USA Basketball Team Roster (2 Viewers)

[tommyGunZ]

You guys who are projecting that Carmelo could be cut are crazy IMO. He was a star player in both 2007 and 2008 for the U.S. team. No way he gets cut if he wants to play and is healthy.

This. I think Carmelo has gone from overrated to underrated. Role players are great, but you don't exclude guys like Carmelo from the team. He's one of a handful of elite players whose spot on Team USA is guaranteed.

 

[scoobus]

There is 0 chance Carmelo is left off the next squad if he wants to play. His game translates much better under FIBA rules than the NBA. And he's more than big enough to play the 4 in these.ETA: Saw also you'd pick Love. Why him over Anthony when Anthony is better on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball (and on the offensive side, a lot better)? The only thing Love does better is rebound. There's a reason he didn't play in the semis or finals, he's a liability on the defensive end.

I'm not sure Anthony is better defensively in the context of how I'd use that player. Love strikes me as a competent post defender, which isn't really Anthony's strength. I'm not particular concerned with the ability of the player to chase out onto the perimeter and handle quicker players when I have a team with Durant, LeBron, and and Igoduala or Gerald Wallace type already. Similarly, I'm not looking for a another pure scorer when my team is already loaded with scorers. Carmelo Anthony is a great scorer and a very good fit for the international game. I concede that. But as good as he is, Kevin Durant is just better. At everything. LeBron is never going to give up his spot in the pecking order to Carmelo, so I just don't see a fit where Carmelo's skills will be used. As an 11th or 12th guy, I'd rather have a guy who is content to rebound, start the break, and hit the wide open shot when it's there without demanding any plays to be run for him.

Even if he doesn't start, why would you suddenly see him dropping to the 11th or 12th man? Last Olympics Wade came off the bench as a spark and led the second unit. Also, at least in the past, Anthony tries very hard in these things, on both ends. I completetly disagree that he's only a scorer, and I don't know why you would say he'll demand plays to be run for him. The guy was the best player on the last FIBA team, started on the Olympic team, and now because one player might be better (and Durant probably is), he's gunna get cut? I just don't see it.As far as Love goes we'll just agree to disagree. I don't see him as a competent post defender at all. His stats look great and all when he plays a significant amount of minutes, but they don't show what a liability he is on D, and again there's a reason he didn't play in any of the big games. Carmelo guarded Marc Gasol pretty well in the gold medal game.And I'll throw out a prediction for the rosterG- Paul, Williams, Westbrook (think he's a better fit than Rose)SG- Wade, E. Gordon (was very impressive, can replace with another designated shooter)SF/PF- Durant, Anthony, James, IguadolaC- Bosh, Howard, Random big man (similar to what Boozer was, a backup in case Howard+Bosh both in foul trouble, but likely to never play)I don't think Kobe plays, if he does take off Iggy or Gordon, probably Iggy.

 

[tommyGunZ]

There is 0 chance Carmelo is left off the next squad if he wants to play. His game translates much better under FIBA rules than the NBA. And he's more than big enough to play the 4 in these.ETA: Saw also you'd pick Love. Why him over Anthony when Anthony is better on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball (and on the offensive side, a lot better)? The only thing Love does better is rebound. There's a reason he didn't play in the semis or finals, he's a liability on the defensive end.

I'm not sure Anthony is better defensively in the context of how I'd use that player. Love strikes me as a competent post defender, which isn't really Anthony's strength. I'm not particular concerned with the ability of the player to chase out onto the perimeter and handle quicker players when I have a team with Durant, LeBron, and and Igoduala or Gerald Wallace type already. Similarly, I'm not looking for a another pure scorer when my team is already loaded with scorers. Carmelo Anthony is a great scorer and a very good fit for the international game. I concede that. But as good as he is, Kevin Durant is just better. At everything. LeBron is never going to give up his spot in the pecking order to Carmelo, so I just don't see a fit where Carmelo's skills will be used. As an 11th or 12th guy, I'd rather have a guy who is content to rebound, start the break, and hit the wide open shot when it's there without demanding any plays to be run for him.

Carmelo is 6-8, 230. He can play the 3 or 4 in the international game. He was a starter in '08 and Team USA's best player in a couple of games. IMO you're putting far too much importance on role players if the thought of keeping an Igoduala or Wallace or Love over Carmelo crosses your mind.I don't completely buy Simmons' "best 5" theory, but it has merit in the international game.

