Team USA Basketball 2012: Who Is the Team's MVP?

As we've seen, the U.S. Men's basketball squad has performed up to snuff (despite having scares in their last two previous games) as they have made it to the medal round. They are expected to win the gold medal.

There have been many contributors in this very strong squad which has given many the chance to decide who is the Most Valuable Player in this Olympics.

Well, who is the best player on the best team in the world?

Candidate No. 1: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant was a mighty force sending his Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals, and his level of play has carried over a few weeks later into the Olympics.

Everyone's shooting percentage is going to look extra fabulous because of the beatdown they gave Nigeria, but @KDTrey5 has been shooting as well as anyone else for the Americans.

Durant has been shooting 52 percent overall from the floor as well as over 60 percent from three-point territory. Pretty darn good.

Just like he did during the NBA season, Durant is leading the way with a team-best 18.6 points per game.

On the court, Durant has been able to compliment LeBron James's play, which has enabled the U.S. to open up their playbook a little more.

His defense has been one of the best on the team, just as it was in the NBA Playoffs.

Candidate No. 2: Chris Paul

So Chris Paul's numbers may not be as appealing as the other men on the team. Despite that, it's beyond the box score is what puts Paul into this list.

Sure, his 7.6 PPG won't make anyone raise Cain, but he's been the point guard that most thought Deron Williams would be.

Paul has had some clutch moments for the team, and without them, the U.S. would have still survived, but it's better to be deep in areas—exactly what Paul has brought to the team during this run.

Candidate No. 3: Carmelo Anthony

If this argument were solely off stats (predominantly points per game), Carmelo Anthony would run away with the title of Most Valuable American.

Anthony is coming into the elimination round bringing 17.4 PPG to the table, while bringing down 4.6 rebounds per game.

He has come off the bench for the most part in pool play, but judging by his play, fans would think he's playing as a starter.

Plus, hitting 10 three-pointers against Nigeria isn't something to ignore either.

Candidate No. 4: LeBron James

LeBron was one of the horses that the Miami Heat rode to the NBA Championship. Now, he is leading the chariot for his country.

The 2012 NBA MVP has put forth a similar effort during the Olympics. Now, his 13+ PPG isn't as impressive as what Melo or Durant has, but LeBron has the clutch shots. Just ask Lithuania.

LeBron has the ability to play all five positions and has done so without much criticism.

If pool play is the equivalent to the regular season of the NBA, then the medal round is a good forecast for LeBron's play to improve.

Sleeper Candidate: Kevin Love

For a guy who won the Three-Point Contest at All-Star Saturday Night, Kevin Love has been used more so for his size.

Love is the team's leading rebounder with 32 where big men was a big concern coming into the London Games. 

Love is getting his scoring with 13 PPG, but in the past couple weeks, his rebounding has been more vital to the team.

The Winner Is...

If we're looking solely at stats, the nod goes to Anthony.

However, the real choice here is Durant.

His second-most rebounds and minutes played has been vital for the team's success while leading the team in scoring.