USA Basketball Team Roster (1 Viewer)

[TLEF316]

wade over chandler was really a terrible decision. I love Wade's game. He goes to the hole like a freight train. But he's banged up, rusty and not that suited for international ball. He doesnt bring anthing unique to the team. He doesnt shoot well. Making him the 6th man by default could hurt in a big game. Losing Howard without a replacement would kill our chances.

 

[Tau837]

wade over chandler was really a terrible decision. I love Wade's game. He goes to the hole like a freight train. But he's banged up, rusty and not that suited for international ball. He doesnt bring anthing unique to the team. He doesnt shoot well. Making him the 6th man by default could hurt in a big game. Losing Howard without a replacement would kill our chances.

This is an excellent point. How much will Coach K feel compelled to play Wade? I suppose he won't play at the expense of James, since James will be playing PF plenty.But it seems he will necessarily take minutes from Kobe, Anthony, Redd, Prince, or even Williams, since without Wade Williams may have played on the floor at times with another PG... Prince and Redd are on the team to fill specific roles, which doesn't make sense if they are going to give up minutes to Wade, who doesn't fill those same roles... and it seems obvious that it would be better to have Kobe, Anthony, and even Williams get more minutes.

None of this would have been an issue if they took Chandler instead, and they would have the benefit of another big who can defend and rebound in case the team needs it at some point, whether due to injury or foul trouble. On top of that, Chandler actually played last summer, and played well. He only got 8.6 mpg, but was second on the team in blocks and 5th in rebounding, and shot 56%.

The more I think about this, the less sense it makes to take Wade.

 

[awesomeness]

Wow! I'd love for the NBA to adopt a lot of those rules.

The NCAA is experimenting with some FIBA rules, so maybe we will see the NBA adopt more of them down the road. Next season, NCAA is moving the three-point line back a foot. Next winter, the college three-point line will be a couple inches farther back than the FIBA line. The Butlers of the NCAA may not be too crazy about that, but IMO it will help the game in the major conferences.

That royally sucks. As if the major conferences needed more help. One of the reasons for watching March Madness/NCAA basketball is for the upsets. That is gonna drop pretty dramatically now. Horrible idea by the NCAA.

Did you see where those guys in the mid-majors were shooting from in the tourney?

the 3 point line? Hence the tragedy.

 

[shining path]

* The ball is slightly smaller and lighter.

Seems like this would be a pretty major disadvantage for the NBA players, if they're used to a different ball.

 

[Sammy3469]

wade over chandler was really a terrible decision. I love Wade's game. He goes to the hole like a freight train. But he's banged up, rusty and not that suited for international ball. He doesnt bring anthing unique to the team. He doesnt shoot well. Making him the 6th man by default could hurt in a big game. Losing Howard without a replacement would kill our chances.

This is an excellent point. How much will Coach K feel compelled to play Wade? I suppose he won't play at the expense of James, since James will be playing PF plenty.But it seems he will necessarily take minutes from Kobe, Anthony, Redd, Prince, or even Williams, since without Wade Williams may have played on the floor at times with another PG... Prince and Redd are on the team to fill specific roles, which doesn't make sense if they are going to give up minutes to Wade, who doesn't fill those same roles... and it seems obvious that it would be better to have Kobe, Anthony, and even Williams get more minutes.

None of this would have been an issue if they took Chandler instead, and they would have the benefit of another big who can defend and rebound in case the team needs it at some point, whether due to injury or foul trouble. On top of that, Chandler actually played last summer, and played well. He only got 8.6 mpg, but was second on the team in blocks and 5th in rebounding, and shot 56%.

The more I think about this, the less sense it makes to take Wade.

I don't think K feels compelled to play any of these guys. That said everyone seems to get between 10-20 minutes with Lebron, Kobe, and Carmelo around 20-25. Looking back at the 2007 qualifying tourney he also seemed to play a Kidd a whole lot less than I remember and really seemed to love the starting lineup of Howard, Anthony, LeBron, Kobe, and Kidd so I guess I see the logic in keeping together the starting 5 that performed so well and if it starts to underperform you can always plug in Paul or Williams. I don't think Wade is going to turn into a 25 mpg guy.

