NY Knicks: Julius Randle deserved a Team USA Spot over these Players

NY Knicks: The Olympic roster’s weakest links

The previous two names have a case above Randle. The following two are much more difficult arguments.

Jerami Grant, much like Randle, had a breakout season last year. The former second-round pick burst onto the scene averaging 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He became the go-to guy and earned All-Star consideration as he stepped into a leadership role with the Detroit Pistons.

The 27-year-old appears to have made a lead in his basketball career. However, he cannot match Randle in any particular statistic. He should be a good defender and role player for Team USA. I would argue that Randle would fill that position with considerably more versatility and upside.

On the other hand, we the most curious selection: veteran Kevin Love. If this final spot on Team USA is based on career achievements, the five-time All-Star makes sense. If it is meant for a veteran presence and bench leader, you could also make an argument for the NBA Champion and 2012 Olympic gold medal holder.

That being said, it is difficult to justify Love’s inclusion if the goal is to assemble the 12 best players in the US. The Cavs star averaged just 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during an injury-riddled 2020-2021.

Love is a good shooter, passer, and veteran presence. However, he is far from the dominant force he was early in his career. Give me Randle over Love every day of the week.

Do you think Randle deserved a spot on Team USA? And if so, which players would you be willing to remove to create a spot?