There has been a lot of news surrounding Team USA in recent days. The biggest was NBA star Kawhi Leonard being replaced on the team by Derrick White.
Leonard, who was injured during the 2024 NBA Playoffs, was rehabbing to play in the Summer Olympics. It was decided last week that his best course of action was focusing on his health.
Another bit of injury news that Team USA is keeping an eye on is Kevin Durant. He is dealing with a calf injury that kept him out of practice over the weekend and will likely sideline him for Monday’s friendly against Australia.
Against Australia, we are also going to see a new lineup combination. Against Canada, Team USA started Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James and Joel Embiid.
The three-guard lineup was to combat the strength of Canada, which is their perimeter. Against Australia, head coach Steve Kerr wants to try a different look, as changes will be made.
As shared by Joe Vardon of The Athletic, it looks as if Team USA will insert two other NBA stars into their starting lineup. Jayson Tatum of the defending champion Boston Celtics and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kerr has said he will try different lineup combinations during the exhibition games to prepare for the Paris Games in a few weeks. It makes sense to see what works now, as the international game is much different from the style of play in the NBA.
Given how much talent is on Team USA, Kerr could opt to change his lineup based on matchups. But, finding a starting five and setting a rotation is likely the best route to take so everyone knows their role and what is expected going into the tournament.
For example, Embiid fouled out quickly against Canada. He was going up against Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell for most of that matchup. Questions will persist about his fit on Team USA as teams will challenge him to stick on the perimeter.
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