 

[Tau837]

wade over chandler was really a terrible decision. I love Wade's game. He goes to the hole like a freight train. But he's banged up, rusty and not that suited for international ball. He doesnt bring anthing unique to the team. He doesnt shoot well. Making him the 6th man by default could hurt in a big game. Losing Howard without a replacement would kill our chances.

This is an excellent point. How much will Coach K feel compelled to play Wade? I suppose he won't play at the expense of James, since James will be playing PF plenty.But it seems he will necessarily take minutes from Kobe, Anthony, Redd, Prince, or even Williams, since without Wade Williams may have played on the floor at times with another PG... Prince and Redd are on the team to fill specific roles, which doesn't make sense if they are going to give up minutes to Wade, who doesn't fill those same roles... and it seems obvious that it would be better to have Kobe, Anthony, and even Williams get more minutes.

None of this would have been an issue if they took Chandler instead, and they would have the benefit of another big who can defend and rebound in case the team needs it at some point, whether due to injury or foul trouble. On top of that, Chandler actually played last summer, and played well. He only got 8.6 mpg, but was second on the team in blocks and 5th in rebounding, and shot 56%.

The more I think about this, the less sense it makes to take Wade.

I don't think K feels compelled to play any of these guys. That said everyone seems to get between 10-20 minutes with Lebron, Kobe, and Carmelo around 20-25. Looking back at the 2007 qualifying tourney he also seemed to play a Kidd a whole lot less than I remember and really seemed to love the starting lineup of Howard, Anthony, LeBron, Kobe, and Kidd so I guess I see the logic in keeping together the starting 5 that performed so well and if it starts to underperform you can always plug in Paul or Williams. I don't think Wade is going to turn into a 25 mpg guy.

I agree he won't be a 25 mpg guy, that's not what I meant. I was thinking of him as the last selection and Chandler as the last cut, which could imply that Wade might need to get by with Chandler's 8.6 mpg from last year. Here are the minutes per game from last summer:15.8 Kidd

19.9 Bryant

19.4 Anthony

22.2 James

16.5 Howard

16.0 Billups --> replaced by Paul

14.3 Williams

19.9 Redd

15.6 Miller --> replaced by Wade

17.8 Prince

17.7 Stoudemire --> replaced by Boozer/Bosh

8.6 Chandler --> replaced by Boozer/Bosh

I suppose you can argue that Wade replaced Miller, who averaged more than 15 mpg, so that might work out okay... but these mpg averages are slightly inflated for everyone but Anthony and Prince, because each of them missed one game.

Also, I'm not sure that this year it will be possible to give Howard, Boozer, and Bosh a combined total of less than 43 mpg...

 

[Tau837]

* The ball is slightly smaller and lighter.

Seems like this would be a pretty major disadvantage for the NBA players, if they're used to a different ball.

Didn't affect them last year. They shot the lights out.

 

[awesomeness]

* The ball is slightly smaller and lighter.

Seems like this would be a pretty major disadvantage for the NBA players, if they're used to a different ball.

Didn't affect them last year. They shot the lights out.

 

[EYLive]

For those that are worried that the US squad is too small, I'm pretty sure coach K know's what he's doing. From what I've seen, read and heard, the international game involves a lot more perimeter shooting than post play (compared to the NBA and NCAA), due to the short 3-point line and trapezoid paint. The freedom to play D anyway you want also means more teams will choose to go with smaller lineups, use zone D and switch more pick & rolls.

Spot up shooting will probably be more vital than post play.

 

[Tau837]

* The ball is slightly smaller and lighter.

Seems like this would be a pretty major disadvantage for the NBA players, if they're used to a different ball.

Didn't affect them last year. They shot the lights out.

The team shot 58.7% from the floor and 47.0% from 3 point range.

 

[Tau837]

For those that are worried that the US squad is too small, I'm pretty sure coach K know's what he's doing. From what I've seen, read and heard, the international game involves a lot more perimeter shooting than post play (compared to the NBA and NCAA), due to the short 3-point line and trapezoid paint. The freedom to play D anyway you want also means more teams will choose to go with smaller lineups, use zone D and switch more pick & rolls. Spot up shooting will probably be more vital than post play.

