Without Kevin Durant, Team USA is looking to set up James Harden in a leadership position.
In a report by CBS Sports, coach Mike Krzyewski said, "We've only been with this group for four practices and an exhibition game. The four practices in Vegas were centered around a team with [Kevin] Durant on it. This group's still evolving."
Several stars withdrew from the team in the past few weeks such as Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul George and Blake Griffin, causing Krzyewski to make several adjustments and expand the roles of the remaining players. Derrick Rose looked like he is back in top form and will certainly be in the starting five. Anthony Davis has also been consistent in the paint area. Without Durant and Russell Westbrook in the lineup, James Harden seemed like the most viable choice to lead Team USA to the gold.
Coach Krzyewski said, "James has been as good a leader as we've had for this team. He has a great personality. He is an upbeat guy, smart, and he's obviously very, very talented. With this group, especially after Kevin left, he has asserted himself even more as an older guy. I know him, he knows me, because we have worked together. He's really one of our key guys. There is no question about it."
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Krzyewski was also asked about Derrick Rose and the possibility of putting him in the leadership spot. He replied, "Well, not so much leadership. I think he's done a really good job. He needs to keep finding himself and his rhythm and not be worried about leading a team. Harden and Curry are really good with that, but Derrick's done a good job."
After proclaiming himself to be the best basketball player alive in a report by ESPN, James shared that he is ready to be team leader, "I'm capable of leading a team. Obviously, I'm still learning and have a long way to go, but the first couple of steps is already there. So, trying to be more vocal is part of my leadership role, especially on this team. Guys have the talent but guys are kind of shy and might not want to talk. Coach K had plenty of talks with me, (telling me to) make sure you're vocal, make sure guys hear you. So, that's what I tried to do."