 

[the moops]

PG- Paul, Williams, Westbrook (think he's a better fit than Rose)

I'm curious why people are choosing Westbrook over Rondo. Is it because he is 2 years younger and people envision him making a big leap?They are both terrible outside shooter, but Rondo gets to the rim better and has a much better TS% and eFG%. Rondo is a better defender, averages more assists and steals. Rondo is a terrible FT shooter, Westbrook is decent. Westbrook gets about 1 rebound more a game.I'm not arguing one way or the other, for although I am a Celtic fan, I am not the biggest Rondo supporter. Just find it curious that 1/2 dozen posters mentioned Westbrook, but none mentioned Rondo.

 

[scoobus]

PG- Paul, Williams, Westbrook (think he's a better fit than Rose)

I'm curious why people are choosing Westbrook over Rondo. Is it because he is 2 years younger and people envision him making a big leap?They are both terrible outside shooter, but Rondo gets to the rim better and has a much better TS% and eFG%. Rondo is a better defender, averages more assists and steals. Rondo is a terrible FT shooter, Westbrook is decent. Westbrook gets about 1 rebound more a game.I'm not arguing one way or the other, for although I am a Celtic fan, I am not the biggest Rondo supporter. Just find it curious that 1/2 dozen posters mentioned Westbrook, but none mentioned Rondo.

For me it's just because Westbrook proved himself this year to be a very capable player in these and Rondo hasn't. Also, Westbrook shot 43% from 3 and 84% from the line, so I'd say he's significantly better than Rondo there (especially FT). Overall, I'll take the known commodity over the unknown one.

 

[tommyGunZ]

PG- Paul, Williams, Westbrook (think he's a better fit than Rose)

I'm curious why people are choosing Westbrook over Rondo. Is it because he is 2 years younger and people envision him making a big leap?They are both terrible outside shooter, but Rondo gets to the rim better and has a much better TS% and eFG%. Rondo is a better defender, averages more assists and steals. Rondo is a terrible FT shooter, Westbrook is decent. Westbrook gets about 1 rebound more a game.I'm not arguing one way or the other, for although I am a Celtic fan, I am not the biggest Rondo supporter. Just find it curious that 1/2 dozen posters mentioned Westbrook, but none mentioned Rondo.

I only caught bits and pieces, but didn't Westbrook outplay Rondo this summer? Hell, Westbrook was more effective than Rose in the final.

 

[Sammy3469]

PG- Paul, Williams, Westbrook (think he's a better fit than Rose)

I'm curious why people are choosing Westbrook over Rondo. Is it because he is 2 years younger and people envision him making a big leap?They are both terrible outside shooter, but Rondo gets to the rim better and has a much better TS% and eFG%. Rondo is a better defender, averages more assists and steals. Rondo is a terrible FT shooter, Westbrook is decent. Westbrook gets about 1 rebound more a game.I'm not arguing one way or the other, for although I am a Celtic fan, I am not the biggest Rondo supporter. Just find it curious that 1/2 dozen posters mentioned Westbrook, but none mentioned Rondo.

Probably because he was selected over Rondo this summer by the same people who will be choosing the roster in '12.

 

[Premier]

I'm not arguing one way or the other, for although I am a Celtic fan, I am not the biggest Rondo supporter. Just find it curious that 1/2 dozen posters mentioned Westbrook, but none mentioned Rondo.

I think it has a lot to do with Team USA just making the decision a month ago.Edit: Didn't see Sammy's post. But, yeah.

 

[Moe.]

PG- Paul, Williams, Westbrook (think he's a better fit than Rose)

I'm curious why people are choosing Westbrook over Rondo. Is it because he is 2 years younger and people envision him making a big leap?They are both terrible outside shooter, but Rondo gets to the rim better and has a much better TS% and eFG%. Rondo is a better defender, averages more assists and steals. Rondo is a terrible FT shooter, Westbrook is decent. Westbrook gets about 1 rebound more a game.I'm not arguing one way or the other, for although I am a Celtic fan, I am not the biggest Rondo supporter. Just find it curious that 1/2 dozen posters mentioned Westbrook, but none mentioned Rondo.

I only caught bits and pieces, but didn't Westbrook outplay Rondo this summer? Hell, Westbrook was more effective than Rose in the final.

Westbrook was one of the best players on the team in Turkey, probably the best guard on the team. Definitely outplayed Rose.

 

[scoobus]

U.S. announces list of 20 finalists for the team, to be whittled down to 12.

