Team USA Women’s Basketball team is packing their bags and heading to Paris with one goal in mind: the eighth straight Olympic gold medal. They have their sights set on a feat that no team has ever accomplished. There is no doubt that pressure is on, but if there’s one thing we know about this team, they always have a way to find victory. Let’s dive in and see what Head Coach Cheryl Reeve might be cooking up to secure that coveted gold medal.

With a roster brimming with skills, the possibilities for the starting lineup are endless. But, what combination of players holds the potential for a powerful strategy which can deliver the best results? 

Team USA starting five: Blend of experience and versatility

For Team USA, having a well-balanced lineup is key to controlling the tempo and maximizing every opportunity on the court and the following combination could just be perfect to deliver on that.

• Diana Taurasi  
• Sabrina Ionescu 
• Chelsea Gray 
• Breanna Stewart 
• A’ja Wilson 

To begin with, Diana Taurasi has proved age doesn’t matter as she averages 16.1 points with 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Her experience will put her in the team leader’s role and she can be a first-pick shooting guard in the lineup. And if we combine her clutch-shooting with Sabrina Ionescu’s all-round play and Chelsea Gray’s play-making brain then we can expect a dynamic game on the field. The inclusion of Sabrina Ionescu, NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, adds a fresh element to the team. Averaging an impressive 19.4 points and 6.2 assists this season, this young talent is a standout contender for the point guard spot.

Chelsea Gray, who is often called The Point God, could see her role shift with this team to the center position. Known for her exceptional playmaking, the Aces star’s WNBA career has 4.7 assists per game, as per ESPN. That puts her among the league’s elite passers. With Gray and Ionescu facilitating, the team can maximize spacing which will allow forward players to exploit mismatches and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. Gray’s addition will also provide a scope for linking up with Taurasi and applying pressure on the perimeter as well, while Ionescu’s anticipating skills can lead to steals and transition opportunities for the team.

In the front, two-time WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart can be an obvious choice for the forward position with 19.3 points and 9 rebounds per game this season. Pairing up with the New York Liberty Star will surely be her WNBA rival, A’ja Wilson, making for an unstoppable duo. The versatility of Stewart and Wilson will allow the team to switch on defense seamlessly, disrupting opposing offenses and forcing turnovers. Wilson’s inclusion will bring an additional threat as she can combine with Gray in pick-and-roll scenarios which will be challenging for any defense to contain, creating open shots for perimeter players and easy baskets inside.

This combination provides a perfect blend of experience, versatility, and dynamism. However, the depth on the bench can be just as crucial for any team’s successful campaign. Let’s take a look at the set of potential reserves for Team USA.

Team USA bench depth

• Jewell Loyd/Kelsey Plum
• Jackie Young 
• Kahleah Copper
• Napheesa Collier/Alyssa Thomas
• Brittney Griner

Whether it’s Jewell Loyd or Kelsey Plum, having either of these sharpshooters on the bench can create a decisive impact on games. Loyd averaged almost 19.7 points per game this season, while Plum shot 37.4% from beyond the arc which showcases their offensive prowess. Jackie Young can be another sparking element on the bench as she also has an impressive WNBA season, scoring 18.5 points and 1.1 steals every game.

Known for her ability to guard multiple positions, Kahleah Copper’s defensive prowess and relentless energy make her a valuable additional asset. She has a whopping average of 23.3 points per game this season. The addition of Mercury’s star Brittney Griner, famous for her shot-blocking ability and scoring inside, can have a great impact as well. She has averaged 1.4 blocks with 6.4 rebounds per game in this WNBA edition.

Moreover, Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas will offer additional versatility and toughness in the frontcourt. Collier’s ability to play both forward positions and Thomas’s all-around game ensure that the team maintains a strong presence in the paint. Collier averages 20 points while Thomas has made almost 8 assists every game this season.

The synergy between all these players is going to be crucial for Team USA’s success. Their collective skills and chemistry set the stage for a compelling and strategic approach, making Team USA a formidable contender for the gold at the 2024 Olympics.