These are a few of the guys who have made their mark in the last 20 years as the face of USA Basketball, leading their peers and their nation in international competition around the globe.
The fiery competitors, like MJ and Kobe, would accept that role eagerly. The more unselfish players, like Duncan and LeBron, would reluctantly sign on.
The next face of Team USA is Kevin Durant, and he’s being dragged into it kicking and screaming.
Mike Krzyzewski is still almost three weeks away from finalizing his roster for the world championships tipping off at the end of this month — but when he does, Durant will inevitably make the team and instantly be coronated as the new king of the red, white and blue.
Durant seems too quiet and too modest to be the center of attention. He routinely downplays his own greatness, deflecting praise to his teammates, coaches and fans. But he’s one of the finest talents in the world, and whether he likes it or not, he’s going to get the recognition he deserves this summer.
Durant is still only 21 years old — he turns 22 late next month. But his reputation already precedes him. He’s got quite a resume.
At 17, he was the co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American game. At 18, he was the AP, Naismith, Wooden, Rupp and Robertson national player of the year in college basketball. At 19, he was a Rookie of the Year in the NBA, and now, he’s got a scoring title and a playoff series under his belt.
Now it’s time for him to make that leap. Just like Kobe and LeBron before him, it’s time for Durant to have his coming-out party as the ringleader of Team USA.
The rest of the small forwards that Coach K has at his disposal are almost as dangerous as Durant. It’s a deep, talented group up and down.
Rudy Gay would be a solid candidate to be the team’s second-leading scorer after Durant, except Gay’s playing time is an unknown with Durant entrenched as the obvious starter at the three. Gay just signed a massive max contract to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies — five years, $82 million — and now that he’s conquered NBA free agency, he’s ready to try his hand at the international game. He brings with him superb athleticism and uncanny scoring ability. He’ll be a major weapon in Coach K’s arsenal.
Andre Iguodala gives the Americans another option as a wing scorer. He’s not the same shot-creating force that Durant and Gay can be, but he has the athleticism to make things happen in the open court. Look for A.I. and Rajon Rondo to come off the bench and wreak havoc with their speedy transition game.
Danny Granger is another productive small forward in the Iguodala mold — but he’s got perhaps a more diverse game, with the ability to run in transition or get his shot in the half-court. But on a team that’s rife with wing scorers, Granger might be the least impressive athletic specimen of the bunch, and if Coach K has to cut one guy at the position, it could be him.
All these guys have talent, and any could potentially make an impact. But only one is the face of the franchise.
