Chris Paul

A move to Los Angeles in December raised Paul's profile, and another strong Olympic performance could do the same. He wasn't even a starter at the Beijing Games - that might change in London - but played the most minutes of any American point guard. Paul led the team with 33 assists and had nine turnovers, fewer than fellow point men Deron Williams and Jason Kidd, as the U.S. went 8-0. He also had 18 steals, one less than LeBron James for the team lead, and he's topped the NBA in that category in each of the past two seasons and four of the last five. His terrific play at both ends of the floor in his first season with the Clippers - after six with the Hornets - helped turn the perennial doormats into a playoff team. He was named to the All-NBA first team for a second time, averaging 19.8 points and 9.1 assists while ranking second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio. Taking that kind of care of the basketball, regularly involving teammates as much as he looks for his own shot and playing strong defense might make him the most valuable point guard on this U.S. roster. However, he certainly can score when the opportunity presents itself, having posted 50 games with at least 30 points (including playoffs). A competent 3-point shooter who is very good in transition, Paul scored 61 points - his grandfather's age - on the day of his grandfather's funeral as a senior in high school. Paul's playing days for USA Basketball began as a 17-year-old in 2002; four years later, he would set an American record for a world championship with 44 assists.