game in Beijing four years ago.

However, with young phenom Ricky Rubio out after tearing his knee while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Spaniards are thin in the back-court, which could makes Juan Carlos Navarro's plantar fasciitis injury a devastating blow to their medal hopes:

"It was very strong and all of a sudden,'' Scariolo said. "It is nothing related with his former problems. It is a probably a new injury. It is plantar fasciitis, but it is probably in a different place [within the foot]. He couldn't play. I don't know how many games he will miss.''

Navarro only played one season in the NBA, but he's a widely respected international competitor who gives Spain some much needed creativity and firepower from the perimeter.

Spain, who should be able to advance out of Group B even with Navarro sidelined, will likely take their time in bringing him back into the lineup, but if they have any hope of surviving Team USA's fearsome perimeter defense, they'll need Navarro as close to 100% as possible as the Olympics continue.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

London Olympics 2012: Team USA Basketball Faces Nigeria, Lithuania Next On Schedule

As Team USA continues to cruise past opponents in Group A play for men's basketball at the 2012 London Olympics, the slate brings them another easy opponent next with the Nigerian national team as the next opponent on Thursday. The Americans have made quick work of France in the first game and then Tunisia on Tuesday. Now Nigeria and Lithuania are up next for Team USA as they aim for another gold medal.

The Nigerian teams boasts some NBA level talent including Ike Diogu and Al-Farouq Aminu, but the team was just dominated by Lithunia in the last game and Team USA should roll in this as well.

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Learning From The Best In The NBA

Kevin Durant is the leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder without question. Not only is he the reigning NBA scoring champion, but he's the unquestioned heart and soul on an elite team loaded with other stars. However on Team USA, Durant plays a very different role. Even though he's one of the team's leading scorers, he's having to learn from guys much more experienced than he is.

"I'm on him constantly," said Chris Paul. "He's still a young guy, so to speak, and he's such a good dude that he's not going to try to come in here and take over or anything like that. And I don't blame him. Everybody wants to fit in when you first get on this team. But because of who he is and what he can do for this team, he doesn't have that luxury. And that's just the way it is."

Durant reflected on the change recently, but his do-whatever-it-takes attitude stays the same no matter where he plays or who he plays with.

"It's different, there's no doubt about it," Durant said. "I'm just trying to do what I always do and that's help my team win games. I'm not worried about anything more than that. I'm here to win a gold medal and whatever my team needs to me to do to get that done, I'll do it."

It's clear that everyone around him sees Durant as a very special talent and player despite the high-caliber of everyone on the roster.

"Kevin really has displayed for all of USA Basketball the proper sequence of being involved," head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "First, by being on a select team, then by being involved, helping others, then you learn about the international game that way. He is only 23, he is not only a great player now, he has a great future ahead of him. He is as important as anyone we have."

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Final Score: U.S. Crushes Tunisia 110-63

The only thing in doubt for the U.S. men's basketball team in Tuesday's match against Tunisia was if the Americans could overcome an imposing 55-point spread from oddsmakers. That mark was too tough for the U.S., but it was the only obstacle in a 110-63 win.

Kevin Love and Carmello Anthony finished tied for the scoring lead in the game with 16 points each, as the U.S. improved to 2-0 in Group A, the only undefeated squad left in the group. The Americans actually trailed at the end of the first quarter before building a 46-33 halftime lead thanks to LeBron James' physical defense and early scoring from Kevin Durant. Team USA shot 61.4 percent from the floor on Tuesday, almost double that of Tunisia (35.4 percent).

The Americans will have the day off on Wednesday before playing Nigeria at 4:15 p.m. CT.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

VIDEO: Vince Carter Dunk Over Frederic Weis Remains Greatest Team USA Highlight Of All-Time

Consider this quick post a primer for those of you new to watching basketball at the Summer Olympics, perhaps younger readers who only have memories of the current 2012 Olympic games in London or the 2008 version in Beijing. While LeBron James had an incredible dunk tonight against Tunisia, the finest moment for American basketball on the international stage undoubtedly belongs to one man alone: Vince Carter.

While Carter's NBA career never became what many believed it would after his all-world talent at the University of North Carolina earned Michael Jordan comparisons for him, the talent was always there and he enjoyed a nice long career in the NBA. But for anyone frustrated by Carter's lack of production at the predicted level, this Olympian-sized moment serves as the evidence needed to win any argument.

In short, Carter's dunk over Frederic Weis of France (and formerly of the New York Knicks) is a lesson in the art of the dunk.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

VIDEO: LeBron James Goes Behind-The-Back To Kevin Durant In Team USA's Victory Over Tunisia

For those looking for highlights of LeBron James from today's win by Team USA over Tunisia, there were plenty to find. Here's just one of many and it includes Kevin Durant receiving a nifty behind-the-back pass from LeBron James on a fast break. It was at this point that the United States really began to run away with things and take control and the final ended up a ridiculous 110-63 final score. Check out LeBron:

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

VIDEO: Andre Iguodala Nice Putback For Team USA Over Tunisia

All of the highlights don't just belong to LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant when it comes to the 2012 London Olympics and Team USA basketball. Andre Iguodala had his moment today on a nice putback in the first half against Tunisia in a game that the Americans needed a bit of a jolt to get into. Iguodala finished with six points on the day.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Tunisia Preview: Game Schedule, TV Time, Live Stream

The United States men's basketball team is gearing up for their next game at the 2012 London Olympics, and it should be as close to a cake walk as they can get versus Tunisia. However anything can happen on a platform like this, so it will be interesting to see how things play out in the early going and whether or not Team USA will have overlooked theri opponent.

For those interested in checking out today's basketball game, here's the info you'll need.

TEAM USA VS. TUNISIA

TV: NBC

LIVE STREAM: NBCOlympics.com

TIME: 4:15pm CT (10:15 in London)

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
7/31 Tunisia 4:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Tunisia: United States Listed As 54-Point Favorites In 2012 Olympics

It was obvious that today's match-up between Team USA men's basketball and Tunisia was likely going to be the easiest opponent that the U.S. would face, but to open up with the odds that Vegas has on the match -- well, today's game is not likely to be a pretty one for Tunisia. This is as close to a shellacking at the 2012 London Olympics as you will find.

Team USA is just a 54-point favorite over Tunisia today.

— Royce Young (@dailythunder) July 31, 2012

Kevin Durant and LeBron James should be interesting to watch today as they lead the team against the clearly inferior opponent. Will they look past them? Will they completely dominate as predicted? We'll find out starting at 4:30pm CT.

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
7/31 Tunisia 4:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Juan Carlos Navarro Of Spain May Miss More Games

The United States is getting ready to play against Tunisia at the 2012 Olympic Games in London on Tuesday. As Team USA gears up for their second game in Group A, there is an interesting development over in Group B. Spain, which figures to be Team USA's toughest competition in the Summer Games, are dealing with a nagging injury for their team captain, shooting guard Jean Carlos Navarro.

Ian Thomsen of Sports Illustrated reports that Navarro missed Spain's game against Australia on Tuesday after suffering a foot injury in Sunday's opener with China.

"It was very strong and all of a sudden," [Spain head coach Sergio] Scariolo said. "It is nothing related with his former problems. It is a probably a new injury. It is plantar fasciitis, but it is probably in a different place [within the foot].

"He couldn't play. I don't know how many games he will miss."

The United States would definitely have an easier time in a potential final against Spain if the Spanish team is dealing with a depleted roster.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA 2012: Kevin Durant Adjusts To Playing In Olympics

Kevin Durant's Team USA coaches and teammates want the young scorer to shoot the ball more. He's a scoring maching, with three scoring title to his cred and a 22-point performance that led the U.S. over France on Sunday. But if he had taken as many shots as the Americans wanted him to, there is no telling how many he would've put up.

Durant is making the adjustment playing with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and this level of superstars. He notes here that he knows all of these guys pretty well, but it's all about growing up and being in the NBA at this point.

Those older veterans have urged Durant to shoot the ball more (they also have more miles on them and would probably rather see Durant exert himself the most in these Olympics - it's his turn, right?).

