What Would a 23-and-Under USA Basketball Roster Looked Like for the 2012 Olympics?

Somehow or someway, international basketball was able to avoid the meddling hand of Commish' Stern and will continue to build upon what I thought was an extremely entertaining 2012 Olympic tournament because despite a few ups and downs, the tournament showcased some of the best global competition the sport has seen in years.

Anyways, I'm not going to beat around the bush because frankly, this 23 and under age-restriction nonsense irked me to say the least.

An international basketball age restriction at this stage of global development in the game would not be beneficial for basketball right now because the sport is flourishing internationally to a degree that we've never witnessed before. Think about this. There are legitimately talented leagues in the Philippines, China, and in South America. Debatably, the most competitive half of basketball for Team USA in the 2012 Olympics was against Tunisia. In 2011, the NBA's best player was arguably from Germany (Dirk). Have I convinced you that this is a global affair?

Regardless of my "irkage," I was intrigued about the prospect of a 23 and under Team USA.

What kind of team would that be?

Who would make that roster?

Long story short, I looked into it.

And...

It turns out that there are quite a few "youngsters" in the NBA ranks that could make up a very interesting Olympic squad.

If there was a 23 and under age rule for the 2012 Olympics, this is what the roster might've look like:

1. (G) Kyrie Irving- 20 years old

Irving would have to be a lock for a starting spot on an age-restricted Team USA. At only 20 years young, Kyrie turned heads and reportedly a few ankles during the Americans' training camp a few months ago. He's a proven winner. In his rookie season with Cleveland, he almost single-handedly led the Cavs to the playoffs earning himself ROY honors. I know this is redundant, but he's a star on the rise.

2. (F/C) Blake Griffin- 23 years old

It was a shame that Blake got hurt prior to the start of the Olympics because the highlights would've been disgusting (Vince Carter-esque perhaps?). I don't think there's an international player, let alone referee that has witnessed Griffin's athletic brilliance first-hand. Regardless, the 23 year old has all types of time to put his stamp on international competition and I expect to see him in the Olympics four years, if not the World Championships in 2014.

3. (G) Russell Westbrook- 23 years old

A recent gold medal winner, Westbrook was the most explosive player on both sides of the ball for Team USA in the 2012 Olympics. His open court defense was invaluable to their Olympic success, and even though he didn't start, he was instant offense off the bench for Coach K. Right now, Russell is a top-5 point guard in the NBA hands down and he hasn't even reached his full potential.

4. (F) Kevin Durant- 23 years old

Kevin Durant Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder competes during the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest part of 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend at Amway Center on February 25, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

KD might be the best player in the world and yes, he's only 23 years old. A multiple scoring champion and a recent Olympic record setter (scored the most points in one Olympic tournament), Durant is an atypical athlete that is incomparable to anything the basketball globe has ever seen. He stands at almost 7' tall with a wingspan of way over 7,' and he sports arguably the softest jumper in the NBA. I hate to be rude, but he's a freak.

5. (G/SF) Eric Gordon- 23 years old

Gordon was a highly coveted restricted free agent this summer for good reason. Not only is he young (23), but he's a dynamic scorer that fills the basket up at will. Eric can shoot from anywhere on the court, and to be frank, he has BOUNCE. Also, he's got international experience with Coach K (won the World Championships in 2010), and he's a great ball-handler that can create his own shot. Marring injuries, Gordon could be an all-star in the very near future.

6. (G) Brandon Jennings- 22 years old

After dropping 50+ points in his rookie season, we all knew Jennings was special. He has been nothing short of phenomenal during his three season tenure in Milwaukee, and I believe that he is poised for an all-star season in 2012-2013. Each season Brandon's numbers have improved, and like thousands of other critics, I thought that his numbers last year were good enough for an all-star nod (19 ppg, 5.5 apg, & 1.6 spg). All-Star nod or not, there are exciting things going on in Milwaukee (did I just say that?) and I'm excited to see Jennings and Monta Ellis play a full season together.

7. (C) Demarcus Cousins- 22 years old

All locker room problems aside, "Boogie" Cousins is an impressive talent. Although he's stuck in Sac-town with probably the worst owners in the NBA, he's a center with the strength and the athleticism to be a top-5 big man in the league. At seven feet and some change, Cousins can run a fast break, pull up for a mid-range jumper, make a no-look pass, rebound the basketball, and dominate the paint. He'd be scary good if he was able to get his head on straight.

8. (SF) Demar Derozan- 22 years old

Demar is the best shooting guard in the NBA that nobody talks about. He's a natural scorer that plays best when he gets to the rim (which he does a lot). Although 2011-2012 wasn't Derozan's best season, he still averaged almost 16.7 ppg for a disappointing Toronto Raptors squad that wasn't anywhere near a postseason appearance. Demar's athleticism is on-par with the best basketball players in the NBA, and if he can work on his shooting numbers, he's an up and coming star in this league.

9. (G/SF) James Harden- 22 years old

With or without an age restrictions, you want a unique player like James Harden on your team. People don't realize that producing big numbers off the bench isn't easy. Certain things like rhythm and chemistry are already established by the time most NBA coaches go to their bench, and Harden's natural ability to enter the game and provide instant production is something that 90% of NBA athletes can't do. No pun intended, but The Thunder and Team USA never lost a beat when Harden entered the game. All BS aside, he's got rhythm.

10. (C) Greg Monroe- 22 years old

Monroe is another one of those players that made huge strides between his rookie and sophomore seasons. After putting up a mediocre 9.4 ppg and 7.5 rpg as a rookie, Greg broke out last season for an impressive 15 points and 10 boards a game, showing off a much improved 10-15 foot jumper and renewed confidence in his post game. What's even more impressive is his 10% jump in free throw shooting revealing a veteran-like dedication to basketball basics.

11. (F/C) Kenneth Faried- 22 years old

Faried may not have wet jumper, and no, he won't run your offense for you, but he will play his heart out every single night. Actually, I'm not even giving the "Manimal" enough credit. In his rookie season, Faried put up almost a double-double with 10 points and almost 8 boards a game on 58% shooting. Given that he's only got a season under his belt, he sported some serious hops and some quick feet for a big guy, and he's obviously a beast on the boards. Faried is a lot like Ben Wallace defensively, and that's high praise!

12. (F/C) Anthony Davis- 19 years old

I'm well aware that Davis has yet to play a game in the NBA, but from what I saw in the Olympics, I have a feeling that this youngster is going to make his mark on the league very quickly. Obviously he didn't play very much for Coach K and Team USA in the Olympics, but when he was in the game, he showed an instinctive ability to defend the basket and run the floor. More importantly, the opportunity to just be around the very best players in the world should prove to be an invaluable experience. Besides just playing ball with these guys, Davis saw their preparation, their focus, and what it takes to be an elite player in this game. Like many others, I foresee greatness in Davis' future.

Honorable Mentions