I think most people are questioning two things, though.1. Why Wade? He's not a bad shooter, but I wouldn't call spot up shooting his strength.2. Why not Chandler? Especially with Howard unable to practice as of yesterday due to injury. And especially given Chandler played well last year (and played very well this past NBA season, for that matter.) Sure, he will probably be fine, but if his injury is reaggravated, that would leave the front line thin and very vulnerable to foul trouble (or just good inside play).All that said, I agree that Coach K is a smart guy and probably has good reasons for the roster selections.

 

[JMon348]

Chandler was named as an ALT. He will travel.

 

[Celph Titled]

Wow! I'd love for the NBA to adopt a lot of those rules.

The NCAA is experimenting with some FIBA rules, so maybe we will see the NBA adopt more of them down the road. Next season, NCAA is moving the three-point line back a foot. Next winter, the college three-point line will be a couple inches farther back than the FIBA line. The Butlers of the NCAA may not be too crazy about that, but IMO it will help the game in the major conferences.

That royally sucks. As if the major conferences needed more help. One of the reasons for watching March Madness/NCAA basketball is for the upsets. That is gonna drop pretty dramatically now. Horrible idea by the NCAA.

I don't think mid-major schools will have as much trouble with the shot itself as much as they will defending more athletic, high-major schools who'll have more space to operate in. However, basketball players are evolving and it's a good idea to have rules that keep pace somewhat.

 

[Celph Titled]

For those that are worried that the US squad is too small, I'm pretty sure coach K know's what he's doing. From what I've seen, read and heard, the international game involves a lot more perimeter shooting than post play (compared to the NBA and NCAA), due to the short 3-point line and trapezoid paint. The freedom to play D anyway you want also means more teams will choose to go with smaller lineups, use zone D and switch more pick & rolls. Spot up shooting will probably be more vital than post play.

Interior defense is always important. It's not just guarding the few good int'l post players like Yao, but it's also helping to defend when guys like Ginobili drive to the basket.As for K knowing what he's doing...the US lost to ####### Greece two years ago, with a superior edge, talent-wise. And Duke's teams have been chronically small the last few years and have had poor results to show for it, despite a glut of highly-recruited wing players. I have never liked the guy, but I don't think he's someone you can put complete faith in as a coach the way you could a few years ago.

 

[Tau837]

In today's paper, it said: "Krzyzewski said he's prepared to move Lebron James to power forward at times. James will start at small forward..."

I find that surprising. I was expecting a starting lineup of

PG - Kidd

SG - Bryant

SF - Anthony

PF - James

C - Howard

 

[the moops]

In today's paper, it said: "Krzyzewski said he's prepared to move Lebron James to power forward at times. James will start at small forward..."I find that surprising. I was expecting a starting lineup ofPG - KiddSG - BryantSF - AnthonyPF - JamesC - Howard

Anthony will also see time at the 4.

 

[Fedor Emelianenko]

In today's paper, it said: "Krzyzewski said he's prepared to move Lebron James to power forward at times. James will start at small forward..."I find that surprising. I was expecting a starting lineup ofPG - KiddSG - BryantSF - AnthonyPF - JamesC - Howard

that will be the starting lineup, anthony is the PF

 

[JMon348]

Now that we are back on top, you got guys begging to be on the team:

It took a few years, but USA Basketball now has elite-level players clamoring to represent their country."Whatever they want, I'm willing to do to be on the team," said Derrick Rose.O.J. Mayo, who entered the NBA last season along with Rose, is willing to do whatever it takes as well."Whatever it takes," Mayo said. "I'm trying to get a job, man. I'll dive on the floor, wipe the sweat off the floor, whatever I got to do. I have an open mind and I'm willing to learn."To have an opportunity to wear USA across the jersey on your chest and compete with these guys and get better with them this week has been unique for all of us."Thus far, Kevin Durant has been the most talked about player in USA Basketball's workouts."He's a world-class talent with a world-class attitude," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "He's a very unique players, a perimeter player at 6-11. I was impressed with his defense (Thursday)."Going forward, we want length. We may not have bulk, but if we have length that's a good thing. He gives us good length."

