Crafting a Modern Day USA Dream Team

There was once a team of the most elite American basketball players that were sent to the Olympics to take home the gold.

Not only did they take home the gold, but they defeated every team they played by an average of 44 points. It is widely considered one of the strongest teams ever built.

Thus, the nickname "Dream Team" was born.

If there were to be a modern-day Dream Team, these are the players it would consist of.

C: Dwight Howard

It isn't difficult to see that Dwight Howard is the most dominant center in the league and would be a huge asset to this modern day Dream Team. He averaged 22 PPG 14 RPG and 2.4 BPG.

While his free throw percentage is a mere .596, all of his other stats are pretty solid. Every great team needs a great big man.

Dwight Howard is this team's big man.

PG: Chris Paul

Chris Paul may be the best point guard in the entire league, (with a possible chance that Derrick Rose be as good) will play along side Wade and James like he was on their NBA team, the Heat. All three have the same style of playing.

 His stats are very solid averaging 15.9 PPG and 9.8 APG. His PPG may seem low, but it is because he is a passer, not a shooter, which is essential to international play.

Chris Paul is another down-low guy that will aid this team's quest for glory.

G: Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade is probably the most experienced player in this starting lineup. He knows what it's like to play at the top of the sport and could make a great captain.

While he might average less PPG than some of the other starters, 25.5 is still a lot. He also has 4.6 APG and 6 RPG. Wade is a down-low player that will accelerate these other players to perform at their top level.  

F: Lebron James

While LeBron has been given much heat for changing teams (no pun intended), he is still one of the best forwards out there.

Averaging 26.7 PPG and 7 APG is a feat done by few.

While he still may be hated or despised by pretty much everyone who is not a Heat fan, LeBron still makes it to the Dream Team.

SF: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant not only lead his team to a terrific playoff run, but he won his second straight scoring title. His PPG dropped slightly to 27.7 and he now averages 6.8 RPG.

He is now one of the top forwards in the league and will be one of the stars of this Dream Team. 

Questionable Starter: PG Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose had his breakthrough season this year, winning the MVP and leading his team to an amazing playoff run.

Not only can he drive to the basket against some of the biggest defenders and still score, but he can shoot from beyond the arc.

His stats are incredible. He averages 25 PPG 7.7 APG and his free throw percentage is .858. With these stats, Rose will be one of the strongest players on the team. Whether he starts or sits on the bench.

Bench: The Substitutes

The bench is an important part of any team. Here are the players that will be on the modern-day Dream Team, but won't be starting.

Kobe Bryant: This veteran had a disappointing season last year, but his stats remain intact. His 25.3 PPG and 5.1 RPG will aid this team in their quest for glory. 

Deron Williams: This PG legacy will perform amazingly when he is subbed in for Wade or Rose. While his team may not have played well last season, he will be averaging 20 PPG and 10 APG.

Carmelo Anthony: Another SF to add to the team, Anthony may be the strongest on the bench with 25 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Surprising he didn't become a starter.

Andrew Bynum: One of the most dominant centers in the league is here to spice things up with his 11.3 PPG and 9.4 RPG.

Amare Stoudemire: This PF will be a definite asset who averages 25.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG and a very acceptable FT% of .792. 

Al Horford: Another backup center that will dominate the lane. Averaging 15.3 PPG and 10 RPG, he will be force to be reckoned with.