In Team USA’s three exhibition games so far — against Canada, Australia, and Serbia — the only players who have consistently started are LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid.
Coach Steve Kerr intends to keep this lineup strategy for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After defeating Serbia 105-79 on Wednesday, Kerr confirmed that the other two starting spots will vary from game to game, as they have done previously.
“I like having those three guys in the starting lineup,” Kerr told reporters. “We’ve been experimenting with different players around them [Embiid, Curry, and James], and we have plenty of strong options. But I feel good about those three starts.”
In the first exhibition game against Canada, Kerr started Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday. Against Australia, he opted for Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards. For the game against Serbia, Tatum remained in the lineup while Holiday returned to strengthen the backcourt defense.
Some analysts have suggested that Kerr should start Anthony Davis instead of Embiid for defensive reasons, as Davis has been one of Team USA’s standout players in the three games. Davis has shown greater defensive versatility and has been more effective as a rim protector compared to Embiid.
For instance, in the recent game against Serbia, Davis significantly impacted the game in the second half after Serbia’s Nikola Jokic dominated inside early on. Davis ended the game with six blocks, along with seven points and six rebounds.
Bam Adebayo has consistently been a defensive powerhouse whenever he’s been needed. During Wednesday’s game, Coach Kerr paired Adebayo and Davis together for stretches, and the strategy worked perfectly.
“Bam and AD together are really impressive,” Kerr remarked. “They can switch defensively, protect the rim, and adapt their coverage based on the situation. Combined with the pressure Booker applied on their point guard, it set a strong tone for us.”
Whether it’s Adebayo, Davis, Embiid, Curry, or James in the starting lineup, Kerr faces a positive challenge. Kevin Durant, who is recovering from a calf strain, will add another option when he returns.
Team USA has two more warm-up games in London against South Sudan on July 20 and Germany on July 22 before heading to France for the 2024 Paris Olympics. They kick off their quest for a fifth consecutive gold medal against Serbia on July 28.