Here's some quotes from Mike Krzyzewski:

"The main adjustment is to play with other alpha dogs. He was the guy for the '10 team, and everybody accepted him for that. Now he is with LeBron, Kobe, Carmelo, these guys push-just so that he doesn't hold back. The guys have been great with him, they want him to score. To me, it says a lot about our guys when they're telling him, ‘Shoot it.' You hear LeBron say, ‘Shoot it,' every time. Kobe, kicking him out to him, ‘Shoot it.' Carmelo also does it."

Read more on Team USA at this StoryStream and check out Welcome To Loud City for more on the Thunder.

2012 London Olympics Basketball: Andrei Kirilenko-Led Russia Dominates China

As the roster of Team USA looks to sweep through Group A at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Group B is also fighting it out with various teams hoping to establish similar dominance today. The Russian national team started out action today in London on Day 4 with a dominating 73-54 performance over China in the first contest on a long schedule that will end with Team USA against Tunisia.

Andrei Kirilenko anchored the Russians against the overmatched Chinese national team with 16 points on 7 of 12 shooting. Yi Jianlian came on strong for China with 16 points as well.

Here's the current Group B standings:

P W L F A Pts

1. Russia 2 2 0 168 129 4

2. Spain 1 1 0 97 81 2

3. Brazil 1 1 0 75 71 2

4. China 2 0 2 135 170 2

5. Australia 1 0 1 71 75 1

6. Britain 1 0 1 75 95 1

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. Tunisia: Game Time, TV Schedule, Live Stream

Team USA men's basketball gets underway again today at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London after an opening round win against France. Each team plays five games and then moves on to the quarterfinals, and the road ahead for USA is fairly easy leading toward the playoffs. Tunisia is next and should be the easiest team that Kevin Durant and company will face in international competition.

The team is undefeated so far since coming together earlier this spring, and that should continue right through the bulk of medal contention. Spain is still the most formidable opponent facing the U.S. but that match-up won't come for some time. Here's the info you need for tonight's game:

TEAM USA VS. TUNISIA

TV: NBC

LIVE STREAM: NBCOlympics.com

TIME: 4:15pm CT (10:15 in London)

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
7/31 Tunisia 4:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

2012 London Olympics Schedule: Team USA Faces Tunisia On Tuesday

Next up for Team USA men's basketball after the opening round domination of France last weekend is a game this Tuesday afternoon (late evening London Time) against Tunisia at the 2012 Summer Olympic games. It's likely to be the easiest team that the Americans will face, although don't expect the U.S. to look past the team thinking about bigger opponents in the future.

"We need to get better," LeBron James said. "We know we don't have time to waste an opportunity to get better. This is a long, but short tournament. We've got to take every practice, every film session, every game and try to improve. We're not going to let our guard down no matter who we're playing against.

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
7/31 Tunisia 4:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

VIDEO: LeBron James' Insane Bounce Pass To Kevin Durant In Team USA Win Over France

The words "great bounce passer" have likely never been used to describe LeBron James as an elite basketball player, but it's clear that the NBA's MVP can do just about anything he desires on the court. During today's dominating win for Team USA over France for the first game of the 2012 London Olympics, James passed to Kevin Durant with a 50-foot bounce pass on a crazy fast break.

Durant paced the U.S. over France with 22 points, but this was undoubtedly the highlight that had everyone talking. You can check out the results below:

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
7/31 Tunisia 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball Schedule: Tunisia, Nigeria Next Up At 2012 London Olympics

Team USA made easy work of the French national team in men's basketball today with a dominant 98-71 victory paced by Kevin Durant's 22 points. Now they must look forward to the future rounds starting with Tuesday's game against Tunisia in the second game of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The slate should become a bit easier for the next week as the Americans face Tunisia and Nigeria back to back. Lithuania will give the men's team a real challenge and Argentina even more so. However it's clear that the players are growing as a unit with each passing game, so the chance to warm up against subpar teams should bring them even closer.

Here's a complete rundown of the team's that are left and the schedule of the final games.

TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE:
7/31 Tunisia 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/2 Nigeria 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/4 Lithuania 2:30 p.m. NBCSN
8/6 Argentina 10:15 p.m. NBCSN
8/8 Quarterfinals TBD NBCSN
8/10 Semifinals TBD NBCSN
8/12 Finals TBD NBC

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

2012 London Olympics: Pau Gasol, Serge Ibaka Help Spain Overcome China In Men's Basketball

It took some time, but Spain finally overcame the challenge that China was unexpectedly giving them in the opening official game for both teams in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London with a 97-81 victory. Spain is considered to be the primary challenger to Team USA with a loaded NBA roster, however China showed early on that they should not be overlooked.

In the first quarter, China held the lead early on a very impressive performance from Yi Jianlian that lasted all game long. The first quarter kept things close, but it was in the middle of the action that Spain finally took over. Again, China came out of the half with another spurt, but Spain pulled away in the end. It seemed that China had the right adjustments to make when they could regroup, but Spain's sheer talent was too much to overcome.

Serge Ibaka had 17 points for Spain and Pau Gasol led the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds. China was paced by Jianlian's 30 points and 12 rebounds.

Kevin Durant Adds Another Dominant Scoring Performance For Team USA

Kevin Durant led Team USA in scoring once again. It's a commonplace occurrence so far in international play and between he and LeBron James, the United States has clearly found the anchors that should remain in place for the duration of play in the 2012 London Olympic games. Then again, that's not surprising given that Durant is a three-time scoring champ in the NBA.

Most recently Durant scored another 22 points to lead the U.S. over the French national team today, one that features Tony Parker and Boris Diaw among others. He's efficient. His range is excellent. His moves are unstoppable.

Royce Young of the Daily Thunder has a great slant on Durant's overall performance when he writes, "It's becoming fairly routine for Durant to lead Team USA in scoring, which is what he did in Team USA's opening demolition of France, 98-71. Durant finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, hitting 3-of-5 from 3, knocking down all seven of his free throws and scoring efficiently with only 13 attempts. It was kind of a typical Durant scoring night. The 22, which easily led all scorers, came fairly quietly as Durant methodically continued to score throughout his 28 minutes on the floor.

Team USA Vs. France Final Score: Kevin Durant Leads U.S. Past France

Team USA got off to a slow start in their Olympic opening matchup against France but it didn't take long for their superior talent, depth and athleticism to show through. The U.S. ended up cruising to a 98-71 win behind 22 points from Kevin Durant.

Team USA led just 22-21 at the end of the first quarter but set the tone early in the second. They outscored France 56-30 over the second and third quarters. Durant hit 6 of 13 shots and all seven of his free throw attempts to score his 22 points. Kevin Love added 14 points while Kobe Bryant finished with 10. LeBron James took on the role of facilitator finishing with nine points and eight assists. Ali Traore led France with 12 points while Tony Parker added 10.

Up next for Team USA is a matchup with Tunisia on Tuesday.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. France Score: Kevin Durant Helps U.S. To 52-36 Halftime Lead

Team USA got off to a slow start but a big second quarter has them in front 52-36 at halftime over France. The U.S. led 22-21 at the end of the first quarter but outscored France 30-15 in the second.

Kevin Durant leads the squad with 15 points in the first half. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Love have seven points each while LeBron James added five points and six assists. It was LeBron's passing and playmaking ability that sparked the U.S. in the second quarter. Florent Pietrus leads France with eight points. Tony Parker and Ali Traore added six points each.

France outshot the U.S. 56 percent to 44 percent in the first half but were undone by 11 turnovers. Team USA hit 6 of 18 three point attempts in the first half while France was just 1 of 11. The U.S. also did a good job of sharing the ball in the first half piling up 14 assists.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. France: TV Schedule, Start Time, Preview For 2012 London Olympics

After a dominating opening exhibition schedule where Team USA went 5-0 leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the official games are finally here and the United States opens against France. It's a solid opening game that Team USA should dominate, but it might not be the cakewalk that some might believe.