World Championships are next year, I think these are the locksPG-Paul, WilliamsSG-Kobe, WadeSF-James, PF-Anthony, DurantC-Howard, BoshRoom for three more.

 

[Capella]

Yea, for a guy like OJ Mayo, who is going to spend the next four years watching Thabeet bobble his passes as his team loses 60 games, the chance to play with guys like Kobe and Lebron and actually win something has to be pretty big.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Love to see Coach K raving about KD. If he's committed defensively, he becomes an MVP candidate very quickly.

If Oden doesn't turn it around, this is going to be right up there with the Sam Bowie pick.

 

[JMon348]

Id love to see Brandon Roy apart of this team but havent seen his name associated with Team USA, anyone know why?

If the team chooses to keep a 3rd PG it will probably be Rose replacing Kidd. I dont see Redd, Prince, or Boozer being back. Durant will take Prince's spot, so that leaves Redd and Boozer. Would love Roy to take Redd's spot and a big like Oden,Bynum,Jefferson,Griffin,or Love take Boozer's spot

 

[JMon348]

Anybody catch training camp today on NBATv? Good stuff.

Here's the roster, they pick 12 to go to Turkey for the World Championships

A blue/white scrimmage is on ESPN2 Saturday night at 10PM est

Roster, predictions in bold:

PG-Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo

SG-Tyreke Evans, OJ Mayo, Steph Curry, Eric Gordon

SF-Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay,Danny Granger,Gerald Wallace, Andre Iguodola, Jeff Green

PF-Lamar Odom, David Lee, Kevin Love

C-Brook Lopez, Javale McGee, Tyson Chandler

(Robin Lopez and Amare Stoudemire were last minute absents)

 

[Premier]

That frontcourt really doesn't look good at all.

 

[Parrothead]

That frontcourt really doesn't look good at all.

No James, no Wade?? oof

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

That frontcourt really doesn't look good at all.

Too white?

 

[Celph Titled]

That frontcourt really doesn't look good at all.

Most of the Euro-y teams don't have that much beef inside, I think they're fine playing small with a SF at PF, someone who can guard the perimeter a little more.Not our best squad, but that team would win 58-60 in the NBA. Less than gold is a disappointment.

 

[JMon348]

That frontcourt really doesn't look good at all.

No James, no Wade?? oof

LeBron said he didnt want to carry the load, so when he saw Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade stay home, he followed.

 

[Premier]

That frontcourt really doesn't look good at all.

Too white?

I mean, yea.

 

[Premier]

With Lee and Amare out, the team's frontcourt depth sucks. As Celph noted though, it's not like the US is likely to be facing the Celtics frontline either.

PG - Rose, Billups, Westbrook --- Four PGs is redundant and Rajon can's shoot. I think he's left off.

SG - Evans, Curry --- I think Curry's shooting ability puts him on the team here. 3s are a major part of the international game and he would easily be the best shooter in the backcourt.

SF - Durant, Gay, Wallace, Green --- I think they go for Wallace's toughness and rebounding, especially on a team that looks to be as soft as this. I actually think he'll see a lot of PF minutes. Green also seems redundant, but I think his experience playing PF in OKC will come into play. Lee being injured gives him a spot. If absolutely needed they could move him to the 4 and somebody like Love could handle the 5 for a smaller lineup.

PF - Odom, Love --- These two pretty much sealed in with Lee being sent home.

C - Lopez --- Love can play here as well, if needed.

I'll admit Rondo not making it would surprise me, but I think his game doesn't translate here. Rose and Westbrook can break down defenses just fine, and neither are the FT liability that Rondo is. The reality is he'll probably find a way on the team somehow, but I don't see how he's completely useful in this format.

 

[JMon348]

Anybody catch training camp today on NBATv? Good stuff.

Here's the roster, they pick 12 to go to Turkey for the World Championships

A blue/white scrimmage is on ESPN2 Saturday night at 10PM est

Roster, predictions in bold:

PG-Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo

SG-Tyreke Evans, OJ Mayo, Steph Curry, Eric Gordon

SF-Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay,Danny Granger,Gerald Wallace, Andre Iguodola, Jeff Green

PF-Lamar Odom, David Lee, Kevin Love

C-Brook Lopez, Javale McGee, Tyson Chandler

(Robin Lopez and Amare Stoudemire were last minute absents)

With Lee likely done, I think they take Gerald Wallace now.

