Written by Jason Brubaker | 31 July 2009

Team USA wrapped up their summer mini-camps last week, and judging from reports, the future looks brighter than ever. The national program that Jerry Colangelo built with the hopes of building continuity and national pride has worked like a charm, culminating thus far with the gold medal in last summer's Olympics.

With Coach Mike Krzyzewski already signed on for the next Olympics, and plenty of young talent coming through the pipelines, another gold may soon be on the way.

 

Here's a look at some of the potential candidates for not only the 2010 World Games, but also the 2012 Olympics in London.

Kobe Bryant: Kobe will be 33 by the time the Olympics roll around, and there's no doubt he's put a lot of miles on his knees, but he's still got a spot as long as he wants it. Similar to Michael Jordan, Kobe's basketball IQ and work ethic will more than compensate for a lost step, and his tenacity and leadership were keys for the team last year.

LeBron James: King James' game is built for international competition. With the size to play in the post and the ball skills to play on the perimeter, he allowed Coach K to try a number of different lineups last summer. Like Kobe, LeBron has a roster slot as long as he wants to, and what better way to add to his legacy than with another gold medal?

Carmelo Anthony: 'Melo has been one of the consistently best players for Team USA, using his brute strength and offensive ability to score whenever he wants. Likes his good buddy LeBron, 'Melo's versatility allows for a number of different lineups, and he brings a swagger to the team. 'Melo took some giant steps forward as a maturing team leader last year for Denver, and Team USA would love to have him back for another run at the gold.

Dwyane Wade: Wade was arguably the best player for the Redeem Team last summer, using the games as kind of a personal redemption to show he was healed from his nagging injuries. His scoring off the bench was huge, and he's as dangerous as any player in the world when he's feeling good. Like the first three players on this list, a spot is his if he wants it.

Chris Paul: The best PG in the league, Paul's speed and vision make him a great fit for a team that thrives in transition. Paul has added strength, and his ball-pressuring defense triggered plenty of fast-breaks last summer. He'll likely take over the starting PG spot from Jason Kidd.

Deron Williams: Along with Paul, Williams came off the bench last summer and humbled plenty of international players, who couldn't contain his combination of speed and strength. Williams is a terrific playmaker, and runs the fast break as well as anyone in the world.

Dwight Howard: Howard's lack of post moves and poor free-throw shooting were exposed in the Olympics, but his size and athleticism still make him a threat in USA's up-tempo style. Howard defends the basket well, and his rebounding ability helps trigger the fast break. If he continues to refine his post game, he'll likely be the starting center again in 2012.

Chris Bosh: Bosh was USA's best big man last summer, coming off the bench with a ton of energy and playing with a toughness that isn't always evident during the NBA regular season. Bosh's length and ability to put the ball on the floor make him a great complement to Howard, and as he adds strength, he'll continue to be a nightmare matchup.

Kevin Durant: Like LeBron, Durant's game is perfectly suited for the international style of play. He's got the length to defend post players, but the ability to play on the perimeter on offense. Durant is already one of the best scorers in the NBA, and he's a virtual lock for an Olympic roster spot. Can you imagine game-planning for a team that brings Wade and Durant off the bench? Yikes.

Tayshaun Prince: Prince was a valuable contributor to the Redeem Team, but with Durant likely on board, there may not be a role for Prince next time around. However, Prince is a solid defender who can guard multiple positions, and he rarely looks for his own shot, making him the perfect complement to a team blessed with so many scorers.  Prince is a high-character guy who would be a welcome addition, but he may not choose to play if his minutes are drastically reduced.

Brandon Roy: Roy is a play-making two-guard who is one of the up-and-coming stars in the league. He's got a high basketball IQ, which suggests he could easily mesh into a team where he's not the main offensive option. Roy also could slide to the PG spot on occasion, and create mismatches with his size and versatility in the backcourt. He's not a Durant-like lock, but expect him to get a long look.

David Lee: Lee isn't a marquee name like the others here, but his game would be a nice fit for Team USA. Lee is a terrific rebounder who has the athleticism to guard the perimeter, where many of the international PFs like to play. Better yet, Lee doesn't need the ball to be effective, and is happy to do the dirty work while other players shine. Lee may not be the first option, but he certainly would be a solid big guy off the bench.

Derrick Rose: Rose has superstar written all over him, and by the time the Olympics roll around, he could have joined Paul and Williams as the elite PGs in the league. Rose's shot needs work, but his athleticism and court vision are extraordinary, and he would thrive in the high-octane offense favored by Team USA. The team likely will want another PG behind Williams and Paul, and Rose is in the driver's seat to get that slot.

Anthony Randolph: Randolph didn't participate in the mini-camp, but by the time 2012 rolls around, he could be contending for a spot.  Randolph has Lamar Odom-like versatility, and his athleticism is off the charts. While he needs to add strength, there's no question he's on his way to becoming a great player in the NBA. If he continues to develop, he could find himself on the team.

Rudy Gay: Gay has the athleticism and scoring ability to merit a look, but if LeBron, Kobe and Durant are on the team, Gay's chances look slim. He's got the versatility to thrive in international play, but he's not nearly as complete of a player as some of the other wings, as he lacks the playmaking and defensive capabilities that Coach K desires.

Paul Millsap:  I'll admit- this one threw me a bit at first. But the more I thought about, the more I liked it. Milsap is a rugged rebounder who doesn't mind throwing his body around. He's undersized for a PF, yet he somehow always finds his way to the ball. Who better to come off the bench when things start getting a little rough in the paint? Look for Milsap to get serious consideration.

Kevin Love: Love is very similar to Milsap, but with some offensive skills to boot. Love is not a great athlete, but he's a hard worker who plays with a ton of confidence down low. Love also has the ability to step away from the basket and shoot, and his outlet passes, already a legend, would be a terrific ignitor of the fast break.

Blake Griffin: Griffin has yet to play and NBA game, but he appears to possess the skills and athleticism to fit in great with the team. Griffin runs the floor as well as any big man, and he's a fierce competitor on the glass. If life in Clipper-land doesn't sap his energy, he could find himself in a USA jersey by 2012.

Those are just a few of the names who could find themselves defending the gold medal in London. Of course, who knows what college stars could find their way into a rotation? John Wall, Derrick Favors, Willie Warren  and Ed Davis are all expected to be top draft picks, and may very well find themselves playing in Team USA min-camps by next summer. But to me, the coolest thing is the growing interest in playing for Team USA again. Last year's team set a great example of what it means to play with pride and passion, and here's hoping that continues.