Guards: Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant

Forwards: LeBron James, Andre Iguodala, Rudy Gay, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin, Lamar Odom, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love.

Centers: Dwight Howard, Tyson Chandler.

Who ya got?

 

[Premier]

What a roster. Jeez.

 

[TLEF316]

There are going to be some very tough cuts. Are we sure Kobe is going to play? I imagine he's going to want to have surgery this Summer to fix his finger.

If not (and everyone is 100% healthy) I think the roster is the following....

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Carmello Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose

I think these 8 have to be locks. Rose is probably the closest to non-lock status, but I find it hard to believe they'll cut the reigning MVP if he's playing well.

If I'm picking, I think I'd go with...

PG- Paul, Rose

SG- Bryant, Wade,

SF- Durant, Anthony,

PF- James, Love

C- Howard, Chandler

That's only 10. I can't decide on the last 2 spots. I think you're probably looking at one of Griffin, Aldridge or Bosh and one of Igoudala, Gay or Gordon. Gun to my head, I guess I'm picking Bosh (because the team already has an abundance of transition finishers, which lowers Blake's value) and Igoudala for his defense (over Gordon's shooting)

 

[Raider Nation]

What a roster. Jeez.

I don't know, I think Angola has a real shot against them if they play good perimeter defense.

 

[Tau837]

There are going to be some very tough cuts. Are we sure Kobe is going to play? I imagine he's going to want to have surgery this Summer to fix his finger. If not (and everyone is 100% healthy) I think the roster is the following....Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Carmello Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Derrick RoseI think these 8 have to be locks. Rose is probably the closest to non-lock status, but I find it hard to believe they'll cut the reigning MVP if he's playing well.If I'm picking, I think I'd go with...PG- Paul, RoseSG- Bryant, Wade,SF- Durant, Anthony, PF- James, LoveC- Howard, ChandlerThat's only 10. I can't decide on the last 2 spots. I think you're probably looking at one of Griffin, Aldridge or Bosh and one of Igoudala, Gay or Gordon. Gun to my head, I guess I'm picking Bosh (because the team already has an abundance of transition finishers, which lowers Blake's value) and Igoudala for his defense (over Gordon's shooting)

I agree with your first 10. I think Deron Williams and Aldridge should and will be the other two. IMO Aldridge is better than Bosh, and Williams made it last time, and, as far as I recall, played well. Beyond that, the opportunity for Gordon or Bosh might open up if a couple guys have conflicts (injury/surgery, getting married, whatever).Another unbeatable roster.

 

[Juxtatarot]

If healthy and they decide to participate, LeBron, Wade, Kobe, Durant, Paul, Rose, Howard, Griffin and Melo are all locks. Love is close to a lock. I'm not saying it should be this way, but it is. Star power and imagine will make a difference this time since that group is almost certain to win gold.

 

[Tau837]

If healthy and they decide to participate, LeBron, Wade, Kobe, Durant, Paul, Rose, Howard, Griffin and Melo are all locks. Love is close to a lock. I'm not saying it should be this way, but it is. Star power and imagine will make a difference this time since that group is almost certain to win gold.

Agree with all but Griffin. There are others that are better. Coach K doesn't have to take anyone because of star power.

 

[scoobus]

Did the people who like Love and Chandler watch the FIBA 2010 games?

 

[Sammy3469]

Did the people who like Love and Chandler watch the FIBA 2010 games?

Yes, but Love has transformed himself since then. Hell out any of the 20, he may have the best current international game.Chandler makes because someone has to be big enough to guard the Gasols.

 

[JMon348]

My roster:

PG-CP3, Rose, Williams

SG-Kobe, Wade, Gordon

SF-Durant

PF-Lebron, Melo

C-Howard, Griffin, Love

 

[Short Corner]

I think guys who are fighting off injury much of the time may decide to sit this one out with the condensed NBA season. Kobe and Wade come to mind.

 

[Moe.]

I think guys who are fighting off injury much of the time may decide to sit this one out with the condensed NBA season. Kobe and Wade come to mind.

Wade I could see (especially if the plantar fasciitis reports are true) but I will be shocked if Kobe doesn't play.Any thoughts on who starts between Melo and Durant? There is definitely an argument for Melo as our best international player over the past few years and he was one of the top guys in terms of mintues in 2008, but Durant was the MVP of the Worlds in 2010. Melo doesn't seem like the kind of guy who will happily accept a bench role so I am interested to see how that plays out. Chauncey being included in the final 20 makes me think he will end up making the roster as the token veteran. Iguodala is a guy who I believe deserves some serious consideration for the last spot. He was an integral part of that 2010 team and if the last guy needs to fill a role I'd prefer lock-down defender to shooter. Plus he'd just be happy to be included.

