2012 Summer Olympics: 4 Players Who Will Not Make USA Basketball Final Roster

USA Basketball has the tough decision of cutting four perennial all-stars players as they get set for the London Olympics. The Olympic team is searching for another gold medal to add to the trophy case. The team must have the perfect blend of talent in order to make that happen.

Here are four players who should miss the cut for the US Men's team:

James Harden

Harden is a great player and facilitator, but showcased a bad case of the nerves during the 2012 NBA Finals. Up until that point, Harden was a poised and legitimate clutch performer. However, on the biggest stage, he was a no show.

Harden is young and will have the chance down the line in 2016 to participate in the Olympic team, but now his youth might be a negative for the team.  

Eric Gordon

Gordon is another young and talented player, but he is coming off a season-ending right knee injury. To come off an injury and go straight into world championship basketball seems a bit risky.

Who knows how Gordon's knee will hold up? He will also have the opportunity for the 2016 Olympics, but now should not be his time.

Rudy Gay

Gay is an extremely athletic scorer, but in big games he does not will his team to victory as much as he should. In order to participate on the Olympic team, every player should have the leadership quality for their NBA team. Gay just does not display that with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gay did produce in the World Championships two years ago. However, with other talented forwards like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant, there is no need for Gay. 

Blake Griffin

Griffin is super athletic and is a great player to watch, but as in the playoffs, the Olympic basketball games are half-court. There is a slower pace in this style of basketball.

He is also another forward, and this roster is stacked with forwards. Not saying that Griffin can not help the team, but his offense is limited outside of amazing dunks. He will most definitely be apart of the 2016 Olympics, but right now for this year's Olympic team, he might not be the best fit.