Team USA Basketball 2012: Ranking Each Player's Importance for Gold-Medal Win

As the London 2012 Olympics begin, the USA basketball team is preparing to make a run for the gold medal.

To do so, the team's most important players are going to have to perform at an elite level consistently. There are a variety of countries that could give Team USA a run for its money if said players do not shine.

While there are only 12 players on the roster, who just so happen to be the USA's best, some are much more important than others in the grand scheme of things.

If the USA is going to bring home the gold in the London Olympics, the lesser players are going to have to take a backseat to others on the roster. Each player is important, but not equally.

Here is a ranking of each player's importance for a gold-medal win for USA basketball in London.

12. Russell Westbrook

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s sporadic point guard is going to have to take a backseat to others in order for Team USA to bring home the gold this summer.

Westbrook is the third point guard on the roster behind Chris Paul and Deron Williams, at least in order of importance. He is a volume shooter, and that is not the type of production Team USA needs at this point in time.

There are times when Westbrook can look like an MVP candidate, but Team USA needs efficiency, not unpredictability. Thanks to the two players that share the same position and his lack of consistency, Westbrook may just be the least important player on Team USA.

11. James Harden

Another Oklahoma City Thunder member, James Harden is crucial depth for Team USA in London this year. The extent of his contributions should be limited to simply that.

Harden is a great option for the team off the bench, but he is overshadowed by the elite scorers on the roster. The team does not need him to light up the scoreboard, but to provide a boost off the bench every now and then.

In the future Harden may play a much bigger role in Olympic games, but for now he is not one of the most important players for the team when it comes to competing for the gold medal.

10. Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala suffers the same fate as Russell Westbrook in that there are a variety of players on the roster that are more important at this juncture.

The Philadelphia 76ers swingman has a solid all-around game and excels defensively, so pouring in a lot of points is not what the team needs from him. Team USA is likely going to win the majority of its games by outrunning the opposition, so Iggy’s defensive skills may not be needed often.

If a game happens to go down to the wire, you can bet Iggy will be in at some point to shut an opposing player down. Other than that, he is a nice option every now and then, but not worthy of a higher spot on this list.

9. Chris Paul

Chris Paul is one of the NBA’s best point guards and will help Team USA run up and down the floor at a fever pitch when he is in the game. Paul gets other players involved and is a dynamic scorer as well.

Paul’s value is diminished because most of the players on the roster, including LeBron James, can run the point and facilitate an offense. Fast-break scenarios are going to happen a lot, and Paul is not necessarily needed to dish the ball around in those situations.

Make no mistake—Paul is a critical part of the team. The problem area for Team USA, though, is the lack of big players in the middle of the court.

8. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is an elite scorer, which fits perfectly into what Team USA needs to do. So far in his NBA career he has not done much outside of the individual accolades category, which could be an issue.

In the exhibition games Anthony has played well when given time, but how much time he is given as the games wear on is up for debate. LeBron James and Kevin Durant can play the same position and are arguably more dynamic scorers.

Melo is important, but there is a logjam of scorers on the team as usual. His impact will be felt, but he is not even close to being the most important player on the team.

7. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has yet to play a possession of NBA basketball, yet he is already being ranked above proven, elite NBA players?

Absolutely.

Davis has exactly what Team USA needs. His skill set and size are perfect for pushing the team to a gold medal. Davis can make a major impact defensively and has the ability to run the floor.

What Davis lacks in experience he makes up for in size. His rebounding and defense are among the most important factors in London this year thanks to the lack of big men on the roster.

6. Deron Williams

Deron Williams falls into the same category as Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook—he is an elite all-around talent, but he cannot effectively be the heart of the defense in the middle.

Williams is arguably the best point guard on the roster. He is an elite scorer and makes everyone around him much better. His defense is outstanding as well, and his playing style makes him a perfect match.

Williams will thrive offensively and defensively in London this year, but if he fails to be effective, it will not spell doom for the team. Odds are Williams will show up big in each game, making the path to gold that much easier.

5. Kobe Bryant

Say what you want about Kobe Bryant’s age—he’s still got it. He is still a mismatch for any player that tries to defend him and can literally score at will with anyone in the world guarding him.

Bryant is still no slouch on defense either. He is physical and agitates his opposition, even if they are younger and quicker. Bryant is the type of player that can bring the whole team down if he has a bad game, but that is an unlikely scenario.

Bryant has been here before. He has done this effectively. He may not be the face of the team anymore, or even the leader, but he is setting the example for his teammates and will be an important factor in every game.

4. Kevin Love

Kevin Love is a rebounding machine. The lack of size the team possesses at this point is something Love will have to make up for if others around him get in a lot of foul trouble.

Love is an underrated scorer and can contribute in that area as well. His presence in the middle of the defense is something the team desperately needs, so his versatility and size earn him this ranking.

Love will not light up the scoreboard or have the flashy stats like others on the roster, but when the dust settles, his play will be one of the most overlooked aspects of Team USA’s success or failure.

3. Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler would have the No. 1 spot on this list if he could score more often. Luckily for Chandler, he is not on the team for his scoring ability.

Chandler is the best big man the team has and will ultimately decide the fate of the team in London. His defense when actually on the court is outstanding—given that he can stay out of foul trouble. While Kevin Love and Anthony Davis are sound defensively, it is Chandler’s specialty.

If Chandler cannot stay on the court for the majority of each game, opposing teams will be able to attack the middle of the USA defense relentlessly.

2. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has quickly become one of the best players in the world. His presence on the court alone makes opposing teams have to change defensive priorities immediately.

Durant cannot be stopped offensively. There is no way to stop his jump shot because his release is so high, and he just so happens to be elite when shooting from anywhere on the court. He also has the ability to drive the lane and involve others at will.

If Durant has a bad game, there are others on the roster that can score as well, but it may not be close to enough. Durant may be the best all-around scorer on the team, and his production will be needed in a big way each time Team USA takes the court.

1. LeBron James

LeBron James is the most important piece to a USA gold medal in London. He is the best player in the world and will have to play to that level in each game.

James is an elite defender, which is very important for the minutes he will be playing. He also has a skill set that is literally unguardable in most scenarios. James cannot be stopped when driving to the basket but has a basketball IQ similar to a point guard’s in that he can find the open man when the defense collapses to stop him.

James is a champion. He is the leader of the 2012 USA basketball team and will ultimately dictate whether the team brings home the gold or not.

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