What’s the best starting 5 for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics? Discover the winning formula for A’ja Wilson and Co.

The U.S. women’s basketball team packs its bags and heads to Paris with one goal in mind: an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. They have their sights set on a feat no team has ever accomplished. There’s no doubt the pressure is on, but if there’s one thing we know about this team, it’s that they always have a way to win. Let’s see what head coach Cheryl Reeve has in store to secure that coveted gold medal.

With a roster full of skills, the possibilities for the starting lineup are endless. But which combination of players has the potential to create a powerful strategy that can yield the best results?

Team USA starting five: mix of experience and versatility

For Team USA, a well-balanced lineup is essential to control the pace and take advantage of every opportunity on the field. The following combination could fit that bill perfectly.

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

For starters, Diana Taurasi has proven that 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 role of team leader and she can be a first-pick shooting guard in the lineup. And when we combine her clutch shooting with Sabrina Ionescu’s all-around game and Chelsea Gray’s playmaking mind, we can expect a dynamic matchup on the court. The addition of Sabrina Ionescu, the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, adds a new element to the team. Averaging an impressive 19.4 points and 6.2 assists this season, the young talent is a notable contender for the point guard position.

Chelsea Gray, who is often referred to The Point God, could see her role on this team shift to the center position. Known for her exceptional play, the Aces star has 4.7 assists per game in her WNBA career, according to ESPN. That puts her among the league’s elite passers. With Gray and Ionescu as facilitators, the team can maximize space, allowing forwards to exploit mismatches and create high-percentage chances. Gray’s arrival also opens up opportunities to partner with Taurasi and apply pressure on the perimeter, while Ionescu’s anticipatory skills can lead to steals and transition opportunities for the team.

Up front, two-time WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart could be an obvious choice at the forward position with 19.3 points and 9 rebounds per game this season. Paired with the New York Liberty star, her WNBA rival A’ja Wilson will undoubtedly form an unbeatable duo. Stewart and Wilson’s versatility will allow the team to seamlessly transition defenses, disrupt opposing offenses, and force turnovers. Wilson’s inclusion will provide an added threat as she can combine with Gray in pick-and-roll scenarios that will be challenging for any defense to contain, creating open shots for perimeter players and easy baskets inside.

This combination offers a perfect blend of experience, versatility and dynamism. However, the depth on the bench can be just as crucial to 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 Jong
• Kahleah Copper
• Napheesa Necklace/Alyssa Thomas
• Brittney Griner

Whether it’s Jewell Loyd or Kelsey Plum, either of these sharpshooters on the bench could have a decisive impact on games. Loyd is averaging nearly 19.7 points per game this season, while Plum is shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc, which shows their offensive prowess. Jackie Young could be another bright spot on the bench, as she’s also having an impressive WNBA season, with 18.5 points and 1.1 steals per game.

Known for her ability to defend multiple positions, Kahleah Copper’s defensive prowess and relentless energy make her a valuable asset. She is averaging an astonishing 23.3 points per game this season. The aAdding Mercury star Brittney Griner, known for her shot-blocking and inside scoring ability, could also have a big impact. She is averaging 1.4 blocks with 6.4 rebounds per game in this WNBA season.

Additionally, Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas will provide additional versatility and toughness in the frontcourt. Collier’s ability to play both forward positions and Thomas’ all-around game will ensure the team maintains a strong presence in the paint. Collier is averaging 20 points, while Thomas has tallied nearly 8 assists per game this season.

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