Ranking the best players in men's Olympic basketball tournament

The 2024 Paris Olympics, which begin July 26 and conclude Aug. 11, will include some of the best basketball players in the world in the men's tournament.

Per FanDuel , Team USA, which features a bevy of NBA stars and future Hall of Famers, is the heavy favorite to win a gold medal. The Americans have by far more gold medals (16) in the sport than any other country.

However, the surge in European talent means Team USA isn't guaranteed the top spot on the medal podium.

Here's a ranking (in inverse order) of the best players — all NBA stars — expected to play in the Olympics:

9. Kevin Durant | United States | Phoenix Suns

Durant, 35, is still a top-10 player in the world. His 6-foot-11 frame and limitless shooting ability will ensure he's a significant threat against all opponents.

Durant played in 75 regular-season games for Phoenix this season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and five assists. He is nursing a calf injury that prevented him from playing in Team USA's 98-92 win over Australia on Monday and a 105-79 win over Serbia on Wednesday.

If healthy, Durant will have a significant role in head coach Steve Kerr's rotation as the Suns' star chases his fourth Olympic gold medal.

8. Anthony Davis | United States | Los Angeles Lakers

Davis, a 6-foot-10 forward, has shined during Team USA's warm-up games against Canada and Australia. His physicality and interior presence have significantly boosted Kerr's roster. Davis could emerge as a dominant force throughout the Olympics and cement himself as the team's most important player.

Davis projects as a two-way juggernaut when factoring in his mobility and lateral quickness, so opponents will have him high on their scouting reports. Team USA's many scoring options should provide him with enough spacing to thrive on the glass and in the paint.

7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Canada | Oklahoma City Thunder

After an MVP-caliber season , Gilgeous-Alexander — the fourth-leading scorer in the NBA in 2023-24 (30.1 PPG) — will be hoping to lead the Canadians to only their second medal in the sport. (They won a silver at the 1936 Games in Berlin.)

The Thunder's star guard is an elite ball-handler, playmaker, scorer and transition threat. His presence will allow Canada to play with pace while also breaking down teams in the half-court.

Jamal Murray's partnership with Gilgeous-Alexander should also help bring the best out of the All-Star guard, as SGA will have a secondary playmaker and scorer to help take pressure off his shoulders.

6. LeBron James | United States | Los Angeles Lakers

Even at 39, James is still one of the best players in the world. His presence within the Team USA setup is a major boost to its chances of success. James' physicality, three-level scoring and defensive leadership will be key aspects of Kerr's game plan.

Expect James to be used sparingly as an on-ball creator. Instead, his strength and athleticism on catch-and-drive actions will likely be a staple of his role under Kerr.

James has evolved as a perimeter shooter, hitting 41% from deep last season. If he can operate in some pick-and-pop actions or is willing to space the floor and hit catch-and-shoot jumpers, his value to the team will rise further.

5. Jayson Tatum | United States | Boston Celtics

Tatum enters the Olympics as an NBA champion and a former Olympic gold medalist. He has also emerged as a true "winning" player.

Over the past year, Tatum has flashed a complete skill set . Kerr will undoubtedly want to use his size (6-foot-8) and strength, trusting that Tatum can make passing reads when driving to the hoop if the defense collapses.

After a tough NBA season on the perimeter (37.6% from three), Tatum may build rhythm from deep as he looks to break out of the worst shooting slump of his career.

4. Stephen Curry | United States | Golden State Warriors

Curry is still the best shooter on the planet — scratch that — he's the best shooter in history (42.6% shooting percentage from three for career). Playing in his first Olympics, Curry and his perimeter scoring, floor spacing and playmaking will be the engine that makes Team USA tick.

Kerr, the Golden State Warriors HC, and Curry are clearly familiar with each other. Expect Kerr to feature Curry on offense at every possible opportunity. His presence on Team USA's roster will unlock scoring opportunities for everyone around him.

3. Joel Embiid | United States | Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid is still recovering from meniscus surgery , but when healthy, he is one of the most dominant players in the world. He's almost unstoppable in the paint and has the ability to defend the rim at an elite level. However, he looked slow during Team USA's opening pre-Olympic games, and his mobility also looked limited.

If he can earn legitimate minutes, Embiid will give Team USA an X-factor in the middle of the floor. Unfortunately for the Americans, the MVP candidate is unlikely to play too much as he continues to recover and focuses on the upcoming NBA season.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo | Greece | Milwaukee Bucks

Antetokounmpo is the battering ram who gives Greece's offense legitimacy. Even the best defenses in the tournament will struggle to contain the Bucks' star. When he goes downhill — either in transition or when coming off a screen — there are little opponents can do to stop him.

Greece doesn't project to be a top-three team in the Olympics. However, with Antetokounmpo, the Greeks could be the tournament's surprise package.

1. Nikola Jokic | Serbia | Denver Nuggets

Jokic is still the best player in the world. His unorthodox playing style and elite passing ability (6.9 APG career average in NBA) make him one of the toughest opponents to guard. Serbia plays a physical brand of basketball with a heavy emphasis on executing the basics at a high level.

Regardless of who Serbia plays, it will always have the best player on the court. If the Serbs can execute under a strict game plan, Jokic's presence could give them a shot at winning a medal.