Dwyane Wade identifies Canada as the toughest matchup for Team USA: “They have the right mixture of talent”

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Team USA enters the basketball competition with an unprecedented assemblage of talent. They are not merely pursuing a gold medal but also seeking to reassert their global dominance in the sport. While all 15 players on the roster possess game-changing abilities, this abundance of skills places immense pressure on Steve Kerr's team to dominate each of their opponents.

On the other hand, other international teams also boast incredible NBA superstars, who could present a considerable challenge for an upset. In that context, Dwyane Wade has identified Canada as the team that should particularly concern Team USA.

D-Wade on Canada

While appearing on Carmelo Anthony's '7PM in Brooklyn' podcast, D-Wade emphasized a nuanced analysis of Team Canada's potential. The 13-time All-Star acknowledged the abundance of talent on Team USA but highlighted Canada's more strategic composition.

With two premier players, presumable Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Jamal Murray, Wade highlighted their strong supporting cast who not only have been instructed to play a specific role but also possess to amplify the game-winning impact of the main duo.

"Canada… They have the right mixture of talent of guys who are good role players in the NBA. The Olympics is about certain players who are 'c' guys in the NBA, then become 'A+' players in the Olympics. They understand roles. They understand sacrifice," Wade said. "(Most teams) They don't have the powers that we have, don't have the talent overall. But Canada, they got seven dudes in the NBA rotation roster, (even some player in the) MVP conversation, like they are going to be there."

Team USA crushed Canada in their initial meeting

While 'Flash' may be worried about international teams pressuring Team USA and provoking their young players to try to steal the spotlight from one another, potentially leading to an upset, Team USA's recent exhibition games suggest they have a plan for every situation.

After Canada took a 10-point lead in the opening quarter, team USA relied on perimeter shooters to stage a comeback. At the same time, their stronger defenders limited Canada's Big 3 of Murray, SGA, and RJ Barrett to below 33% shooting from the field. As a result of this strategy, by the end of the third quarter, Team USA had built a 15-point lead and ultimately held Canada to just 33.7% shooting from the field, with none of their players scoring more than 12 points.

Meanwhile, Kerr's team had four double-digit players, with each starter shooting better than 40% from the field. So, while concerns about potential ego clashes are valid, there is undoubtedly enough experience to ensure Kerr's team is always at their best, even with different units.

Related: Richard Jefferson names the best starting five for Team USA: "The U.S. has the unique ability to have the biggest lineup maybe in the history of basketball"