During the practice it looked like the first team was

PG-Rondo

SG-Billups

SF-Durant

PF-Gay

C-Odom

 

[Celph Titled]

With Lee and Amare out, the team's frontcourt depth sucks. As Celph noted though, it's not like the US is likely to be facing the Celtics frontline either. PG - Rose, Billups, Westbrook --- Four PGs is redundant and Rajon can's shoot. I think he's left off. SG - Evans, Curry --- I think Curry's shooting ability puts him on the team here. 3s are a major part of the international game and he would easily be the best shooter in the backcourt.SF - Durant, Gay, Wallace, Green --- I think they go for Wallace's toughness and rebounding, especially on a team that looks to be as soft as this. I actually think he'll see a lot of PF minutes. Green also seems redundant, but I think his experience playing PF in OKC will come into play. Lee being injured gives him a spot. If absolutely needed they could move him to the 4 and somebody like Love could handle the 5 for a smaller lineup.PF - Odom, Love --- These two pretty much sealed in with Lee being sent home. C - Lopez --- Love can play here as well, if needed. I'll admit Rondo not making it would surprise me, but I think his game doesn't translate here. Rose and Westbrook can break down defenses just fine, and neither are the FT liability that Rondo is. The reality is he'll probably find a way on the team somehow, but I don't see how he's completely useful in this format.

Rondo for Westbrook IMO.

 

[Premier]

With Lee and Amare out, the team's frontcourt depth sucks. As Celph noted though, it's not like the US is likely to be facing the Celtics frontline either. PG - Rose, Billups, Westbrook --- Four PGs is redundant and Rajon can's shoot. I think he's left off. SG - Evans, Curry --- I think Curry's shooting ability puts him on the team here. 3s are a major part of the international game and he would easily be the best shooter in the backcourt.SF - Durant, Gay, Wallace, Green --- I think they go for Wallace's toughness and rebounding, especially on a team that looks to be as soft as this. I actually think he'll see a lot of PF minutes. Green also seems redundant, but I think his experience playing PF in OKC will come into play. Lee being injured gives him a spot. If absolutely needed they could move him to the 4 and somebody like Love could handle the 5 for a smaller lineup.PF - Odom, Love --- These two pretty much sealed in with Lee being sent home. C - Lopez --- Love can play here as well, if needed. I'll admit Rondo not making it would surprise me, but I think his game doesn't translate here. Rose and Westbrook can break down defenses just fine, and neither are the FT liability that Rondo is. The reality is he'll probably find a way on the team somehow, but I don't see how he's completely useful in this format.

Rondo for Westbrook IMO.

I really can't disagree I guess. He does have more "winning" experience, which seems to be an intangible they'll look at.

 

[TLEF316]

Funny skimming through this thread. Cant believe i was such an Amare Stoudamire fan. Can't stand him now.

Sad to see all the guys from 08 sitting this one out. Some of them have excuses, but the others should be told to take a hike when London rolls around in 2 years.

As far as London goes.....

Chris Paul- recovering from a legitimate injury, so he gets a pass for this summer

Kobe Bryant- ditto. Dude needed a break

Deron Williams- claims he has a family matter and i guess i believe him

Lebron James- Too busy screaming "LOOK AT ME!!!!"

Carmello Anthony- getting married 2 weeks ago is a borderline bad excuse, but i guess i can let it slide

Chris Bosh- Nope

Dwyane Wade- going through a divorce, so i guess he gets a pass

Jason Kidd- too old

Dwight Howard- haven't heard of any legitimate excuse. just didn't feel like it.

Carlos Boozer- again....free agency not an excuse

Michael Redd- Will probably be done by London if not already

Tayshaun Prince- Has fallen off a cliff

So, if we don't consider free agency a legitimate excuse, The only guys I'd invite back are Paul, Kobe, Williams, Melo and Wade. Of course, Colangelo will cave and invite them all back. So here's my official prediction for London 2 years out....