It's also not the only notable game on the schedule. Argentina and Lithuania is going to be a formidable game featuring two very solid international squads. Brazil and Australia could be described in the same way. Here's the complete schedule for men's basketball for Sunday at the Olympic games in London (games on NBC):

Men's Basketball - Sunday, July 29 (All Times CT)
3:00 a.m. Nigeria - Tunisia
5:15 a.m. Brazil - Australia
8:30 a.m. USA - France
10:45 a.m. Spain - China
2:00 p.m. Russia - Great Britain
4:15 p.m. Argentina - Lithuania

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: United States Will Not Be Able To 'Out-Athlete' France

While the United States men's basketball team is an overwhelming favorite to win the gold medal, their first game against France will not be an easy matchup. The French team has talent with the San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker and Boris Diaw who is big and can run the floor running the French offense.

They also have center Ronny Turriaf who plays for the Clippers and Nicolas Batum of the Trail Blazers; plus they have 25-year-old guard Nando de Colo who will be joining the Spurs next year. France also won the silver medal at last years European championships.

France will be a formidable opponent to begin these Olympics, and head coach Mike Krzyzewski is fine with the early challenge:

"[Boris] Diaw is a very important guy for them because he's really their best passer,'' said Krzyzewski. ``He's that point forward that they run a lot of their offense through. Batum's shooting is outstanding, and then there's their athletic ability to run up and down the court -- we're not going to be able to out-athlete them like we have with some of our opponents.''

The United States should take care of France, but they will not be able to just roll past this France team due to the talent but they will need to play team basketball.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: Future Of Olympic Basketball Format Is In Question

NBA commissioner David Stern has quietly behind the scenes trying to partner with FIBA to create a World Cup of basketball and have the Olympics be a tournament for those players 23 and under. The NBA players do not like this idea, however they really do not have a voice in the matter.

NBPA executive director Billy Hunter has been too preoccupied to help out the players he is to represent due to other issues that are on his plate. However, this is when the players need him to help out with their interests.

The NBA owners are wanting this rule change and a new tournament is so that they can line their pockets with money:

Why the owners want to push FIBA to turn the Olympics into an irrelevant under-23 tournament and ship the stars over to a different two-year cycle in the world championships is understandable, but short-sighted.

The World Cup of Basketball won't come close to matching soccer, because nationalistic allegiances are far, far more fervent to soccer teams. The Olympics frame NBA stars as global icons in a way nothing else could, but most NBA owners don't think that benefits them in such a tangible way and want a clear revenue stream flowing through a partnership with FIBA.

The players once again will be the one's who will be put in the middle and stuck, because if they decide to not play in a potential World Cup of basketball they will not be seen as patriotic. It will be just one more thing that the owners can get away with against the players. They have already came out big in the lockout with the new revenue split toward players contracts as well as contract lengths and other things.

That is why the players need Hunter to step up and do something about changing the Olympic format to a 23-under tournament and the start of a World Cup of basketball, because in the end the owners win and will make more money while the players will get nothing in a World Cup tournament. Plus, the Olympic experience will be go away for a lot of NBA players.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Vs. France: United States Opens 2012 Olympics On Sunday

Team USA is still a work in progress according to the team's coaching staff, but the good news is that they still have several more games to adjust to international competition. It also helps that LeBron James, Kevin Durant and company are undefeated through their "warm up" period as they head into medal contention in London for the 2012 Summer Olympic games. First up is France for the US national team.

"I think we've gotten better. I think we need to use pool play first of all to qualify for medal play but also I think to get five more international games under our belt. I thought we reacted better tonight than two nights ago to the international game and we have to keep learning about it," said USA coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The U.S. is 15-1 all-time in its first contest of the Olympic Games, with the lone loss in an opener coming to Puerto Rico at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. They face France on Sunday morning at 8:30am Central Time.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well. Also visit SB Nation's Olympic hub for even more coverage.

Team USA Basketball: LeBron James Says 2012 Team Would Beat Dream Team

PHOTO: General James Harden Is Ready For The Olympics

London Olympics 2012: Team USA Must Dominate For American Lore

SB Nation's Tom Ziller noted in his column on Friday that Team USA isn't going to measured against Olympic competition by Americans, as they it rarely is. The whole fascination with Team USA is measuring them against other Team USA squads, which is why Kobe Bryant manage to stir the debate about '12 vs. '92 instead of the truly compelling matchup with Spain that's certainly likely in these Olympics.

This, from Ziller:

Team USA cannot lose in basketball and be considered anything but an abject failure. That's a high standard to clear.

But to really be considered great in American lore, Team USA has to go further, has to obliterate everyone and everything. That could happen, too; Team USA was quite good in the friendly run despite looking as disjointed at times as you'd expect them to be.

Read more of our Team USA coverage at this StoryStream. Be sure to check out SB Nation Kansas City as well.

Team USA, Spain Favorites To Win Gold Medal At 2012 London Olympics

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England are now officially underway with women's soccer leading the action that will encompass the city and compel the world to watch. When it comes to men's basketball, the official games start this weekend after weeks of exhibitions leading up to medal contention, and Team USA is officially the odds-on favorite to win with an incredible 1-8 betting odds, according to Bovada.

As for others, Spain is clearly in second place with 13-2 odds and after that it's not even close. Both rosters are filled with NBA talent, so this is clearly a two-horse race according to most analysts. Other longshots include France, Argentina and Lithuania, but those teams have a major hill to climb if they expect to beat either team.

Odds To Win Men's Basketball Gold Medal (from Bovada):
USA 1/8
Spain 13/2
France 28/1
Argentina 28/1
Lithuania 33/1
Russia 33/1
Brazil 40/1
Australia 100/1
Great Britain 250/1
China 400/1
Nigeria 500/1
Tunisia 1000/1

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA's Biggest Challenge Will Be Spain At 2012 London Olympics

Team USA is the odds-on favorite to take the gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London for men's basketball, but they're not without some stiff competition for medal contention. Despite the presence of superstars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James among others, there are other teams with numerous pro players, especially ones familiar with international rules, that could help put them over the top.

The best and definitely biggest of all of America's international competitors is the national team from Spain. The team features several NBA pros, including Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and ESPN's Fran Fraschilla says they present the biggest obstacle for Team USA.

"Seven players on Spain's roster have played in the NBA, and their success in the league makes it the top threat to unseat Team USA as the reigning Olympic champion," writes Fraschilla. "The brothers Gasol, Pau and Marc, are NBA All-Stars. Serge Ibaka, who's 23 years old, played in the NBA finals and finished second in the voting for NBA defensive player of the year. Point guardJose Calderon finished fourth in the NBA in assists this past season. Euroleague star Juan Carlos Navarro was a second-team all-rookie in his only NBA season."

Team USA already took out Spain once in exhibition play, however the team was not up to full strength with both Marc Gasol and Navarro both out due to injury.

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Heavy Favorites In The Olympics

The Olympic basketball betting lines are out, and to no one's surprise, Team USA is the heavy, heavy favorite:

#london2012 hoops gold medal odds, via @BovadaLV: US 1/8, Spain 13/2, France 28/1, Australia 100/1, Great Britain 250/1, Tunisia 1000/1.

— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) July 26, 2012

To make a winning bet on Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, you would have to put up $8 to get $1 back.

Spain, who USA defeated 100-78 in a friendly earlier in the week, is widely-seen as the second-best team in the tournament, and they are getting respectable 6:1 odds.

France, which features Tony Parker, Nic Batum and Boris Diaw, is getting pretty good odds at 28:1, if Parker has recovered from the eye injury he suffered at a New York nightclub in the off-season.

For more coverage of the Thunder's stars on Team OKC, stay tuned to the SB Nation Kansas City storystream.

Team USA Basketball: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Lead Scoring Charge

As exhibition play has ended and the official 2012 Olympics schedule begins in London, England, Team USA men's basketball is preparing to face France in the opening game. If the five games leading up to medal contention give us any indication, LeBron James of the Miami Heat and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder will be leading the scoring charge for Team USA.

The United States has plenty of scorers, but it's been Durant and James who have come up big time and again no matter who they face. James leads all U.S. scorers with 18.6 points per game while Durant follows right behind with 17.6. In fact, KD led scorers before the last game against Spain. Carmelo Anthony is the only other player in double digits with 13.2.

Durant is also the team's leading rebounder at 5.0 rebounds per game.

