Projecting ideal starters for Team USA men's basketball at Olympics

The 12-man Team USA basketball roster has been finalized. 

Headlined by LeBron James and first-time Olympian Stephen Curry, the Americans look to bring home the gold against a competitive field.

Grant Hill, the managing director of the U.S. men's team, said it is important for the team to be tailored for the international game.

"The game is much more physical than the NBA game," he said, per ESPN. "And so being aware of that, having guys whose games would translate on that level on the defensive side and offensive side was important.  

Here's who Team USA head coach Steve Kerr should start.

Stephen Curry (Warriors) | point guard | 6-foot-2, 185 pounds

In a lineup with multiple ball-dominant players, having a generational floor-spacer in Curry — who doesn't need the ball to be effective — is critical. The four-time NBA champion's very presence commands the attention of defenses, freeing space for others. 

Curry is also a capable playmaker if need be (6.4 assists per game for his career). Plus, Kerr's synergy with Curry is undeniable. He has coached the former unanimous MVP for 10 seasons and knows how to get the best out of Curry in any situation — better than he can for any other player.

LeBron James (Lakers) | wing one | 6-foot-9, 250 pounds

James, 39, has declined, but he can still be a top-two player on the floor (25.7 points and 8.3 assists this season). He also brings a level of playmaking (7.4 assists per game for his career) and shooting (41% from three this season) that will be of great value to this team.

While James isn't the lockdown defender he once was, he'll have much less responsibility on this team, allowing him to home in on defense if need be. 

Kevin Durant (Suns) | wing two | 6-foot-11, 240 pounds

Durant's scoring prowess is irrefutable in any setting, but he's especially well-seasoned for the Olympics. He holds the highest scoring average in U.S. history (19.8) along with the three highest point averages in Olympic history (20.7, 19.5 and 19.4) while winning gold in every Olympics he's played in.

The two-time NBA champion will have two of the greatest playmakers of all time by his side: Curry, whom he  won those two titles with, and James. 

Without huge defensive responsibilities, Durant can simply do what he does better than almost anyone in basketball history: score.

Anthony Davis (Lakers) | power forward | 6-foot-10, 254 pounds

Davis has made his preference to play power forward very clear and will be able to do so in this lineup. He averaged 2.3 blocks this season and can further maximize his shot-blocking abilities by roaming at the four-spot.

Some might prefer better shooting, but Davis' interior presence and 7-foot-6 wingspan will be needed out the gates against the likes of a Victor Wembanyama (France), Ruby Gobert (France) or Nikola Jokić (Serbia). 

Davis can also dish out punishment on offense — he averaged 24.7 points this season — and wear down opposing bigs with his physicality.

Joel Embiid (76ers) | center | 7-foot, 280 pounds

The blend of size and shooting Embiid provides (38.8% from three this season), coupled with Davis' athleticism in the frontcourt, will put huge pressure on defenses. Embiid's ability to space the floor while still providing interior scoring relieves much of the burden from Davis to deliver on these fronts.

Furthermore, Embiid can guard centers, allowing Davis to play free safety and be an elite weakside shot blocker.

The Americans have the goods to win the Olympic gold for the fifth straight time.