Billboard ballers: U.S. men's team as early 2000 pop hits

When video surfaced Saturday of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team trying their hand at karaoke on a flight to Houston, Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler endeared himself to fans with an enthusiastic cover of Vanessa Carlton's 2001 smash hit "A Thousand Miles."

With the humdrum of the offseason in full swing a week ahead of the U.S.' drive for a record 15th gold medal, here's a look at each member of Mike Krzyzewski's 12-man squad and which early 2000's pop hit best embodies each player.

Jimmy Butler - A Thousand Miles (Vanessa Carlton)

Abandoned by both his mother and father as a child, few know the hardships of a humble upbringing and arduous youth like Butler.

Barely recruited out of high school, Butler attended Tyler Junior College in Texas before making the switch to Marquette for his junior year. Distance from Tyler to Milwaukee: 998.3 miles.

Draymond Green - Oops!... I Did It Again (Britney Spears)

When Golden State meddler Draymond Green was suspended for Game 5 of the NBA Finals for repeated instances of unbecoming behaviour, the Michigan State product assumed the role of one of the league's bad boys.

Having more than once made contact with Kiwi center Steven Adams' unmentionables, what was once a mistake became an unpalatable habit for the NBA champ.

Kevin Durant - With Arms Wide Open (Creed)

While it's doubtful that Kevin Durant will be welcomed back to Oklahoma City with arms wide open, at least he doesn't have to play with Dion Waiters anymore.

Teammates with the Thunder, Waiters became notorious for demanding the ball while open, and like clockwork, the Syracuse shooter would stand perplexed with arms spread as Durant refused to do so. You'd think somebody named Waiters would know that patience is a virtue.

**Harrison Barnes - Bye Bye Bye (*NSYNC)**

When Harrison Barnes signed a 4-year, $94-million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, the swingman was saying Bye Bye Bye all the way to the bank.

Looking for a third finals berth on the bounce, Steve Kerr and company had a void to fill in light of the departure, signing Durant, who is basketball's Justin Timberlake to Barnes' Joey Fatone.

Demar DeRozan - I'm Like A Bird (Nelly Furtado)

Who better to represent the Canadian songstress' smash 2001 hit than Demar DeRozan, who both plies his trade north of the border and at times resembles a creature in flight?

His acrobatic near-dunk during an Olympic tune-up drubbing of China was a fowl-like aerial display, but unlike Furtado's song, Derozan penned a new deal with the Raptors instead of flying away.

Kyrie Irving - One Minute Man (Missy Elliott feat. Ludacris)

With one minute left to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Cavs guard Kyrie Irving jacked the biggest shot of his five-year pro career.

A leaping Steph Curry could do little as the Aussie-born ankle breaker sank the three-pointer to put his team up 92-89, handing the city of Cleveland its first championship since 1964.

Kyle Lowry - Butterfly (Crazytown)

Oft maligned for lacking fitness, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry kicked off the 2015-16 season in the best shape of his life and it paid dividends, especially off the dribble where the Villanova product appeared more nimble than previous seasons.

Like a caterpillar spinning a silky cocoon before transforming into a butterfly, Lowry's metamorphosis was as staggering as this one-hit wonder is insipid.

Carmelo Anthony - Where the Party At? (Jagged Edge feat. Nelly)

If Butler and Irving were ebullient in their attempt at karaoke, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony had the expression of somebody who got an invitation to the wrong party.

Cheer up, Melo.

Paul George - U Remind Me (Usher)

The last time Pacers talisman Paul George tried his hand at international basketball, he suffered a compound fracture of both bones in his lower right leg when he collided with the stanchion during a Team USA scrimmage.

George, 26, recovered in time to play the final six games of the year, and the three time all-star can hardly be blamed for being reminded of this incident when he suits up for the Olympics in Rio.

Klay Thompson - Family Affair (Mary J. Blige)

Like his father, Mychal, Klay Thompson is an NBA champ, though the exploits of the Thompson kin doesn't end there.

Klay's brother, Trayce, is having a career year as an outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with 13 homers, 32 RBIs and a .738 OPS in 80 games. It would appear that success runs in the Thompson family.

DeAndre Jordan - I Need To Know (Marc Anthony)

Despite Clippers center DeAndre Jordan's best efforts, Durant opted for Golden State over California's other currently successful side.

The purveyor of robust dunks sat down with Durant during Team USA practice, and cheekily demanded to know why. However, the Texas product showed a politician-like proficiency for dodging the question.