As Steve Kerr’s “Dream Team” narrowly clinched a win over South Sudan at the O2 Arena on Saturday, a major debate ignited among fans and analysts. This isn’t the first time Kerr and the USA team have been the target of criticism from former players. Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas previously called Team USA a “standard team,” and his former teammate and good friend, Nick Young, has joined in on the criticism.

‘Swaggy P’ is advocating for Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum to be in the starting lineup. Following the win last night, Nick Young took to X and posted, “Stop USA and start Ant and JT.” However, fans demand different changes as they want nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis instead of Joel Embiid in the starting lineup. Kerr, on the other hand, remains focused on creating a balanced team with strong synergy.

While Kerr has used different lineups in each game so far, many fans and analysts are seeing the obvious patterns. Against South Sudan, Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday started alongside James, Embiid, and Curry, who look set to be starters for the Olympics. Steve Kerr basically confirmed this himself after their exhibition game against Serbia. “I like those three guys in our starting lineup. We’ve been looking at other guys around them and we obviously do have great options, but I like those three guys together.”

On Saturday, Anthony Edwards played 21 minutes and had 11 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal, whereas Jayson Tatum played 16 mins and grabbed 9 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal off the bench. As for fans wanting Anthony Davis to start, he was the second-highest contributor on Team USA after LeBron James, scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. That said, when it comes to Ant-Man, there’s more than just Nick Young vouching for him.

In a previous interview, the 22-year-old confidently asserted that he should be the first name on the team. “I’m still the No. 1 option,” he said. Despite just four years of experience in the NBA, he has quickly become one of its shining stars. Last season, the 2-time All-Star averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 46.1% shooting, showcasing his all-around prowess and making a strong case for his inclusion, supporting Young’s (and his own) claim for his increased involvement. On the other hand, Tatum is coming off a championship-winning season in which he played a pivotal role.

The game against South Sudan wasn’t the best indicator of what the two young guns have to offer. And analysts were quick to call them out for it, too. Rob Parker highlighted LeBron’s contribution while simultaneously criticizing Ant and JT. “At almost 40 years old, [LeBron’s] the best player. But this is shameful to me… Where are the other guys? Where’s Tatum? Where’s Edwards? I thought those were the young bucks. Those are the new stars of the NBA. Where are they? MIA!”

That said, they do bring a lot to the table – whether it be Tatum’s ability to drive the offense or Edwards’ shooting accuracy. While they both merit a place in the starting lineup, who will it come at the expense of? With Kevin Durant likely to return in time for the Olympics, there is really just one spot left, considering Steve Kerr sticks to his plan to start Curry, James, and Embiid. Whether it goes to a more defensive-minded player like Jrue Holiday or someone like Edwards or Tatum remains to be seen.

It’s still early to judge, but these lineup issues are not new, as former NBA star Gilbert Arenas also pointed out the same, and it could be crucial for Team USA’s success in Paris.

Gilbert Arenas criticized Steve Kerr after Team USA’s subpar performance

In a clip from the Gil’s Arena podcast, the 2007 All-NBA Second Team star stressed the importance of dominating other teams as the only path to Olympic gold. Arenas criticized the current team for being too balanced and standard, arguing that this approach is ineffective. “This balanced team is not a real thing, put the best f****** player out there,” Arenas said.

Arenas also expressed his desire for the team to uphold the legacy of the 1992 Dream Team or its 1996 successor. “Everything about their appearance was to destroy,” he stated, emphasizing the aggressive and dominant mindset he believes is essential for success.

Before the Olympics, Steve Kerr compared the current roster with the original “Dream Team,” suggesting it was almost on par, if not more decorated. “From the standpoint of career achievement, this team is probably as decorated as any since the ’92 Dream Team,” he noted, highlighting the unprecedented opportunity to see LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant play together.

Arenas also gave his take on Anthony Edwards not being part of the starting lineup, suggesting Steve Kerr had an “agenda” against him. Seeing as the Minnesota Timberwolves emerged as the Warriors’ strongest competitors in the West this past season, and Ant-Man was their star player, Arenas opined that this may have played a role in the 22-year-old’s absence from the starting lineup. “If you’ve been killing my team all season, I don’t f**k with you. I’m not going to f**k with you in the USA team,” Arenas said, suggesting this must’ve been Kerr’s thinking.

While the game against South Sudan will serve as a wake-up call for Team USA, they will be looking forward to Durant’s comeback to ease the scoring load. He’s expected to take a starting spot on the team, so that’ll leave just one more spot for the others. Who do you think deserves it? Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, or someone else?