USA Olympic Basketball Team 2012: Why Using Under-23 Team Is Great Idea
Changing Team USA basketball to an under-23 squad for Olympic games isn't a bad idea, and it could actually help the NBA since it would allow young players to earn valuable experience against top competition in important games.
Allowing these young players to have the opportunity to play for something as prestigious as an Olympic gold medal against some of the best players in the world would do wonders for their development.
NBA commissioner David Stern isn't opposed to Team USA being comprised of players under the age of 23.
Per Sheridan Hoops:
"Stern on Wednesday endorsed a discussion of limiting the Olympics and the World Cup of Basketball (formerly called the World Championship) to players 23 and under, bowing to pressure from NBA owners who have complained that their prized assets are loaned out for free each summer to international federations.
"
Team USA doesn't need its finest players to win gold at the Olympics. There's no excuse for America to fail to win the gold medal in basketball as long as NBA players are allowed to participate.
Here are some players who could make an under-23 team for this year's Olympics in London this August.
| Position | Player | Age |
| PG | Jrue Holiday | 21 |
| PG | Kyrie Irving | 20 |
| PG | John Wall | 21 |
| SG | James Harden | 22 |
| SG | Avery Bradley | 21 |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard | 20 |
| PF | Anthony Davis | 19 |
| PF/C | Derrick Favors | 20 |
| C | Greg Monroe | 21 |
There aren't many stars on this list, but all of these players are good, young talents who represent the future of many NBA teams.
There is no need for big-time superstars like LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose to risk injury at the Olympics.
Star players play way too much competitive basketball during the summer when you consider that every two years they can participate in the Olympics or World Championships.
These players don't need these competitions to stay in shape and/or improve their game during the offseason.
If I'm the owner of the Oklahoma City Thunder, I don't want Kevin Durant playing in major tournaments every two years and risking injury. Durant is the franchise player who is crucial to the future of the Thunder.
Team USA doesn't need its best players to win gold medals on the Olympic stage, and the experience the young players would go through could really help them in the long run.
An under-23 Olympic team isn't a bad idea at all.
