John Kim 
The roster for Team USA is set and twelve top-level talents are now banding together to take on the world for the third straight Olympic Gold Medal. While superstar mainstays like Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Kyrie Irving are lacing up for August, a number of notable stars have opted out for the sake of rest and recovery. This has opened up the door for the next generation of stars to represent the red, white, and blue, which means you won’t see the usual suspects in terms of sneakers on court. Here’s a complete rundown of sneakers that will be worn during the Olympics by Team USA.
Above: Nike KD 9 “Premiere”
KEVIN DURANT – NIKE KD 9
Just a week ago, Kevin Durant and Nike unveiled the Nike KD 9 at a special event in Austin, TX. For the Olympics, it’s been confirmed the KD will wearing the white/red/blue colorway dubbed the “Premiere” for the upcoming Summer Games, although it remains to be seen if a special PE version will be created for Team USA’s new leader.
Above: Jordan Melo M12
CARMELO ANTHONY – JORDAN MELO M12, MELO M13, Air jordan xxx1
Carmelo Anthony, the eldest of Team USA, will look to win his third overall Gold medal in Rio. Melo has established himself as one of the best ever in international play, and there’s no doubt that his mid-range scoring prowess will be key to the USA’s shot at repeating as the world’s best for the third straight Olympics. The Jordan Melo M12 seems like the obvious pick, but there hasn’t been a new release since March. Could Melo wear the Air Jordan XXX1, or perhaps debut the Melo M13?
Above: Nike Kyrie 2 “USA”
KYRIE IRVING – NIKE KYRIE 2
The Cavs point guard has entered the Elite tier of the NBA thanks to his icing of the series via a contested go-ahead three-pointer with under a minute to go. Kyrie Irving will be a menace to opposing backcourts, so look for him to give other countries the fits with the Kyrie 2 “USA” on his feet.
Above: Air Jordan XXX
JIMMY BUTLER – AIR JORDAN XXX, AIR JORDAN XXX1
Butler is now the lone ranger in Chicago now that former backcourt mate Derrick Rose has been shipped off to New York City. Look for Butler to wear the Air Jordan XXX and debut the Air Jordan XXX1 on court, as he himself confirmed it during press interviews on Monday.
Above: Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Elite
PAUL GEORGE – NIKE HYPERDUNK 2016 ELITE
Considered to be the next signature athlete of Nike Basketball’s stable, Paul George is currently the face of “the signature shoe of Nike Basketball”, otherwise known as the Nike Hyperdunk. Originally debuting in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, the Hyperdunk will make noise on this international platform thanks to a new Elite build, which features engineered Flyknit uppers.
Above: Nike Zoom Clear Out
DRAYMOND GREEN – NIKE Zoom Clear out, HYPERDUNK 2016
Draymond’s fierce and physical play is certainly a welcome addition to Team USA. His tenacity is unmatched and Game 7 performance is the only reason why it was a close match-up to being with. Throughout the Playoffs, Draymond gave the Hyperrev 2016 some great exposure, but it looks like he’ll be lacing up the Zoom Clear Out, a shoe that wore during the official Team USA announcement/presentation.
Above: adidas Crazylight Boost 2016
KYLE LOWRY – ADIDAS CRAZYLIGHT BOOST 2016
adidas Hoops’ best non-signature athlete is arguably Kyle Lowry, although some will contest that James Harden owns that role. That argument is moot at this point, because Lowry will be the one representing Team USA. Given the spotlight, watch for Lowry to lace up the upcoming adidas Crazylight Boost 2016 in USA themes.
Above: Nike LeBron Soldier 10
DEMARCUS COUSINS – NIKE LEBRON SOLDIER 10, HYPERDUNK 2016
Cousins’ sneaker rotation is as unpredictable as his emotions. Throughout the season, he’s rotated Jordan Retros, Nike LeBrons, and the Hyperrev 2016, so we’ll put the LeBron Soldier 10 at the most likely selection for the Kings forward/center. However, you can’t count out the Hyperdunk 2016, given Nike’s intentions of giving that latest model as much of the push it possibly can.
Above: ANTA KT1
KLAY THOMPSON – ANTA KT1
Klay’s a signature athlete for Chinese brand ANTA, so the obvious choice is his signature shoe, the KT1. However, there’s the slightest chance that Klay will be given the Kevin Love exception. While Love was a signature athlete for Chinese brand 361 degrees, he wore the Hyperdunk 2012 for the London Games. Will Klay wear the Hyperdunk 2016? Slim chance, but don’t count it out.
Above: Nike Kobe 11 Elite “USA”
DEMAR DEROZAN – NIKE KOBE 11 ELITE
DeRozan wore Kobes throughout the pre-Olympics tryouts in 2012, and he’s obviously a heavy supporter of the Kobe signature line. With Black Mamba’s competitive basketball career a closed chapter of his life, look for DeMar to give love to the Nike Kobe 11 Elite “USA” in August.
Above: Nike Hyperdunk 2016
DEANDRE JORDAN – NIKE HYPERDUNK 2016, LEBRON SOLDIER 10
DeAndre’s never been an influential name in sneakers, although at one point he was Under Armour’s most popular athlete. Rumor has it that UA didn’t renew their contract with the Clippers center because they needed the cash to pay some guy named Steph Curry. DeAndre is back with Nike and while the Hyperdunk 2016 seems like the choice for him, he has an affinity for the LeBron Soldier line.
Above: adidas Light Em Up 2.0
HARRISON BARNES – ADIDAS LIGHT EM UP 2.0
Barnes was the most “controversial” choice to fill out the roster, but a great selection nonetheless. He’s the obvious “role player” of the bunch and his impact will certainly be felt, but for some reason adidas didn’t give some of their newer kicks for the Finals. With Lowry likely wearing the CrazyLight Boost 2016, look for Barnes to continue his work in the Light Em Up 2.0.
