Building a 12-Man Non-USA Olympic Team

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Apr 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Alan Anderson (6) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

On the Wing

–Nicolas Batum (France/Hornets)

–Dario Saric (Croatia/Sixers)

–Mario Hezonja (Croatia/Magic)

–Manu Ginobili (Argentina/Spurs)

Batum is one of the best non-USA players in the Olympics so he would be a lock in the starting lineup. He was crucial to the success in Portland while embracing the new, bigger role in Charlotte over the past year. His ability to score and defend on the wing at an NBA level would be irreplaceable.

In this case, I would have Batum at my starting shooting guard where he would probably take the task of defending Klay Thompson.

At small forward, Dario Saric would get the nod as the starter as the Croatian is finally making his leap to the NBA this coming season. Saric was the 12th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and would provide athleticism on the wing with his 6’10” frame.

Off the bench, I would have youngster Mario Hezonja from Croatia, who was the 5th overall pick in last years draft. Of course, Ginobili is on the backend of his career, but he would still be one of the first people off the bench on this team.

Next: The Front Court