NBA Odds – Who Will Be on USA’s Rio Roster?

He finished sixth in the NBA in points per game, eighth in assists and yet Damian Lillard was still snubbed from the All-Star Game in Toronto this year. That’s one of the downsides of fan-voting; a star point guard playing in a smaller market can passed over for more “notable” players. Perhaps that disappointment is what spurred Lillard to call up USA Basketball and get his name added to a list of 30 finalists.

Now this summer, Lillard will have a chance to play his way onto the greatest All-Star team in the world; USA’s Olympic Basketball team.

The news that Chris Paul is bowing out of contention thanks to his broken hand opens a door for Lillard at the point guard position. While reigning MVP Steph Curry and 2012 gold medal winner Russell Westbrook seem likes locks to make the team, Lillard will be in tough competition with Kyrie Irving, Mike Conley, and a host of others to claim the third PG spot.

And that will hardly be the only difficult decision for Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski’s plate. Whittling down a roster of 12 players from over 25 of the NBA’s best will be no easy task, even with Paul, Blake Griffin, John Wall and Anthony Davis out with injuries. DeMar DeRozan, Dwight Howard, Gordan Heyward and Kenneth Faried mark just a few of the incredible longshots to make the team.

So, with the NBA playoffs winding down, and most of the remaining players’ fates already clear, we’ve decided to examine the odds of some of the bubble players for Team USA.

Locks to make Team USA roster for 2016 Olympics:

• LeBron James (Cavaliers)
• Kevin Durant (Thunder)
• Steph Curry (Warriors)
• Russell Westbrook (Thunder)
• James Harden (Rockets)
• Carmelo Anthony (Knicks)

Five players from the 2012 Olympic team and the NBA’s back-to-back MVP: it’s safe to say their seats are reserved. It’s worth noting that James hasn’t committed to the Summer Games yet, but his decision would be about the only reason he’s not on this team. As for Anthony, he may be on his way down, but he’s still a dynamic scorer and will be looking to make his fourth Olympic team. That kind of service will get recognized.

Odds to make Team USA roster for 2016 Olympics:

• Klay Thompson (Warriors): 1/10
• Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers): 1/4
• Kawhi Leonard (Spurs): 2/7
• Draymond Green (Warriors): 1/3
• Paul George (Pacers): 3/7
• DeMarcus Cousins (Kings): 2/3
• Damian Lillard (Trailblazers): 5/4
• Andre Drummond (Pistons): 2/1
• Jimmy Butler (Bulls): 2/1
• LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs): 7/3
• Kevin Love (Cavaliers): 4/1
• DeAndre Jordan (Clippers): 5/1
• Andre Iguodala (Warriors): 7/1

With such an embarrassment of riches at small forward, the States will likely end up taking another smaller lineup to Rio. LeBron and KD can always play the four, opening up more court time for the NBA’s best defender in Leonard. George should also somehow find his way into the mix, even though his last taste of international play didn’t turn out well.

Another fascinating decision for this team will be in the post, at the center spot. Will the team take more versatile players with range like Green and Love, or will they follow the past model of taking at least one true rim-protector, like Cousins or Drummond?

(Photo Credit: Mansoor Ahmed photos of Team USA basketball at London 2012 Olympics. Posted via Christopher Johnson (flickr). Photo has been cropped.)