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Focused On Doing Whatever Is Needed To Win At 2012 Olympics

As Team USA continues to move through the exhibitions leading up to the actual competition and medal contention at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Kevin Durant is doing all of the right things on the court for the team to win. He's been the second leading scorer for the team thus far, and his range has allowed the Americans to feel good about their chances to win the gold medal.

The good news is that Durant is staying humble and says he's willing to do whatever is needed while with Team USA to help the team win. His focus is completely on the moment, so he said he's not distracted by the OKC Thunder's recent loss in the NBA Finals.

"I'm just all about winning right now, and focusing on what we're doing right now," said Durant recently. "During the season, I know I'm going to continue working hard on my individual game, and hopefully I grow. That's the plan for me. But right now I'm just focused on helping this team win, whatever Coach needs me to do, I'll do. Coming off the bench, playing the four and five, whatever. If you need me to do it I'm going to try to do it to the best of my abilities, and try to help the team win."

Team USA meets France as their next opponent on Sunday.

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Video: Team USA Dream Team Practice Features Michael Jordan-Magic Johnson Drama

The term Dream Team is consistently used every four years as the term for the Team USA men's basketball roster from '92 comprised of a ridiculous amount of talent including some of the best players to ever play the sport all together on one team. The end result was complete domination as expected with players like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson leading several future Hall of Famers against subpar international competition.

However, a new practice vid shows that the "Dream Team" moniker might not apply to the actual state of relationships within the squad. This incredible look at a practice below shows the two historic basketball figures arguing on the court with Jordan holding the upper hand on Johnson and ultimately frustrating the Lakers legend. For those wishing we had 24/7 media to illustrate in '92 what we have today, here's a nice inside look:

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Vs. Spain Final: Carmelo Anthony Finishes With 27 Points As USA Wins 100-78

If there were doubts that the Men's National Basketball team against Spain, they certainly laid those concerns to rest in Barcelona on Tuesday night. On the strength of 27 points by Carmelo Anthony, 23 in the first half, Team USA defeated Spain 100-78.

Kevin Durant only scored 13 points in the game, but his 10 points at the start of the third quarter is what helped break the game open in favor of Team USA. Russel Westbrook also had seven consecutive points at one point in the third quarter to assist Durant.

Serge Ibaka had 16 points along with 19 points by Pau Gasol. But the lack of Marc Gasol and Sergio Rodriguez was just too much to overcome for the Spanish team. Those two players could be back on the Spanish team if the two teams play again at the London Olympics, most likely in the Gold Medal game.

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Vs. Spain: Carmelo Anthony Has 23 Points At Halftime

The United States is on a roll in the second quarter of play in their current exhibition against Spain, and Team USA now owns a 48-40 halftime lead in the team's final exhibition before 2012 Olympic play begins in London. The United States was down in the first quarter against a loaded Spain team that will serve as their primary competition in international play, but Carmelo Anthony is coming up big for the US with 23 first half points.

Serge Ibaka is leading Spain with 16 first half points and there was one point where four members of the Oklahoma City Thunder were on the floor together, showing just how dominant that team will be next year and as long as they can keep such a core group of players together. Ibaka has hit 8 of 9 field goals in the first half.

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Basketball Vs. Spain Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule

The United States men's basketball team is undefeated so far, as expected, in international play leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. However they run into the fiercest competitor so far on the schedule for Team USA when facing Spain later this afternoon. Spain's national team is not only talented, but very experienced and savvy in the ways of international rules, so today's match-up should be exciting to watch.

For Oklahoma City Thunder fans, it's also an interesting moment to watch Serge Ibaka suit up for Spain against his teammates James Harden, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The team also features Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernandez and Juan Carlos Navarro, so it should feature exciting play for the duration -- rather than the one-sided Team USA exhibition that often happens.

Here's the info you need to check out today's game:

TEAM USA Vs. SPAIN

Time: 3:30pm CT

TV: ESPN2

Team USA Vs. Spain: Drama Between Teams Good For 2012 Olympics

As the United States prepares for their match-up with Spain later today in preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics run in London, Team USA has already been called out by their Spanish counterparts for their propensity to travel. Spain presents a tough opponent and apparently they're wanting to make certain that the officials call the game closely -- either that or they want to get into their heads.

Tom Ziller of SB Nation says in his latest column that the move by Spain, whether the move helps them achieve a win or not, is a good thing for the international game where dominance is the typical boring talk of every media outlet covering Team USA.

"Regardless of what actually happens, bless Spain for introducing American fans to a level of international play in which strategy and storylines like this actually matter," writes Ziller. "It gets awful boring going on and on about how dominant Team USA will be. To have a real rival raises the entertainment level of the proceedings. Even though we all typically despise having to talk about referees, in international play, we'll take it."

Team USA is always more exciting to watch when there is some real drama and grit to the competition, so this spark with Spain in the media should make today's game -- at 3:30pm CT -- that much more entertaining to watch.

Team USA Basketball 2012: Americans Play Against Spain In Final Exhibition Before Olympics

Team USA faces its biggest challenger to winning a gold medal this Olympic season when they face Spain in their final exhibition game. The Americans have made it through four exhibitions without a blemish already, even though it was a close call against Argentina when they let a comfortable lead slip and managed to escape with a 10-point victory.

They will want to play at a high level for the entire game against Spain, because this isn't one of those matchups in which Team USA can score and dominate the opposition in their sleep. Spain has the one advantage the Americans don't have going into this pursuit for gold - size.

Tyson Chandler's play will be critical, from defense, to rebounding and anything else he can do well against the stacked front court that is the group from Spain. Pau and Marc Gasol clog the middle, along with Thunder big Serge Ibaka.

Read more Olympics coverage at the hub page here and check out SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Says Team Learned A Lot Against Argentina

The United States walked away from their game against Argentina with a win. However it was much more hard fought than anyone believed it would be, and Kevin Durant, the leading scorer for Team USA in the 86-80 victory over the weekend, said that the US roster learned plenty in the effort.

"We started off pretty well, got a couple of shots. Argentina did a great job of slowing the game down, making the right passes and penetrating and executing. So, it was a good game for us. We learned a lot tonight. We just have to keep getting better for the Olympics and our guys did a good job of playing through everything, playing hard, playing together," said Durant.

"I thought Kevin was sensational tonight against man and zone. He looked like he did in Istanbul tonight," added head coach Mike Krzyzewski

Durant scored 27 points and hit an incredible 7 of 11 from three-point range to put the US over the top. The team's next game comes tomorrow afternoon against Spain as they continue to get ready for the 2012 London Olympics.

Team USA Basketball Results: Kevin Durant Scores 27 Points To Lead United States Past Argentina 86-80

The United States men's basketball team were in another exhibition game leading up to the Olympics, and the latest game was against Argentina who is going to be a challenger against Team USA for the gold medal. Team USA was in Barcelona for this game and they honored the 1992 Dream Team by wearing throwback uniforms from that year.

The United States were able to get an 86-80 victory over Argentina, but the game should not have been as close as it was. Team USA shot 34 three-point shots -- most of them uncontested -- but the problem was that the shots were not falling, and that allowed Argentina to hang around in this game.

The reason Team USA had open looks from beyond the arc was because Argentina was packing it in down low against Tyson Chandler, and it did not help that Chandler was in foul trouble which hurt how effective he was in the game.

Team USA was once again led by Kevin Durant who scored 27 points, made seven three-pointers and shared the ball with six assists in the win; LeBron James also had a solid game with 18 points.

Next up for Team USA is their final tune up against Spain on Tuesday July 24.

For more on Team USA's journey to the 2012 Olympic Games, follow the StoryStream hear at SB Nation Kansas City. Also go check out even more Team USA coverage at SB Nation's Olympic hub.

VIDEO: Chris Paul To Russell Westbrook For Dunk In Team USA Victory Over Great Britain

The latest incarnation of the Team USA men's basketball squad is loaded with talent as it is every time the roster comes together with NBA All-Stars, and the latest exhibition between the US and Great Britain was yet another example of just how dominant the team can be. The Oklahoma City Thunder is carrying 25 percent of the roster members with Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, and it was the latter who serves as the highlight here. Check out the alley-oop pass from Chris Paul for a nice dunk by Westbrook.

