Much like hockey for the Winter Olympics, basketball is another sport where nation's send their best into the medal fray. Though the U.S.A. is referred to as the Dream Team, they aren't always successful in medalling, as was apparent in 2004 when the team finished third, earning the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade a bronze. Argentina got the gold and Spain picked up silver. Here are some of the world's most talented cagers expected to play for their countries in London. The Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng, is an ambassador for the sport as he has British citizenship.
Leandro Barbosa
Representing: Brazil
NBA Team: Indiana Pacers
Position: Shooting Guard
Previous Olympics: n/a
(Sergio Perez/REUTERS)
Jose Calderon
Representing: Spain
NBA Team: Toronto Raptors
Position: Point Guard
Previous Olympics: Beijing (2008)
(Ivan Milutinovic/REUTERS)
Luol Deng
Representing: United Kingdom
NBA Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: Small Forward
Previous Olympics: n/a
(John Gress/REUTERS)
Carlos Delfino
Representing: Argentina
NBA Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Position: Small Forward
Previous Olympics: Athens (2004), Beijing (2008)
(Jeff Haynes/REUTERS)
Kevin Durant
Representing: U.S.A.
NBA Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: Small Forward
Previous Olympics: n/a
(Mike Stone/REUTERS)
Pau Gasol
Representing: Spain
NBA Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Centre
Previous Olympics: Beijing (2008)
(Ints Kalnins/REUTERS)
Manu Ginobli
Representing: Argentina
NBA Team: San Antonio Spurs
Position: Shooting Guard
Previous Olympics: Athens (2004), Beijing (2008)
(Andres Stapff/REUTERS)
Andre Iguodala
Representing: U.S.A.
NBA Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Position: Shooting Guard
Previous Olympics: n/a
(Jim Young/REUTERS)
Yi Jianlian
Representing: China
NBA Team: Dallas Mavericks
Position: Power Forward
Previous Olympics: n/a
(Tami Chappell/REUTERS)
Mike Krzyzewski
Representing: U.S.A.
NCAA Team: Duke University
Position: Coach
Previous Olympics: Los Angeles (1984), Barcelona (1992), Beijing (2008)