Handicapping favorites if 3-on-3 tourney was today

Charles Curtis | USA TODAY

Did you hear the thrilling news? The IOC added 3-on-3 basketball to the slate at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This means it's possible we see NBA players looking for a new challenge - and a shot at gold - hit the hardwood in the smaller, halfcourt format. With that in mind, we decided to pick the teams as if the tournament was tomorrow and not over three years from now. Here are the results, including the favorites and dark horses.

The Favorites

USA: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry

Obviously, here's your gold medal winner. Three of the world's best and most versatile, who could slash-and-kick, drive and take advantage of mismatches all the way to the top of the podium.

Serbia: Milos Teodosic, Nikola Jokic, Bogdan Bogdanovic

These three won silver in Rio and they'd probably do the same in this scenario. The 6-foot-10 Jokic would be an incredible weapon between his moves down low and his smooth passes.

France: Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw

Where's Rudy Gobert, you ask? He probably wouldn't be as effective in a 3-on-3 format, so we're putting in Diaw.

Canada: Andrew Wiggins, Tristan Thompson and Jamal Murray

I took Murray over Cory Joseph, but either way, it's a reminder that our neighbors to the north have some serious talent.

The Dark Horses

Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic, Mario Hezonja, Dario Saric

Given what we saw from Saric and Bogdanovic last season, I like this team a lot.

Spain: Serge Ibaka, Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol

A 3-on-3 team with three big men and no guards? Sure! Let's give it a shot. Ibaka can hit from distance, the Gasols added three-pointers to their arsenal this year and Marc (4.6 assists per contest last season) can run the point. This would be fun to watch.

Australia: Patty Mills, Ben Simmons, Joe Ingles

We know Simmons' potential is off the charts, that Mills can play, and that Ingles isn't just a dude you saw play in your YMCA game. This is a threatening inside-outside combo.

Dominican Republic: Karl-Anthony Towns, Al Horford, Francisco Garcia

This is why the 3-on-3 tournament has the potential to be an exciting alternative to 5-on-5. Here's a country that doesn't have a great full roster, but three players who could put on a show in Japan.

Greece: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nick Calathes, Thanasis Antetokounmpo

EPA/TANNEN MAURY

I know, not great beyond the first guy. But I just want to see Greek Freak in this thing.