For more on Team USA's journey to the 2012 Olympic Games, check out the coverage at SB Nation.

Team USA Basketball: Deron Williams Is Finding His Rhythm

The run of Team USA's games through the qualifying rounds leading up to the 2012 London Olympics has featured a different star each and every time. Kevin Durant grabbed the spotlight in the first game against the Dominican Republic. LeBron James scored 30 points against Brazil. Yesterday against Great Britain, Deron Williams took the reins and made an impact on the roster with 19 points and his best effort to date with the team.

Williams said earlier that he had been concerned about the way he would respond in international play given that he had to miss practice time with his free agency pending with the Nets. However it's clear that he's just fine.

"I was a little worried about how my conditioning was going to be just because I hadn't played 5-on-5," Williams said. "But I trained really hard so that I would be in the best shape possible. But I feel like I am there, I feel like I am in great condition, I feel like my shot's now starting to come along, that rhythm, that timing is starting to get down."

Other heroes on the night include Carmelo Anthony who also had 19 points and Russell Westbrook with 15 points and 9 assists.

For more on Team USA's journey to the 2012 Olympic Games, check out thecoverage at SB Nation.

VIDEO: LeBron James Shows Kevin Durant Trick Shot During Team USA Basketball Practice

While they might be fierce competitors on the court, it's nice to see the members of the Team USA basketball team having fun in their time together en route to London for the 2012 Olympic games. They'll reach for the gold as they continue to practice and play exhibitions together in the meantime. And while they mean business on the court, as illustrated as their dominance against Great Britain in their most recent contest, they're also cracking each other up in practice.

Here LeBron James is teaching Kevin Durant his latest trick shot which he calls an "unstoppable move." Check it out below:

For more on Team USA's journey to the 2012 Olympic Games, check out the coverage at SB Nation.

Team USA Basketball: Russell Westbrook Helps the United States Crush Great Britain

Team USA throughly dismantled Great Britain on Thursday afternoon, blowing them out with a final score of 118-78

Team USA vs. Great Britain: TV Schedule, Game Time, Live Stream

After a dominating win against the Dominican Republic and a closer win against Brazil, Team USA is not heading to Manchester, England to take on the men's national team from Great Britain today at 7pm local time -- or 1pm Central Time today.

Local basketball fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder have a lot to cheer for this year for the 2012 London Olympic games with James Harden, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook all on the US roster. Durant was the star performer in the team's first exhibition, but LeBron James took over for 30 points against Brazil. The roster is loaded so anyone can step up on any night in games like this.

Here's the info you need to catch today's/tonight's game:

TEAM USA vs. GREAT BRITAIN

TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN3
When: 1:00pm CT
Where: Manchester Arena in Manchester, England

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Kansas City.

VIDEO: President Barack Obama Visits Team USA Basketball, Teases Anthony Davis

Whether you are a fan of President Barack Obama or not, there's no denying his ease and affable nature at public events. While previous Presidents have been more stately (read: stale) in their dalliances with the masses, Obama is at home in the public eye. When visiting with Team USA basketball recently, the President even took time out to tease new NBA rookie and Team USA addition Anthony Davis.

The President and First Lady Michelle Obama also made the Kiss Cam at the exhibition and he also takes a few minutes to talk up Vice-President Joe Biden's 10-year-old granddaughter to potential basketball coaches. Here's the behind-the-scenes look at President Obama's time with the mens' and women's basketball teams for the United States.

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned toSB Nation Kansas City.

VIDEO: Team USA Basketball Highlights Vs. Brazil

For those who missed the exhibition between Team USA men's basketball and Brazil, we have some video highlights to share with you below. LeBron James took the team over after the display from Kevin Durant doing the same in the first game against the Dominican Republic. The lesson to take away? Team USA has numerous players who can take over and eliminate the competition.

Of course, things will become more difficult for the team the further they get into the qualifying rounds. However it's also clear that the team is continuing to come together as a unit, and the Americans should have a good idea of what they can do well once the official games begin at the 2012 London Olympics. Check out the highlights of Brazil vs. Team USA below.

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned toSB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Basketball: Kobe Bryant Calls David Stern's Age Limit Idea 'Stupid'

If Kobe Bryant want to play on the Olympic team, then he's going to play on the Olympic team.

Speaking at an appearance in Manchester, England, on Tuesday, he called NBA commissioner David Stern's 23-year-old age limit proposal "stupid." From ESPN.com:

"It's a stupid idea," Bryant told local reporters at the reception to welcome them to Manchester in advance of Thursday night's exhibition game here against Team Great Britain. "It should be a (player's) choice."

Asked how much he and his Team USA teammates have talked about Stern's proposal since getting together in Vegas on July 5, Bryant said: "Our discussion is this: Basically, it's just a dumb idea and we (discuss) it that way. ... We just discuss it like that (and) kind of voice our opinions through you (media) guys."

Men's Olympic soccer uses a 23-year-old age limit. At the NBA Finals, Stern expressed a desire to take another look at the NBA's role in sending players to play internationally. Some owners, including Mavs owner Mark Cuban, have raised concerns over injuries. Given the knee injury to Blake Griffin a few weeks ago, those concerns have legitimacy.

Kevin Durant Could Come Off The Bench For Team USA In London

Kevin Durant is arguably the second best player in the NBA right now. So why is it that there is the possibility that he could be coming off the bench when the Olympics begin in London in a little more than a week? Because he's perfectly comfortable doing that, according to Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

In an article by USA Today writer Jeff Zillgitt, Kryzyzewski has been shuffling his lineups all around trying to find the best possible combinations to help Team USA win their second straight Olympic gold medal.

Krzyzewski is going to use different lineups with several players playing multiple positions. Krzyzewski had been saying that during training camp but the impact of it was on display against the Dominican Republic, albeit overmatched and playing for nothing.

Durant came off the bench and started the second half of the game and wound up scoring 24 points in that first game against the Dominican Republic. If this lineup shuffling works out for Team USA in London, another gold medal could be well within reach.

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Kansas City.

VIDEO: Kevin Durant Dunks On Brazil In Team USA Exhibition

At this point, there's no doubting that Kevin Durant is one of the biggest stars in all of basketball -- even on a global scale. Even when placed alongside the best that the United States has to offer in Team USA play gearing up for the 2012 Olympics in London, Durant continues to stand out alongside players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

While he couldn't miss with a personal exhibition against the Dominican Republic the other night, smooth moves were the calling card for Durant against Brazil in last night's closer win that showed that the USA might not walk all over international competition after all. Brazil is a tough team and LeBron handled the uptick in competition well with 30 points. However, Durant had perhaps the highlight of the night with the dunk below:

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned toSB Nation Kansas City.

VIDEO: President Barack Obama On Kiss Cam With Michelle

The Kiss Cam can be embarrassing for anyone at any sporting event, even for the Leader of the Free World. Last night, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took to their courtside seats to check out Team USA basketball on a major night out with Vice-President Joe Biden also in tow. Apparently the two were struck by the awkwardness of the first kiss cam moment, so they were given the rare second chance.

SB Nation's Andrew Sharp noted, "I'm sure people will complain it was staged, but of course it was. The second the first Kiss Cam was over, we knew they'd do another one. Being President of the United States means you're one of the only people in the country who can botch the Kiss Cam, then say, 'You know what? Let's go ahead and run that back' So they did, and the crowd ended the game chanting 'Four more years.'"

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned toSB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Basketball Recap: LeBron James Scores 30 Points In Win Against Brazil

It wasn't a pretty start for Team USA when they played Brazil on Monday night, but they eventually got it together and cruised for an 80-69 win. LeBron James led all scorers with 30 points and there was little that any Brazil defender could do against the NBA's regular season and Finals MVP.

At one point, Team USA trailed Brazil 27-17. Russell Westrbook missed a point blank fastbreak layup and Kevin Durant struggled to handle a lob that he's converted on a gazillion times in the NBA. The team just looked out of rhythm in the beginning. Then everything started to click, and the superior talent prevailed for the USA.

If you watch Team USA run the fast break, it could be the single most dominate part of the Olympic viewing experience in London.

Follow all of SB Nation's Olympic coverage at our London 2012 Olympics hub page. For more on Team USA as it gears up for the London Olympics, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Kansas City.