Chris Paul

Deron Williams

Kobe Bryant

LeBron James

Carmelo Anthony

Dwyane Wade

Chris Bosh

Dwight Howard

Kevin Durant

Stephon Curry (designated shooter)

Derrick Rose (IMO, he only edges out John Wall because he has a 2 year head start)

Brook Lopez (most logical choice for the last big man spot, although i can't say I've seen him play much at all since he left college)

i could see leaving off Rose in favor of a 4th big, as Wade, Curry, Kobe and Lebron are all capable as operating as primary ball handlers. A 3rd true PG is not a necessity. This roster also might be short a wing defender, considering that Kobe may not up to the task 2 years down the road. Not sure who i'd plug into that role. I know guys like Westbrook and Evans have tremendous potential in that role.

 

[Premier]

I don't have any problem with the big names skipping this. They've donated a lot of time to USA hoops over the past 5 years. And while I know a lot of people try to say this is bigger than the Olympics...it's not. People remember Olympic champion teams. This is a fun tourney and I am looking forward to it, but there's no way it's more meaningful than the Olympics.

Anyways it'll be fun to see some new blood out there, and should make the 2012 tryout pretty sick.

 

[Celph Titled]

Anybody catch training camp today on NBATv? Good stuff.

Here's the roster, they pick 12 to go to Turkey for the World Championships

A blue/white scrimmage is on ESPN2 Saturday night at 10PM est

Roster, predictions in bold:

PG-Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo

SG-Tyreke Evans, OJ Mayo, Steph Curry, Eric Gordon

SF-Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay,Danny Granger,Gerald Wallace, Andre Iguodola, Jeff Green

PF-Lamar Odom, David Lee, Kevin Love

C-Brook Lopez, Javale McGee, Tyson Chandler

(Robin Lopez and Amare Stoudemire were last minute absents)

I'd goG: Billups, Rose, Rondo

SG: Mayo, Curry

SF: Durant, Gay, Granger

PF: Odom, Love

C: Lopez, Chandler (assuming Lee is out)

Gotta have shooters for int'l play.

 

[TLEF316]

I don't have any problem with the big names skipping this. They've donated a lot of time to USA hoops over the past 5 years. And while I know a lot of people try to say this is bigger than the Olympics...it's not. People remember Olympic champion teams. This is a fun tourney and I am looking forward to it, but there's no way it's more meaningful than the Olympics. Anyways it'll be fun to see some new blood out there, and should make the 2012 tryout pretty sick.

its more meaningful to almost every other country. And we've lost it in embarrassing fashion the last 3 times. Also, Colangelo flat out said that everyone needed to play if they wanted to be in London. One gold medal and it goes right back to being a chore instead of a privilege. Then, if we lose, the superfriends get to come back and "rescue" USA basketball again. I just think its lame. (especially for a guy like Howard, who has far as i know, didn't even try to come up with an excuse, probably because he knows we have absolutely nobody to replace him).

 

[Abraham]

Funny skimming through this thread. Cant believe i was such an Amare Stoudamire fan. Can't stand him now.Sad to see all the guys from 08 sitting this one out. Some of them have excuses, but the others should be told to take a hike when London rolls around in 2 years. As far as London goes.....Chris Paul- recovering from a legitimate injury, so he gets a pass for this summerKobe Bryant- ditto. Dude needed a breakDeron Williams- claims he has a family matter and i guess i believe himLebron James- Too busy screaming "LOOK AT ME!!!!"Carmello Anthony- getting married 2 weeks ago is a borderline bad excuse, but i guess i can let it slideChris Bosh- NopeDwyane Wade- going through a divorce, so i guess he gets a passJason Kidd- too oldDwight Howard- haven't heard of any legitimate excuse. just didn't feel like it. Carlos Boozer- again....free agency not an excuseMichael Redd- Will probably be done by London if not alreadyTayshaun Prince- Has fallen off a cliffSo, if we don't consider free agency a legitimate excuse, The only guys I'd invite back are Paul, Kobe, Williams, Melo and Wade. Of course, Colangelo will cave and invite them all back. So here's my official prediction for London 2 years out....Chris PaulDeron WilliamsKobe BryantLeBron JamesCarmelo AnthonyDwyane WadeChris BoshDwight HowardKevin DurantStephon Curry (designated shooter)Derrick Rose (IMO, he only edges out John Wall because he has a 2 year head start)Brook Lopez (most logical choice for the last big man spot, although i can't say I've seen him play much at all since he left college)i could see leaving off Rose in favor of a 4th big, as Wade, Curry, Kobe and Lebron are all capable as operating as primary ball handlers. A 3rd true PG is not a necessity. This roster also might be short a wing defender, considering that Kobe may not up to the task 2 years down the road. Not sure who i'd plug into that role. I know guys like Westbrook and Evans have tremendous potential in that role.

