LAS VEGAS - As Team USA prepares for their upcoming exhibition games, the coaching staff has emphasized the need to address the size and physicality issues that plagued the team during last year's World Cup. Coach Steve Kerr and assistant coach Tyronn Lue have been vocal about how the American team was "bullied" on the court, particularly in the paint.

During the World Cup, the lack of size and defensive rebounding proved to be a significant weakness for the Americans. With only one traditional big, Jaren Jackson Jr., in the starting lineup, the team struggled to match up against opponents in terms of physicality and rebounding. This disadvantage was evident as the U.S. was outscored on second-chance points in games against Montenegro, Lithuania, and Germany.

To rectify this issue, Team USA has assembled one of the biggest and most talented frontcourts in recent memory. Led by superstars Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo, the team hopes to establish dominance in the paint and improve their defensive prowess. Davis, standing at 6'10" with a 7'6" wingspan, brings a strong defensive presence, while Embiid, a 7-footer, is known for his scoring ability and shot-blocking skills. Adebayo, despite being the shortest among the bigs at 6'9", has proven his mettle as a defensive force, earning a first-team All-Defense honor.

This formidable frontcourt aims to counter teams with size, such as France with their 7-footers Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, and Serbia boasting Nikola Jokic. The inclusion of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, known for their defensive prowess, further strengthens Team USA's identity built on toughness and defense.

Erik Spoelstra, assistant coach and head coach of the Miami Heat, expressed confidence in the team's ability to address their previous shortcomings. With Hall of Fame-level rebounders in their roster, Spoelstra believes that the team has effectively addressed their size, physicality, and rebounding issues.

Assistant coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the difference in playing style internationally compared to the NBA. Learning from last year's experience, the coaching staff has emphasized the need for the U.S. team to be prepared for physical play and the use of hands on defense.

The upcoming exhibition game against Canada, a team that defeated the Americans in the bronze-medal game at the World Cup, will be an early opportunity for Team USA to showcase their improved frontcourt and defensive capabilities. While the U.S. possesses superior speed, 3-point shooting, and ball handling, it is their size that has hindered them in the past.

Bam Adebayo, displaying belief in the team's potential, mentioned the comparison to the iconic Dream Team and the greatness that can be achieved with a talent-packed roster like theirs.

With their revamped frontcourt and an emphasis on physicality and defense, Team USA aims to set the tone early and establish themselves as a dominant force in the Tokyo Olympics.