Team USA Basketball: President Barack Obama Picks Dream Team Over 2012 Olympic Roster

The trash talking every year between the Dream Team of '92 and the current roster of Team USA basketball is ongoing, and this year it's reached a fevered pitch with the changing of a generation of basketball talent. Various debates are found here and there between people and players wondering which team would prevail. As for the President of the United States, he'll definitely go with Michael Jordan and company.

"This is a generational thing," Obama said. "I was around in '92, I was a Bulls fan, so I've got to go with the original Dream Team. I suspect that Michael and 'Sir Charles' and others would point out they were probably never down at any point in any of their games. But this is a great team, unbelievable talent."

"You know, Kobe's a competitor, so you expect him to do a little trash talking whenever the opportunity arises," he added.

However, the President did give credit to the current roster, a quarter of which is made up by the Oklahoma City Thunder and other stars like LeBron James and Bryant.

"Obviously the talent that we've got at this point is unbelievable," Obama said. "So there's no reason that we shouldn't bring home the gold. We just have to stay focused."

For more on the 2012 London Olympics, stay tuned to SB Nation's Olympic hub.

2012 London Olympics: Is Size An Issue For Team USA?

With injuries to most of the big men that were to be on Team USA, and the latest being that Clippers forward Blake Griffin; there has been talk that the lack of size will cause the United States trouble in their quest to repeat as Olympic champions in the upcoming London Games.

If you speak to anyone on Team USA they will say that their lack of height is not an issue:

"Really it's kind of boring to keep answering the question of what are you going to do with the bigs," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said Sunday. "Like, this is who we have. Why don't we talk about what we're going to do with what we have, than talk about what we don't have? I don't really understand how that's productive. So I'm trying to dismiss that and concentrate on what we're doing."

The only true center on the squad is Tyson Chandler, but USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo believes size alone is not enough and he feels that the athleticism of the roster he put together can get the job done.

Colangelo has set up pre-Olympic games against teams that have large front lines to test the smaller United States team:

"We wanted as good a competition as we could get during our pregames and with Brazil because of their front line and their experience and they're a good team, Argentina and Spain, three out of the five are really good tests for us," Colangelo said. "So we're very aware of what they have and it'll be a challenge and we'll learn a lot from that game, no question about it."

Brazil almost beat a similarly sized United States team two years ago, but it showed that if an opponent can slow the game down that Team USA may have some issues against those taller teams.

For more on the 2012 London Olympics, stay tuned to SB Nation's Olympic hub.

2012 Summer Olympics: Team USA Basketball Practices For The Troops

Team USA Basketball is currently in Washington, D.C., readying for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and held a select practice for service men and women of the U.S. military and their families on Saturday afternoon. Among the roster, Oklahoma City's Russel Westbrook commented on playing for the troops:

"Its great," said Russell Westbrook. "It’s a great experience to be able to come in and to play in front of the troops. They have done so much for our country and they still do."

In addition to an exclusive all-access look at Team USA's practices, the daughters of the military families in attendance received an exclusive basketball clinic from the womens' national team, featuring head coach Geno Auriemma and players such as Seimone Augustus, Swin Cash, Maya Moore and Candace Parker.

"This is a huge event," said Mike Krzyzewksi, USA and Duke University Hall of Fame head coach. "We invited the chairs of the joint chiefs out for dinner last night with our staff, and so we had a great meal and we shared our thanks. I'm very close friends with Marty Dempsey. Even during this past Duke season, he was at one of our home games and afterwards we met with the NBA to try to help orchestrate today. Today has been in the works for a few months, and I thought it was beautifully done by Nike, the NBA, USA Basketball and of course our military. The exchange of the flags from the people who are actually serving our country on a day to day basis. We were talking about last night, and we thought it was the single biggest gesture that they could give us, in support of us. Taking them, accepting them would be in honor of them. Today was a special day."

Check out an official photo gallery of the practice, as well as Team USA members meeting the military, over at the official Team USA Basketball page.

VIDEO: Kevin Durant Speaks Out On Hoops For Troops For Team USA Basketball

Anthony Davis Relishing In Olympic Opportunity

Anthony Davis isn't happy about the injury that sidelined Blake Griffin from participating in the Olympics but he is relishing in the opportunity he has while replacing the Clippers forward on Team USA.

"I look forward to playing with and against these guys," Davis said. "This is a great experience. I've wanted to play on the U.S. team my whole life. Now I have the opportunity and am going to try and take full advantage of it. It's sad to hear about Blake. He worked really hard to get here and deserved a spot. ... I hope he has a nice and fast recovery."

Davis injured his ankle while working out for teams before the draft and was limited at the beginning of Team USA training camp. He was viewed as a longshot to make the club but injuries to big men like Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh along with Griffin has pressed him into duty.

For more on the 2012 London Olympics, stay tuned to SB Nation's Olympic hub.

After Uniform Outrage, Ralph Lauren Will Produce Team USA Uniforms Within The United States Going Forward

The Team USA uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies for the upcoming Olympic Games in London have caused a controversy since the Raulph Lauren designed outfits were made in China, and not in the United States.

There have been numerous complaints about this since the Olympics which center around country pride these uniforms should have been made in the USA.

New Jersey senator Robert Menendez was one of six Democratic senators who plan to introduce legislation requiring the uniforms used in the ceremonies be made in the United States:

"At a time when too many Americans are looking for work and our manufacturers are closing factories, we need to do everything we can to keep jobs in America and not give the work of producing our iconic American uniforms for our Olympians to China."

It is too late now to make a switch, but Raulph Lauren announced on Friday that the uniforms for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi Russia and beyond will be made in the United States.

Raulph Lauren has the rights agreement with the United States Olympic Committee through 2020.

For more on the 2012 London Olympics, stay tuned to SB Nation's Olympic hub.

Team USA Vs. Dominican Republic: Kevin Durant Leads Americans To 113-59 Win

To no one's surprise, Team USA basketball cruised to a 113-59 win over John Calipari and the Dominican Republic in an exhibition game on Thursday night in Las Vegas.

With the Thunder well-represented on the squad, Kevin Durant led all scorers with 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting in 11 minutes off the bench. He also had 10 rebounds. Durant had 21 points at halftime and didn't play much in the second half with the game out of hand. James Harden scored eight points on 3-for-9 shooting in almost 18 minuntes, while Russell Westbrook scored six points on 3-for-7 shooting in 19 minutes, along with five rebounds.

As a team, USA shot 56.8 percent from the floor and held the Dominicans to 31.7 percent. The Dominican Republic also had 25 turnovers, while the American had 27 assists on 42 made baskets.

Carmelo Anthony led the USA starters with 13 points in 12 minutes. The Americans got off to a slow start, and the offense was sloppy at times early, but as the game went on, the players got a better feel for each other and their talent was overwhelming.

Although he expected a sizable loss, Calipari certainly isn't used to it.

USA beats Calipari’s D.R. squad by 54 pts in exhibition. In last 2 seasons, Cal’s UK teams lost by COMBINED total of only 46 pts (11 games).

— CBSSports.com (@CBSSports) July 13, 2012

Blake Griffin Will Miss Olympics With Torn Meniscus, According To Report

Blake Griffin's Olympic fate seemed to be finished after suffering a knee injury early Monday. Now that it's official, the LA Times reports that Griffin suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Blake Griffin has been diagnosed with a meniscus tear in his left knee and will have arthroscopic surgery probably early next week, according to NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. […]

Griffin is expected to be out about eight weeks recovering from the injury and should be fine and ready to play when the season starts, the executives said.

It is the same knee Griffin sprained in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies. He fractured his left kneecap and missed the 2009-10 season, but the LA Times reports that the injuries are not related.

Blake Griffin Likely Won't Be Olympian, According To Report

Clipper forward Blake Griffin should be ready for NBA training camp, but likely will miss the Olympics after suffering a knee injury, according to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Source close to Clippers injured star Blake Griffin tells Y! he will be ready for training camp which would suggest he won't be an Olympian

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 13, 2012

Griffin suffered a knee injury earlier Thursday, and former Kentucky center and Anthony Davis was called up to Olympic training camp. You can watch Griffin's injury here.

