Carmelo Anthony has outrageous take on Team USA starting five

Before fans immediately dismiss Melo's surprising take, it should be noted that he knows something about having the ultimate success at the Olympics.

Anthony is the most decorated Olympian in USA men's basketball, having won a record four medals (tied with Durant with three gold medals) and is the team's all-time leader in points, rebounds and games played. KD would pass his counterpart in gold medals if the Americans finish first this summer, and he and James would tie Anthony in total medals if Team USA places in the top three.

Given their experience, Durant and James seem like locks for coach Steve Kerr's first five. While Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is remarkably taking part in his first Olympics at 36, it'd be a shock if Kerr doesn't have his longtime sharpshooter roll out with the opening unit at the start of each contest.

The other two spots are up for grabs. Suppose the Americans want a traditional five who can dominate any other country. In that case, they have options in AD, Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat or Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. The final spot would likely start alongside Curry in the backcourt. If Kerr wants another lethal shooter, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns would be the choice. However, with a more well-rounded game, Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards is more deserving.

That would leave a trio of Boston Celtics, the newly added Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, coming off the bench along with Booker, Tyrese Haliburton and two of the centers.

Regardless of how Kerr decides to divide the roles, the Americans will enter the competition as heavy favorites for their fifth straight gold.