Team USA Basketball 2012: What Lineup Should Be on the Floor in Crunch Time?

The Team USA roster is loaded with talent, but if the game is close in the fourth quarter, Mike Krzyzewksi must know what his best lineup is.

The starting lineup does not necessarily correspond with the best lineup, as was the case with 2008 team, which featured Jason Kidd as a starter. 

This Olympic squad has some weaknesses and will face stiff competition, but in the end, there is no reason it should not emerge as the gold medalist. 

If the team is facing a serious challenge late in the game, here is the lineup that must be on the floor.

Point Guard: Chris Paul

Paul proved on multiple occasions this season how much he raises his game in the fourth quarter. He was the undisputed leader of the Los Angeles Clippers and is one of the most unflappable players in basketball. 

Team USA can be sure that the ball will end up in the right place if Paul brings it up the floor. He is the best point guard on the roster and the most clutch player next to Kobe Bryant.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant 

This team is loaded with big-time players and egos, but the last shot will still go to Bryant. His five championship rings will make sure of that. 

Bryant sets the standard for winning the in NBA right now, and no player on the team has his killer instinct. He is not the best player in the game anymore, but he has earned the right to have the ball in his hands with the game on the line.

Small Forward: Kevin Durant 

The international three-point line is closer than the NBA three-point line, and a knockdown shooter needs to be on the floor. Durant certainly fits the bill and does a whole lot more. 

He shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc this past season, but will receive significantly less attention on the perimeter with all the other superstars on the floor. He is the best scorer in basketball, and he must be on the floor in crunch time.

Power Forward: LeBron James 

James is the best basketball player in the world, so he is an obvious choice to be on the floor at the end of the game. He proved this past season that he can dominate in the low post and showed off several new moves.

The reigning MVP certainly has the body to play power forward, and he will give Team USA the versatility to create favorable matchups against any team in the tournament. Playing power forward in final minutes of each game will allow the team to maximize the amount of talent on the floor. 

Center: Tyson Chandler 

This is the one position in which Krzyzewski will have to think hard over who to play. Kevin Love is a legitimate option, as his offensive game is perfect for international basketball and he is a dominant rebounder. 

But playing Love gives up too much on defense, and Chandler is the best low-post defender on the team. He may not have a reliable offensive skill set, but there is plenty of scoring firepower on the court already.