Rio Olympics 2016: 5 weaknesses which can cost Team USA the Gold

5) Chemistry

Kyrie Irving needs to heed Kobe Bryant’s advice and be the voice of dissent

Team USA is still searching for that ever elusive chemistry. One play saw Carmelo giving up an offensive rebound in favor of retreating into the corner for a potential three. Durant was the next USA player closer to the rebound, but he backpedaled all the way to halfcourt instead. And the ensuing confusion resulted in a Patty Mills three-pointer. Mills ended the game with 30 points.

There is no questioning the commitment and desire of the stars who've suited up to represent the USA, but there is no question that other countries have a lot more to gain from winning. Team USA has the best forwards in the entire competition. Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George are undoubtedly among the Top 5 small forwards in the world, and any of them can play the 2 or 4 as well. But neither Durant nor Anthony are known as lockdown defenders. Nor are Irving and Lowry.

The much vaunted Dream Team of 1992 went undefeated through the exhibition games and the Olympics. But they were beaten in practice by a team of college players who were led by a point guard whose sole virtue was his penetration and passing abilities. Bob Hurley couldn't finish inside with consistency at that stage of his career, but he had no problems getting past Magic Johnson and finding looks for his teammates.

Against Australia, when Paul George was put on Matthew Dellevadova, that left Irving on Patty Mills. Mills dropped 30 points on the USA while Dellavedova added 11 assists. This results from broken plays and a search for identity. This team might not be good enough to figure it all out on the fly.

It only takes a few broken plays to see a gold medal slip away. Team USA will need to tighten up its game if it is to repeat this time at Rio Olympics.