10. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece

Stats: 27 points per game (1st in Olympics), 7.7 rebounds per game (8th), 3.7 assists per game, 69% FG

Why he could be higher: He’s one of the three or four best basketball players on planet Earth, a force of nature when he’s barreling to the rim. The Greek Freak has put teams on his back countless times before, and if he does the same against Germany on Tuesday, he’ll rocket up these rankings.

Why he’s here: If this were a ranking based simply on talent and individual performance, he’d obviously be a lot higher. But Greece snuck into the knockout round by the skin of its teeth with a 1-2 record, and now it draws a brutal matchup against undefeated Germany. A quarterfinal exit feels far more likely than a deep run right now, which hinders Giannis’s MVP chances quite a bit.

9. Franz Wagner, Germany

Stats: 21.7 ppg (3rd), 5 rpg, 51.1% FG

Why he could be higher: Coming off a breakout NBA season with the Orlando Magic, Wagner hasn’t missed a beat in Paris, excelling on both ends of the floor — especially in the blowout win against France to end group play. Through three games, Germany has looked like Team USA’s biggest obstacle to a fifth straight gold medal, rampaging through Group B in impressive fashion. If the Germans do in fact take home gold, Wagner will be one of — if not the — biggest reasons why. 

Why he’s here: Wagner isn’t Germany’s primary offensive engine — more on that guy in a bit — which hampers him some in these rankings.

8. Josh Giddey, Australia

Stats: 15 ppg, 6.7 apg (8th), 8.7 rpg (7th), 47.1% FG, 42.9% 3P

Why he could be higher: Giddey has been among the biggest revelations of this tournament so far. Australia has put its offense into his hands as a point-forward, and the new Chicago Bull has excelled, showcasing excellent vision and feel — and, most importantly, knocking down shots from outside, the last missing piece to his offensive game. The Aussies will go as far as their best player takes them, and this team has authored plenty of big moments on the Olympic stage.

Why he’s here: The Dunkaroos face a tough path to the medal rounds, with Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the quarters and then a potential showdown with the U.S. in the semifinals. Plus, Giddey doesn’t have as long a track record of this caliber of play as the guys ahead of him on this list.

7. RJ Barrett, Canada

Stats: 21 ppg (4th), 4 rpg, 3.7 apg, 59.5% FG, 45.5% 3P

Why he could be higher: If Germany isn’t the U.S.’s biggest rival, Canada is; and if the Canadians do in fact pull off a gold-medal upset, it’s not hard to imagine Barrett being the biggest reason why. You could make the argument that Barrett is the most important player in this whole tournament. When he’s knocking down the open looks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives him and attacking closeouts decisively, Canada looks almost unstoppable. When he’s not, things begin to bog down a bit, and this roster’s lack of secondary playmaking outside of SGA becomes stark. 

Why he’s here: As good as Barrett has been, this is SGA’s team.