Durant will be the best player on that team and the reining NBA MVP.

 

[tommyGunZ]

wow - ugly thread for Ferris and Celph. Arguing that Carmello and DWade shouldn't have been on the '08 Olympic Team? Ouch...

 

[tommyGunZ]

wow - ugly thread for Ferris and Celph. Arguing that Carmello and DWade shouldn't have been on the '08 Olympic Team? Ouch...

I know you were too, umm, "focused" on one player, but Melo didn't play well in Beijing. Only Redd shot the ball worse on Team USA. Melo didn't contribute much in the hustle stats, either. For someone who accuses me so often of not actually watching basketball games, you sure say a lot of stuff that doesn't translate to watch actually happened on the court.Wade was coming off two seasons were he missed 30 games. He was healthy and played great in Beijing. At least I wasn't a moron about it and said Wade played great instead of do something monumentally stupid like say Kobe played better than Wade in Beijing. that would have been worse.

Really? Pretty sure Kobe was the MVP of the gold medal game, and he was definitely the MVP of the quarterfinal game vs. Australia. Wade was dominant in the preliminary round vs. China and Angola. If you're looking at composite box scores and not paying attention to who played well against who and when, I can see the argument that Wade was the best player.But again, according to you, Wade and Melo shouldn't have even been a part of Team USA.

 

[Celph Titled]

Bump. Here's who I'd select for Beijing:

PG: Paul

SG: Bryant

SF: James

PF: Howard

C: Chandler

Reserves:

PG: D. Williams, Billups, Prince, Anthony, M. Miller, Stoudemire, Boozer.

Not a fan of Redd overall, and I'd leave Kidd off. Howard/Chandler are a formidable duo up front, although K's penchant is to go small.

Did you think I was talking about Joel Anthony, #######?At least spell the guy's name right.

 

[Premier]

its more meaningful to almost every other country.

I keep hearing this, but I'm not buying it. Says who? What numbers back this up? I hardly believe for even a second that the FIBA Worlds ratings or eyeballs viewed tops the Olympics Men's tournament. Also it seemed to me that the old Soviet Union cherished their Olympic titles way more than any Worlds championship. And anyways, the world's best basketball players are basically clawing over each other to play in the Olympics now. As for the Worlds...not so much.

 

[Moe.]

I don't have any problem with the big names skipping this. They've donated a lot of time to USA hoops over the past 5 years. And while I know a lot of people try to say this is bigger than the Olympics...it's not. People remember Olympic champion teams. This is a fun tourney and I am looking forward to it, but there's no way it's more meaningful than the Olympics. Anyways it'll be fun to see some new blood out there, and should make the 2012 tryout pretty sick.

its more meaningful to almost every other country. And we've lost it in embarrassing fashion the last 3 times. Also, Colangelo flat out said that everyone needed to play if they wanted to be in London.

And he has since backed off that statement, wisely imo. Even with the "b" team we'll have the best squad by far. I think we're gonna win this thing rather easily. Who is Spain sending?

 

[tommyGunZ]

wow - ugly thread for Ferris and Celph. Arguing that Carmello and DWade shouldn't have been on the '08 Olympic Team? Ouch...

