2016 Rio Olympics Team USA Basketball Team Preview: SWOT Analysis

#4 Opportunities: Rivals weakened as well

Marc Gasol’s injury makes USA’s job a bit easier

Team USA isn't the only team missing its A-list names. Spain will be without big men Marc Gasol, who is out nursing his foot. Fellow big Serge Ibaka has elected to opt out of participating in the Olympics this year. There were rumors that he was none too happy about his 'reduced role' in the 2012 Olympics and his absence this time, may have something to do with that. The burden now falls on Pau Gasol to pull a rabbit out of his hat.

Argentina, the last team to defeat Team USA and win the gold medal in 2004, has seen its core age to the point that their threat is largely neutralized. Manu Ginobili is 39 years old, while Luis Scola is 36 years old. Their capacity to surprise has largely been neutralized.

Serbia is also without Boban Marjanovic and Nemanja Bjelica, putting more pressure on the captain Milos Teodosic. France is another team which can present a challenge, but Tony Parker and Boris Diaw aren't getting any younger.