 

[Yo Mama]

My Picks:

PG - Paul, Rose

SG - Kobe, Wade, Gordon

SF - Durant, Iggy

PF - Lebron, Melo

C - Howard, Love, Chandler

If you have Kobe, Wade, Lebron, you really don't need another PG. Gotta make sure to get enough perimeter shooting and defense.

 

[Doug B]

Is a true SG-SF swingman (e.g. Iguodala) necessary in international play, or can long guys like Kobe, Rose, and LeBron just switch off to SF as needed?

 

[JMon348]

Is a true SG-SF swingman (e.g. Iguodala) necessary in international play, or can long guys like Kobe, Rose, and LeBron just switch off to SF as needed?

Yeah, guys like Kobe, Lebron, etc can play multiple positions. LeBron and Melo are ideal PF's for international play. The main rotations should beaul, Rose split the PG minutesKobe, Wade, Durant split the SG/SF minutesLebron and Melo handle PF minutes with a few minutes to Love or GriffinHoward, Griffin, and Love get the center minutes.Ideallyaul 24Rose 16Kobe 26Wade 24Durant 30Lebron 30Melo 8Howard 28Griffin/Love 14

 

[Dexter Manley]

Assuming Wade doesn't play for health reasons, I think this is the best squad. I'm leaving Rose and Westbrook off, since they add nothing to this team, despite being great players. Paul and DWill are much better fits at pg, and there's no need for this team to carry a third one when Kobe, Billups (who makes it over Gordon due to his experience and him being a true combo guard), and LBJ can all play the point too. Bosh's game is tailor made for international play. I think Love's game is too, and he has improved greatly the last couple years. These guys make it over Aldridge. Griffin's game doesn't mesh well with international play and Odom is toast so those guys are out. Iguaodala makes it as the lockdown perimeter defender off the bench. No need for Gay as Durant/Melo do everything he can but better, and Iguaodala and LBJ can also play the 3.

Paul, DWill

Kobe, Billups, Iguaodala

Durant, Melo

LBJ, Bosh, Love

Howard, Chandler

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

Rose isn't a shoot first PG.

 

[Abraham]

Assuming Wade doesn't play for health reasons, I think this is the best squad. I'm leaving Rose and Westbrook off, since they add nothing to this team, despite being great players. Paul and DWill are much better fits at pg, and there's no need for this team to carry a third one when Kobe, Billups (who makes it over Gordon due to his experience and him being a true combo guard), and LBJ can all play the point too. Bosh's game is tailor made for international play. I think Love's game is too, and he has improved greatly the last couple years. These guys make it over Aldridge. Griffin's game doesn't mesh well with international play and Odom is toast so those guys are out. Iguaodala makes it as the lockdown perimeter defender off the bench. No need for Gay as Durant/Melo do everything he can but better, and Iguaodala and LBJ can also play the 3.

Paul, DWill

Kobe, Billups, Iguaodala

Durant, Melo

LBJ, Bosh, Love

Howard, Chandler

Are there any decent three point shooters on that team? (Serious question, I haven't looked at the numbers lately).

 

[BlueDemon]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

reigning MVP , I don't think he got it because he was a shoot first point guard, when you look at what he plays with he has no choice but to fire away at times. You're the same fool that probably thought Bowie was a better pick than Jordan. Put D Rose on a team with players that can finish and he be averaging at least 10 dimes / game. I guess all you haters will find out soon enough when Rose sits down.

 

[Moe.]

Assuming Wade doesn't play for health reasons, I think this is the best squad. I'm leaving Rose and Westbrook off, since they add nothing to this team, despite being great players. Paul and DWill are much better fits at pg, and there's no need for this team to carry a third one when Kobe, Billups (who makes it over Gordon due to his experience and him being a true combo guard), and LBJ can all play the point too. Bosh's game is tailor made for international play. I think Love's game is too, and he has improved greatly the last couple years. These guys make it over Aldridge. Griffin's game doesn't mesh well with international play and Odom is toast so those guys are out. Iguaodala makes it as the lockdown perimeter defender off the bench. No need for Gay as Durant/Melo do everything he can but better, and Iguaodala and LBJ can also play the 3.

