Both.

They haven't looked like they're coasting too much to me. I think it's a combination of some less-than-superstar talent with their omissions, decent opponents and bad picks in the paint (e.g., I don't like Cousins).

Vulnerable.

Old habits die hard.

They'll probably win the gold, not as definite as it was after their first two games though. I guess that makes them vulnerable!

Some excellent breakdown of where they've looked vulnerable -

Australia game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k86ofWh69M4

Serbia game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq4c0cnEJ00)

The arrogance to skills level ratio is to far in the arrogance column! Unlike 08/12 when the skill was higher and the arrogance lower!

They just don't play well together, and look more like an All-Star team assembled a couple of days before a tournament than an actual National team... which is pretty much the case, compared with the other top sides. The big talent gap on the court will get them their wins, but they aren't exactly pretty to watch 7 possessions out of 10, especially when they aren't able to get out and run.

I think they'll win gold, but this is the best chance to beat them since Athens.

I don't follow them at all, but I have often wondered if an "institutionalised arrogance" would come into play with them?
eg They just expect to win gold, so its seen more as a reward than an opportunity?
Maybe they pick a team of "All-Stars" rather than the absolute best combination to contest an Olympics?
Maybe they don't play together as much or prepare as thoroughly as other nations???

And so much of USA's elite-level sport is biased towards the spectacular. They ARE the best, but could that be their undoing?

Interesting to read the views of those who have followed their progress.

Not going to say I actually follow them closer than you DAZZ, but one would think that they would go back to the USA and be totally ridiculed if they didn't win the Gold.

So, there is some perceived pressure on each one of them and in some way that may be their weakness.

If they can be frustrated out of clear thinking and miss some shots they could be beaten, this was evident during moments in the AUS v USA game I thought, but then came Anthony and Irving to the rescue.

They are only as vulnerable as their heads allow them to be, but I don't think they are cruising as they would want to be more comfortable in their wins one would think...

I'm looking forward to seeing how Pop runs the team. I think he will ultimately pick a much different team than K would, and be able to put the players egos further aside.

Like they said, smells like 2004, couple of star players (KD and Melo) and some young guns and not much chemistry.

Best team on paper only and beatable on their off day.

I think they need to focus less on scorers when they put the team together - you don't need 5 guys on the court who put up 20+ PPG in the NBA. You're better off picking 2 or 3 of the top 5 players, then focus on "tier 2" guys for particular skills that suit the FIBA game. I actually think those tier 2 guys would be more engaged, too.

Ideally a coach who knows the FIBA game too, although not sure how players would respond to a non-NBA/NCAA guy.

They have been awful generally, no leadership and nobody seems to content in their roles unless they are getting their shots up.

I think we should absolutely enjoy this time in life as either they get their shit together and they win another gold as expected or

They lose and Americans and their media go ape at the team and take away their privileges for future tournaments ie the cruise ship, they get teams that have both stars and role players and they once again spank everyone for another 5 Olympics or more.

But right now USA women's team would give the men a good run for their money as that is a team that work together and they shoot the ball well and play good defence.

I'm not talking about picking stars though. I'd imagine Pop would be picking a team that glues together first and is humbled over just the top 12 players available.