I know you were too, umm, "focused" on one player, but Melo didn't play well in Beijing. Only Redd shot the ball worse on Team USA. Melo didn't contribute much in the hustle stats, either. For someone who accuses me so often of not actually watching basketball games, you sure say a lot of stuff that doesn't translate to watch actually happened on the court.Wade was coming off two seasons were he missed 30 games. He was healthy and played great in Beijing. At least I wasn't a moron about it and said Wade played great instead of do something monumentally stupid like say Kobe played better than Wade in Beijing. that would have been worse.

Really? Pretty sure Kobe was the MVP of the gold medal game, and he was definitely the MVP of the quarterfinal game vs. Australia. Wade was dominant in the preliminary round vs. China and Angola. If you're looking at composite box scores and not paying attention to who played well against who and when, I can see where the argument that Wade was the best player.But again, according to you, Wade and Melo shouldn't have even been a part of Team USA.

First of all, Wade wasn't USA's best player. LeBron James was. Wade was their second-best player.I was against Wade at the time because I didn't think he was healthy. He was. I was wrong. I understand why you keep bringing it up because I am wrong so rarely. When you're wrong, it's not even an event.I was right about Melo. He played poorly, especially by USA's standards at that tournament. Half the roster shot 100 points above their NBA averages that season. Melo, Redd, and Williams were the only three below their NBA average, and Kobe bested his NBA average by one shot despite taking 21 more shots than anyone else on the roster.

You were "right" about Melo? You argued that he shouldn't have even been on the team, yet he was a starter.

 

[Moe.]

You guys should exchange phone numbers that way you can call each other up and argue instead of doing it in every single basketball related thread.

 

[tommyGunZ]

You guys should exchange phone numbers that way you can call each other up and argue instead of doing it in every single basketball related thread.

I only argue with Ferris when he's wrong.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I don't have any problem with the big names skipping this. They've donated a lot of time to USA hoops over the past 5 years. And while I know a lot of people try to say this is bigger than the Olympics...it's not. People remember Olympic champion teams. This is a fun tourney and I am looking forward to it, but there's no way it's more meaningful than the Olympics. Anyways it'll be fun to see some new blood out there, and should make the 2012 tryout pretty sick.

its more meaningful to almost every other country. And we've lost it in embarrassing fashion the last 3 times. Also, Colangelo flat out said that everyone needed to play if they wanted to be in London.

And he has since backed off that statement, wisely imo. Even with the "b" team we'll have the best squad by far. I think we're gonna win this thing rather easily. Who is Spain sending?

Pau isn't playing for Spain. I agree that we're still the favorites even without the big names, but I'd feel much more comfortable and enjoy the games more if LeBron and Bosh were playing. Kind of disappointing that they'd rather party in South Beach than represent Team USA, but it's not that big of a deal.

 

[Premier]

You guys should exchange phone numbers that way you can call each other up and argue instead of doing it in every single basketball related thread.

Agreed. Listening to gunz and the Laker superfans stroke Kobe in every thread is getting a bit tedious.

 

[tommyGunZ]

You guys should exchange phone numbers that way you can call each other up and argue instead of doing it in every single basketball related thread.

Agreed. Listening to gunz and the Laker superfans stroke Kobe in every thread is getting a bit tedious.

re-read the exchange, Nick Anderson. I was teasing Ferris about his poor calls on Melo and Wade. He's the one who brought up Kobe, not me.I guess I'd be salty too if my NBA team suddenly was regulated to 2nd class citizens in my home state, and my franchise CF'er turned into a complete bust. My condolences.

 

[Moe.]

Regulated?

MOUNT UP

 

[Premier]

You guys should exchange phone numbers that way you can call each other up and argue instead of doing it in every single basketball related thread.

Agreed. Listening to gunz and the Laker superfans stroke Kobe in every thread is getting a bit tedious.

re-read the exchange, Nick Anderson. I was teasing Ferris about his poor calls on Melo and Wade. He's the one who brought up Kobe, not me.I guess I'd be salty too if my NBA team suddenly was regulated to 2nd class citizens in my home state, and my franchise CF'er turned into a complete bust. My condolences.

If I were upset, I would just bandwagon a new "favorite" team like you did. btw, since you left it out, the Rays have the second best record in baseball in the toughest division. So, yea.And I would be saltier if my command of the English language was as poor as yours.