Paul, DWill

Kobe, Billups, Iguaodala

Durant, Melo

LBJ, Bosh, Love

Howard, Chandler

Are there any decent three point shooters on that team? (Serious question, I haven't looked at the numbers lately).

Durant went 26/57 from 3 in 2010 at the Worlds.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

Rose isn't a shoot first PG.

He certainly is compared to Paul and DWill. I'm not saying he's Stefan Marberry, but with all the scorers on this team at every position, Paul and DWill are a much better fit at pg for this squad than Rose, imo. Those guys also are more experienced. And as I said earlier, this team only needs to carry 2 true pg's.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

reigning MVP , I don't think he got it because he was a shoot first point guard, when you look at what he plays with he has no choice but to fire away at times. You're the same fool that probably thought Bowie was a better pick than Jordan. Put D Rose on a team with players that can finish and he be averaging at least 10 dimes / game. I guess all you haters will find out soon enough when Rose sits down.

Touch a nerve?I know he won the MVP. Unless they've changed the rules, I'm pretty sure Team USA isn't going to get awarded any extra points in the Olympics for every NBA MVP they have on their roster. Hopefully, Team USA hasn't forgotten the lesson they had to learn the hard way that you don't just put the 12 best nba players on this team. You put the 12 players on this team that make the "best team."

 

[Dexter Manley]

Assuming Wade doesn't play for health reasons, I think this is the best squad. I'm leaving Rose and Westbrook off, since they add nothing to this team, despite being great players. Paul and DWill are much better fits at pg, and there's no need for this team to carry a third one when Kobe, Billups (who makes it over Gordon due to his experience and him being a true combo guard), and LBJ can all play the point too. Bosh's game is tailor made for international play. I think Love's game is too, and he has improved greatly the last couple years. These guys make it over Aldridge. Griffin's game doesn't mesh well with international play and Odom is toast so those guys are out. Iguaodala makes it as the lockdown perimeter defender off the bench. No need for Gay as Durant/Melo do everything he can but better, and Iguaodala and LBJ can also play the 3.

Paul, DWill

Kobe, Billups, Iguaodala

Durant, Melo

LBJ, Bosh, Love

Howard, Chandler

Are there any decent three point shooters on that team? (Serious question, I haven't looked at the numbers lately).

According to espn, Paul, Iggy, Durant, and Billups are all in the top 40 in 3 point shooting % (all > 39%). Also, DWill and Love both shoot over 35%. And with a closer 3 point line a guy like Durant is deadly in international play.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

Rose isn't a shoot first PG.

He certainly is compared to Paul and DWill. I'm not saying he's Stefan Marberry, but with all the scorers on this team at every position, Paul and DWill are a much better fit at pg for this squad than Rose, imo. Those guys also are more experienced. And as I said earlier, this team only needs to carry 2 true pg's.

The way I see it, to be classified as "shoot-first" the player should generally look to "shoot-first". Rose doesn't. He also didn't play that way in Turkey.I don't really have an issue with your other points.However, the team could use a variety of different lineups. They can play 2 PGs at a time, 3 wings, etc. and still win gold. Why not market the biggest NBA stars a bit?

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm surprised nearly everyone here is putting Rose on this team, when the last thing this team needs is a shoot first pg, imo. Especially one who isn't very good at hitting 3 pointers. Rose's game is tailor made for the NBA, not international play.

Rose isn't a shoot first PG.

He certainly is compared to Paul and DWill. I'm not saying he's Stefan Marberry, but with all the scorers on this team at every position, Paul and DWill are a much better fit at pg for this squad than Rose, imo. Those guys also are more experienced. And as I said earlier, this team only needs to carry 2 true pg's.

The way I see it, to be classified as "shoot-first" the player should generally look to "shoot-first". Rose doesn't. He also didn't play that way in Turkey.

Point taken.

I don't really have an issue with your other points.

However, the team could use a variety of different lineups. They can play 2 PGs at a time, 3 wings, etc. and still win gold. Why not market the biggest NBA stars a bit?

Completely disagree with the bolded. I just want them to put together the best team that has the greatest chance at winning the gold medal. If that means leaving a superstar off the team in favor of a lesser player who would be a better fit, so be it.

 

[EYLive]

International ball puts a premium on strong guards, so I think Eric Gordon would fit in well. He played well in the FIBA tourney IIRC. I don't think Griffin's ready.

