Ahead of Saturday’s Olympic basketball tip-off, Sportsnet’s basketball panel will tackle the burning questions heading into the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Which team has the best shot at challenging USA for gold?
What if USA sent a team of only young players instead?
Who is the Player to Watch in this tournament?
Jeff Simmons, sports enthusiast
Kevin Durant — After stunning the NBA world in the off-season by leaving OKC to join the Golden State Warriors (aka dark side), Durant’s every move will be fascinating. Plus, it’ll be great to see how he fits with his new Warriors teammates, including Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Evan Rosser, senior editor
Judging by the exhibitions played in the lead up: DeMar DeRozan. The 360 attempt showed he’s there to put on a show and the baseline dunk against Nigeria added an exclamation point.
Craig Battle, senior editor
Carmelo Anthony. No, seriously. The longest-serving USMNT member is a stud in international play, and the shorter three-point line makes him lethal from deep.
Dave Zarum, NBA editor
DeMarcus Cousins. In the NBA he’s been surrounded by inferior talent, asked to be a one-man-show in Sacramento—and he, um, doesn’t seem to enjoy it all that much. On USA a stress-relieved Cousins should be more at ease and able to focus solely on basketball, which he happens to be pretty great at. Cousins is the NBA’s premier big man, and playing a starring role down low for the Americans he’ll have a great opportunity to remind everyone why.
Dan Robson, senior writer
Kevin Durant. USA is legitimately his team. Will be fun to see how he leads.
Donnovan Bennett, staff writer
Carmelo Anthony. In what will (probably) be his last Olympics he will become the most decorated international player of his generation. Say what you want about Melo, he’s always played his best ball for Team USA.
Which non-American players will you be keeping an eye on?
Dan Robson, senior writer
Sergio Llull, Spain — hopefully will see how he matches up against NBA talent in a gold medal game.
Evan Rosser, senior editor
China’s Zhao Jiwei. Had the handle and confidence to humiliate KD one-on-one off the dribble. The guy’s just a winner.
Dave Zarum, NBA editor
Ricky Rubio is always a ton of fun to watch running the point for Spain. What’s more, he’s in the midst of an NBA off-season where he’s been the speculation of trade rumours and will be entering training camp fighting for his starting spot in Minnesota. A strong tourney might provide the confidence boost he needs, and he should have plenty of motivation beyond, you know, winning gold.
Donnovan Bennett, staff writer
Miloš Teodosić is the best point guard in the tournament not from the USA, Spain or France. The Serbian player for CSKA Moscow is a great passer and can get into the lane at will.
Craig Battle, senior editor
Carlos Delfino/Andres Nocioni (tie). For old time’s sake.
Jeff Simmons, sports enthusiast
Yi Jianlin. Team China doesn’t have much talent in their backcourt so they’ll be leaning heavily on their big men, which means a major role for the former NBA lottery pick.
