We asked staff writer Marcus Jackson for his U.S. Olympic basketball team — there are 12 spots for 20 finalists — for this summer's Olympic Games in London. The team is a lock to win the tournament.

GET IN SHAPE, GUYS (MY TEAM)

PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers)

— He's enjoying a breakout season in Portland and at 26, he might be around for 2016, too. Aldridge is averaging 23 points and eight rebounds a game and offers more versatility in the frontcourt than Blake Griffin.

SF Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)

— He has no interest in guarding anyone, but scorers like 'Melo don't come around often. He's proven himself in international competition, playing on the 2008 gold-medal team in Beijing.

SG Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

— He helped Team USA win gold in 2008 and at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship. His talent and work ethic are unmatched, and he's got a competitive fire similar to Michael Jordan.

PF/C Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks)

— Aside from Dwight Howard, you'll need another reliable defender in the paint. Chandler showed during the Mavericks' run to the NBA title last season that he was a first-line defensive center.

SF Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

— At 6-foot-11, the silky-smooth forward with the deadly outside game was built for international competition. With plenty of scorers on the floor with him, he won't command as much attention as he does in the NBA.

C Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)

— He'll overwhelm international competition with his mix of strength and skill. The knock on Howard has been his free throw shooting, and that might be an issue. His 45 percent effort this season is down from his career percentage of 60.

SF LeBron James (Miami Heat)

— No matter what you think of him, James is the most talented player in the world. He handles the ball like a point guard and, at 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, he can score in the post when needed.

PF Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)

— He has a motor that doesn't stop. A rebounding machine, Love has developed a very reliable three-point shot that makes him a dangerous international player.

PG Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)

— Paul is the traditional point guard, creating scoring opportunities for teammates. That's exactly what Team USA will need out of the Wake Forest product, who was a key member of the 2008 gold-medal team.

PG Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

— He's the NBA's MVP and arguably the best point guard in the world, able to blow by a defender off the dribble, finish at the basket and can long jumpers. Don't forget he plays for one of the best defensive coaches (Tom Thibodeau) in the NBA.

SG Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)

— There's no real flaw in Wade's game. Like Rose, he can do it all on both ends and has proven clutch since his days at Richards High in Oak Lawn.

PG Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets)

— The former Illini earned gold in 2008 and has considerable international experience (47 games). He's a combination of the other two point guards who sees the floor well but can score in a variety of ways.

SORRY, FELLAS (MY CUTS)

PG Chauncey Billups (Los Angeles Clippers)

— Mr. Big Shot hasn't hit a big shot in years. At 35, he just doesn't have the explosiveness to compete with the younger players.

PF Chris Bosh (Miami Heat)

— He's a versatile player, but Love provides a traditional power forward who also can knock down the three consistently.

SF Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)

— There are too many veterans at the position for Gay to have a shot at making the roster.

SG Eric Gordon (New Orleans Hornets)

— The one-time Illinois commit is talented, but he's not seeing the floor sitting behind Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant.

PF Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)

— This one will shock the casual observer; he's great for highlights, but his all-around need some work. The NBA dunk champion runs the floor well and can finish above the rim, but his shooting from the field and the floor needs refining.

SF Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)

— Springfield product is in the same boat as Gay. A high flier, but not a reliable shooter like the other guys who will make the team.

PF Lamar Odom (Dallas Mavericks)

— Like Billups, Odom is too old to compete with the wave of young talent.

PG Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)

— The three point guards on the team are better. Westbrook, fairly or unfairly, also has a reputation as a selfish player who can destroy team chemistry.