Griffin went back to Los Angeles to get checked out by Clippers doctors. Davis was one of the final cuts for Team USA, but had been dealing with an ankle injury of his own. Davis is on the bench for Team USA's game against the Dominican Republic on Thursday night.

The Americans are already short on big men, so a thin position just got thinner — literally, given Davis' build. However, Davis might be a better interior defender with his length and elite shot-blocking ability.

VIDEO: Blake Griffin Injures Knee In Team USA Scrimmage

The worst thing that a team wants to see is their player getting injured. It only adds insult to the situation if that player does it playing for an exhibition or away from the team's responsibilities. That's exactly what the Los Angeles Clippers are suffering through watching their star and icon Blake Griffin injure his knee during a scrimmage for Team USA today.

Griffin is just one of a few big men on the USA roster, so a thin position is going to be even more so, but it will help to have the No. 1 pick in the recent NBA Draft coming in to replace him. Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Hornets will try to put his own injury concerns behind him and serve as the starter now that his number has been called by Jerry Colangelo.

As for the extent of the injury, nothing is known at this time. But you can check out the video below for your own look:

Anthony Davis Will Suit Up Against Dominican Republic, Could Be In Starting Lineup

With the Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin back in Southern California getting a MRI on his swollen left knee. Griffin will be examined on Sunday by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, and an announcement will be made on Griffin's future as soon as the doctors and Clippers meet.

Team USA has called up No. 1 overall draft pick Anthony Davis to take Griffin's place in Thursday night's exhibition against the Dominican Republic in Las Vegas.

Davis had been suffering an ankle injury of his own during the final tryouts, but it has healed enough and it is possible that Davis could be in the starting lineup:

"The report that we got is that he was very active blocking shots and getting up and down the court," [Jerry] Colangelo said of Davis' recent workouts.

The United States team is already thin on big man with only New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler being the only true center on the team, so Team USA needed another big man which is likely why Davis is considered to be a starter.

Blake Griffin Injury Means Anthony Davis Joins Team USA Basketball

The latest incarnation of Team USA basketball already had a perceived issue with a lack of big men on the roster. Of course, the construction of the team by Jerry Colangelo has more than enough talent to be able to walk away with the gold medal during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. However, the weakness just became even more stated with the knee injury of Blake Griffin today.

Anthony Davis, the new No. 1 pick of the New Orleans Hornets, has been summoned to replace Griffin on the team after the Clipper star and NBA icon injured his knee during a scrimmage. The extent of the damage is unknown at this time. Griffin is scheduled for an MRI.

Davis was himself out with an injury before the original 12 members of the team were announced, a move that allowed later roster additions like James Harden and Andre Iguodala on the team.

More details are still to come from Team USA about Griffin's injury and the subsequent moves.

2012 London Olympics: Kobe Bryant Says Team USA Could Beat Dream Team

Every four years, a new group of players known as Team USA enter the global arena for basketball supremacy at the Summer Olympics. This year, London is the host site and the Oklahoma City Thunder make up 25 percent of the team with Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. While holdovers like Kobe Bryant remain, it's these fresh legs that will largely propel the group forward.

It's also the reason why Bryant says this team could beat the original Dream Team. This isn't uncommon to be asked to pit one group against another -- some kind of Olympic flexing and posturing. It happens every four years, so Bryant's words aren't that surprising. Still, he took the time to actually answer the question.

"Well, just from a basketball standpoint, they obviously have a lot more size than we do -- you know, with [David] Robinson and [Patrick] Ewing and [Karl] Malone and those guys," Bryant said. "But they were also -- some of those wing players -- were also a lot older, at kind of the end of their careers. We have just a bunch of young racehorses, guys that are eager to compete ... So I don't know. It'd be a tough one, but I think we'd pull it out."

Charles Barkley would likely beg to differ. However, it doesn't matter. At this point, it's part of the routine as the torch is passed from one group to the next.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Admits Playing With LeBron 'Tough'

The NBA Finals are over, but that doesn't mean Kevin Durant has forgotten the pain of losing to the Miami Heat in five games, especially now that he sees LeBron James everyday in Olympic practices.

In an interview with the AP, Durant admitted that it's been a tough situation:

"It does, but what can I do?" Durant said Tuesday. "He's my teammate now. I'm a team player. I can't let that affect this. This is bigger than that. It's tough to lose in the Finals and play the guy you've been going up against for five games who beat you. So me, I'm just going to get over it, still be a great teammate, come out and play hard."

There's no reason to think there's any friction between the two friends, who should be a lethal combination in the Olympics.

However, at the end of the day, there are only so many MVP's and championships to go around, and LeBron is a 6'9 270 road block standing in the way of Durant's ultimate goals. Practicing against him gives Durant a goal and lets him know how far he has to go to reach the NBA's promised land.

For more on the Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

Team USA Basketball: Kevin Durant Reflects On Derrick Rose's Absence

There's no denying that Derrick Rose would be one of the most valuable members of Team USA basketball as they get ready for the 2012 London Olympics. Ever since Rose suffered a season-ending injury, the NBA regular season and postseason was never the same and the Chicago Bulls faded from relevance and competition. Now the same can be said for Team USA, who despite the tremendous talent on the roster still feels the absence of perhaps the best guard in the NBA.

Kevin Durant, perhaps the NBA's best overall player besides LeBron James and this year's league leader in scoring, reflected on his absence and it's clear Durant wishes he could have this rare chance to play alongside Rose.

"I feel so bad for him, man," Durant said after Team USA's first practice Friday. "An unfortunate injury; I wish it never happened to him. I wish he could be here with us, but it's given us more motivation to try and win it for him. We know that he belongs here, along with a few other guys as well ... hopefully, we get it done for him."

The team's architect Jerry Colangelo agreed."I have a world of respect for Derrick," Colangelo said. "We had a great opportunity to get to know him well during the World Championships in 2010 and was very proud of what he did, using that as a platform to become an MVP the following season in the NBA. It's just a terrible injury that really hurt the Bulls and their season. I had him kind of slated as one of our guards. You go with the cards dealt to you."

For more on the Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 London Olympics: James Harden Says It 'Feels Great' To Play With Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook On Team USA

If anyone thought the Oklahoma City Thunder's talent level was lucky or overhyped this last season, the roster for Team USA will prove any remaining doubters wrong. Even when able to select from the best talent in the NBA, the Thunder still grabbed 25 percent of the 12 spots on Team USA with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all taking their places on Jerry Colangelo's team.

Harden was the last one in, but he's quite happy to be here. Speaking about playing alongside his teammates and for his country, he focused about the meaning of this moment as a team and individual.

"It's a good accomplishment for us," Harden said. "I think every individual one of us is a great character guy and we work hard, tremendously hard. It shows the direction that we're in, the Thunder organization and how they draft guys... It feels great to be playing with my two teammates and I'm excited and we'll cherish it."

Harden's coach Mike Krzyzewski says he's also excited about his addition to the team.

"I like James a lot," Krzyzewski said. "I watched him play and for me, he's really a good guy. He's smart, he's great with people. He's easy to play with on the court... He understands the role of coming off the bench. I think it's a good choice for us. He earned it while he was here but also with what he's done. We're happy to have him."

For more on the Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 London Olympics: Evaluating James Harden's Spot On The Final 12-Man Roster

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be the first NBA team in history to field four players in the Olympics. While players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for the USA, along with Serge Ibaka for Spain were thought as likely selections, one player who made it was on the fringe through much of the selection process. That player, would be James Harden.

Harden's choice has raised the eyebrows of a few, but as Royce Young of the Daily Thunder points out, this selection had just as much to do with injuries and versatility.

Some seem to be wondering why Harden, but here's why: With two spots remaining between Andre Iguodala, Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon, Rudy Gay and Harden, Coach K and Jerry Colangelo went with Iguodala, an elite wing defender and Harden, a versatile ball-handler that can play three spots. Harden can handle, pass, shoot, score and obviously has an incredible ability to blend in well with anyone on the floor. He gives Team USA a fourth point guard, a knock down shooter and a player that will probably fit the international style of basketball extremely well.

