Why does the U.S. 3x3 basketball team lack star power?

The USA men's and women's 3x3 Olympic basketball teams dropped to 0-2 following losses to Serbia (22-14) and Germany (17-3) on Wednesday. With both now in danger of failing to make it out of pool play, many have wondered how they got here.

A quick glance at their rosters shows a decided lack of star power, especially for the men's side. However, there are several significant reasons for that.

For starters, no active NBA player was eligible for the men's Team USA roster. According to the FIBA rules , each four-player squad must have two players ranked among the top 10 of their country and two in the top 50 or with the minimum number of ranking points.

Team USA received an automatic bid in the 2024 games, but the only way for a player to acquire ranking points is by participating in FIBA-sanctioned 3x3 competitions. This year, those events started in March, during the heart of the NBA season, with the Olympic qualifying tournament held in May.

That means being a member of the 3x3 national team is nearly impossible if you're an NBA player. The result is a roster that includes three players who never suited up for an NBA game — Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis — and Jimmer Fredette, whose last game in the association came in 2019.

The women's team didn't face as stiff a challenge as they assembled a squad featuring multiple-time WNBA All-Stars Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard. However, the regulations did rule out some of the league's most prominent young stars, including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Like the men, the women's team received an automatic bid. Yet, for WNBA players seeking eligibility, that would have meant sacrificing time during the offseason right before the WNBA campaign, which begins in May.

Meanwhile, the difference in the 3x3 game compared to 5x5 play may have had an impact. Obviously, playing on only half the court changes strategy, but that isn't the only thing that separates it.

The basketball used is the same size as a regulation WNBA ball but weighs the same as an NBA ball. Likewise, it has weather-proof grips , which are usually featured on outdoor balls.

Points are also scored differently , with two-point field goals worth one point and shots made from beyond the arc worth two points. Furthermore, there's a 12-second shot clock instead of 24 seconds, and a team can win by becoming the first to reach 21 points or have the lead after 10 minutes of play.

The unique style of basketball appeals to only certain players, though that could change if the game gains popularity. However, until that happens and eligibility rules are either revised or loosened, this is probably as good as it gets for Team USA in 3x3 play.