Team USA chairman Jerry Colangelo also commented on the Harden selection, speaking on the tough choice of choosing Harden over Gordon.

"I think he surprised people, two months ago he was on the radar screen, but not shining brightly necessarily. Given the opportunity, he finished so strongly this season, he gave us something to really sit back and think about. He has size, he has length at his position. Defensively, he's more than adequate. He comes up with a lot of loose balls, a lot of steals and he is a scorer. And by the way, he can also shoot it. I think there's a little bit of a difference between the two. Tough choice we had to make, Eric Gordon, James Harden. Harden deserved it for the reasons I mentioned and we expect him coming off the bench as he did and he's accustomed to and to play whenever he's called upon."

The Olympics have a way of helping players evolve their games into the following season, and if it can have any effect on Harden and his Thunder teammates, then next season could make for a very interesting ride.

For more on the Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 London Olympics: LeBron James Says Team USA Is Young, Hungry And Ready For Challenge Ahead

This is the third time around for LeBron James. It’s hard to believe that James is that experienced and aged, but he’s only 27. It’s just that he was so good at such a young age, and he appeared at the perfect time to hit the Olympics in 2004 as well as 2008. Now that he’s back again at 2012 in London, he’s the most experienced member of the team along with Carmelo Anthony.

That’s a good level of experience to have given the young nature of the rest of the team. Many lack experience in the NBA, let alone international competition, and it would have been even more so if Anthony Davis had made the roster. He still could as an alternate should another player become injured.

LeBron says the challenge is ahead for the team to come together, but that some time together can fix all of that.

"The first team in ’04, we were put together really fast. The pieces didn’t fit right and it showed in our play," James said. "In ’08, it was ‘The Redeem Team,’ and guys had committed to the Olympics for a long time. That’s why we were able to win that gold because we were all about that chemistry. It’s going to take some practices, it’s going to take some exhibition games, [but] we have a lot of guys in our prime and we have a lot of young guys and hungry guys who are always looking forward to a challenge."

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all made the team from the OKC Thunder, so it will also be a great time for those players to gel in a completely different environment.

For more on the Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

Team USA Basketball: Jerry Colangelo Unnecessarily Talks Trash About DeMarcus Cousins

It was a press conference designed to talk up the subject of Team USA men’s basketball. NBA stars circled around a room ready to take questions from reporters all over the globe. If anything, it’s a time to discuss the highlights of what is right with the NBA and focus on team unity, goals and national pride coming up to the 2012 London Olympics. Instead, Jerry Colangelo unfortunately did not get the memo.

Colangelo is the architect of Team USA basketball, the man in charge of putting in members for the Oklahoma City Thunder as 25 percent of the United States’ roster. He chose James Harden over Rudy Gay, Andre Iguodala over Eric Gordon. In the end, he was going to do some explaining about his choices and there was no way around that.

But there was a way out of his remarks about Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins. That’s because he didn’t even have to talk about him in the first place.

While statistically, Cousins might have made sense, he was not included among the finalists for the roster. Instead of saying something polite when asked about Cousins (i.e. "We only comment on players who are here."), Colangelo used it as a chance to scold a player for no reason publicly.

"He needs to mature as a person (and) as a player if he’s going to have an outstanding NBA career," Colangelo said. "Before there’s discussion about him being part of our program, he has a lot of building to do. … He has a lot of growing up to do."

There’s just no reason for Colangelo to throw a kid under the bus to motivate him at this point. The decisions have been made. Cousins didn’t make the cut or even the alternates. That should be telling enough without having to dismiss him to reporters as the only player discussed not on the team or alternates.

Here’s hoping Cousins takes Colangelo’s words and turns them into something positive for motivation rather than feeling blindsided by inappropriate criticism (although it’s understandable if he feels the latter). Cousins and the Kings are heading to better places this year and beyond, especially after adding Thomas Robinson. He does not need Colangelo’s lack of etiquette to help him.

2012 London Olympics: Russell Westbrook Talks About Making The Olympic Team

Russell Westbrook talks about making the Olympic team.

2012 London Olympics: James Harden Named To Team USA Roster

James Harden is named to the 12-man Team USA roster for the London Olympic Games

2012 London Olympics: James Harden Is On The Bubble To Make Team USA Roster

The Thunder's James Harden is one of five finalist to make it on the Team USA roster

2012 London Olympics: Team USA Prep Work Refreshing For OKC Thunder's Durant, Westbrook And Harden

Ever since playing in the recent NBA Finals, the members of the Oklahoma City Thunder have been taking it easy. Thus prepping for Team USA wasn’t as simple as just getting up and going back out. Instead, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all talked about the need to get back in game-ready condition with fresh legs as they are all trying out for the roster that will represent Team USA in the 2012 London Olympics.

“It feels good, especially for me to be able to run up and down a little bit,” Westbrook said. “It’s a great opportunity for us and it’s a blessing. I’m just trying to learn. These guys won an Olympic gold medal before in Athens so I’m just trying to learn and get better.”

“We tried to get our legs into it,” Harden added. “I think all the guys are trying to get their legs back and get into a groove and get on the same page. It’s fun.”

Westbrook and Durant are considered locks to make the team with James Harden on the bubble. However injuries are taking their toll on some eligible players like new Hornets center Anthony Davis. That may open up a slot for a promising player like Harden, even though that would make three players from the Thunder on one team.

“These are my guys,” Harden said. “I’m with them every single day and now being with them and with the other best players in the world, it’s definitely a dream come true. Hopefully I can make the team and enjoy that experience with them.”

London Olympics 2012: Team USA Has Saturday Deadline For Final 12 Roster Spots

The deadline for Team USA to choose their final roster for men’s basketball is Saturday, so basketball fans will find out soon enough whether or not their favorite players will make it. Mike Bresnahan believes that nine players are locks to make it while another six contend for the final three spots, as the team whittles down to their final 12.

James Harden is among the candidates vying for one of the three spots, and his case might be helped due to an injury to Anthony Davis. Here’s Bresnahan’s quick player takes for his six on the bubble:

Anthony Davis, Hornets: On the fence for London because of a sprained ankle.
Rudy Gay, Grizzlies: Still chasing a roster spot.
Eric Gordon, Hornets: Barely played because of knee injury but somehow still alive.
Blake Griffin, Clippers: Doesn’t really have international game but still alive.
James Harden, Thunder: NBA’s sixth man of the year still alive for roster spot.
Andre Iguodala, 76ers: Versatile swingman has a chance at roster spot.

Harden makes sense in terms of ability compared to the rest of the field, but there’s also very few big men on the roster at this point. He’s also the third member of the OKC Thunder who is under consideration, so one team having 25 percent of the roster might be a bit much no matter how talented Harden is.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 London Olympics: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant Are 'Virtual Locks' To Make Team USA

While Team USA deals with injury concerns and a lack of big men, the team will still be very difficult for any other team to beat in the field in the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. That’s because the star power involved, even without Anthony Davis, is overwhelmingly in favor of the United States. That’s due in part to at least two, and perhaps three, players from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are “virtual locks" according to Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman and that’s no surprise when looking at the field. Both players have been discussed as Team USA players for some time and it’s only James Harden who looks like a question mark. Although even that would likely not be an issue if Harden played for anyone else.

Mayberry writes, “Westbrook and Durant are virtual locks to make the final team. They should become the ninth different set of teammates to compete in the summer Olympics since the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) opened the competition to NBA players in 1989. New York’s tandem of Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler, as well as some mix of the Clippers’ trio, figures to increase that tally.”

Harden is a longshot at this point, but stranger things have happened than having three teammates on the USA roster.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

James Harden In Contention For Final Team USA Roster Spots

While Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have all but secured spots on Team USA for the 2012 London Olympics, another Thunder teammate could be joining them, according to Daily Thunder.

Colangelo said there are six players vying for three spots: Harden, Blake Griffin, Rudy Gay, Iguodala, Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis.

— Royce Young (@dailythunder) July 3, 2012

Harden was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year this past season after averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists season. Davis reportedly has sprained his ankle and likely is out, so that would narrow it down to five players.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder check out Welcome To Loud City. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

Anthony Davis Reportedly Sprains Ankle, Likely Out For Team USA In 2012 Olympics