 

[Smarge]

I think the team first attitude a guy like Rose brings to the table is considered extremely valuable by Coach K and Colangelo. I don't see any way Rose isn't on the team and playing significant minutes. Not to mention the guy is an outstanding player across the board. His defense was very good on the ball in Turkey, as he knew he didn't have to pace himself. His perimeter shooting has improved to the point of being a threat. Bottom line is he's a great fit IMO. Saying he isn't is over-thinking IMO.

 

[wildbill]

The Team USA roster was announced.

Carmelo Anthony, forward for the New York Knicks

Kobe Bryant, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers

Tyson Chandler, center for the New York Knicks

Kevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder

Blake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder

Andre Iguodala, forward for the Philadelphia 76ers

LeBron James, forward for the Miami Heat

Kevin Love, forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves

Chris Paul, guard for the Los Angeles Clippers

Russell Westbrook, guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder

Deron Williams, guard for the Brooklyn Nets

The team certainly doesn't lack talent or speed, but they don't have a lot of height. I don't know much about the international game, could that come back to bite them?

 

[LHUCKS]

The Team USA roster was announced.Carmelo Anthony, forward for the New York KnicksKobe Bryant, guard for the Los Angeles LakersTyson Chandler, center for the New York KnicksKevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City ThunderBlake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles ClippersJames Harden, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderAndre Iguodala, forward for the Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James, forward for the Miami HeatKevin Love, forward for the Minnesota TimberwolvesChris Paul, guard for the Los Angeles ClippersRussell Westbrook, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderDeron Williams, guard for the Brooklyn NetsThe team certainly doesn't lack talent or speed, but they don't have a lot of height. I don't know much about the international game, could that come back to bite them?

Outside shooting concerns me.This team is susceptible IMHO.

 

[Moe.]

Qualifying wraps up tonight, the twelfth and final spot will be decided when Nigeria take on the Dominican Republic in Caracas. The game will be on NBAtv at 8 eastern. Nigeria (led by Ike Diogu) upset Greece in the knockout round eliminating them from contention. Argentina, France, Tunisia, Russia, and Lithuania will be in group A with the US. Group B is Spain, Australia, Brazil, China, Great Britain, and the winner of tonight's game. If things go as planned the US won't have to play Spain until the finals.

 

[Moe.]

The Team USA roster was announced.Carmelo Anthony, forward for the New York KnicksKobe Bryant, guard for the Los Angeles LakersTyson Chandler, center for the New York KnicksKevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City ThunderBlake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles ClippersJames Harden, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderAndre Iguodala, forward for the Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James, forward for the Miami HeatKevin Love, forward for the Minnesota TimberwolvesChris Paul, guard for the Los Angeles ClippersRussell Westbrook, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderDeron Williams, guard for the Brooklyn NetsThe team certainly doesn't lack talent or speed, but they don't have a lot of height. I don't know much about the international game, could that come back to bite them?

Outside shooting concerns me.This team is susceptible IMHO.

I don't see anyone coming remotely close outside of Spain. Even then I think the US would have to play poorly to lose. We'll play them in an exhibition on July 24th in Barcelona so that should be interesting.

 

[thecatch]

The Team USA roster was announced.Carmelo Anthony, forward for the New York KnicksKobe Bryant, guard for the Los Angeles LakersTyson Chandler, center for the New York KnicksKevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City ThunderBlake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles ClippersJames Harden, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderAndre Iguodala, forward for the Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James, forward for the Miami HeatKevin Love, forward for the Minnesota TimberwolvesChris Paul, guard for the Los Angeles ClippersRussell Westbrook, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderDeron Williams, guard for the Brooklyn NetsThe team certainly doesn't lack talent or speed, but they don't have a lot of height. I don't know much about the international game, could that come back to bite them?

Outside shooting concerns me.This team is susceptible IMHO.

I don't see anyone coming remotely close outside of Spain. Even then I think the US would have to play poorly to lose. We'll play them in an exhibition on July 24th in Barcelona so that should be interesting.

I don't think the US team has two post defenders that can handle both the Gasols, but I imagine the US's mismatches on the other end of the floor and advantages at other positions will more than make up for it.

 

[LHUCKS]

I don't see anyone coming remotely close outside of Spain. Even then I think the US would have to play poorly to lose. We'll play them in an exhibition on July 24th in Barcelona so that should be interesting.

Sure we'll still be favored, but wouldn't be surprised to see us drop a game if we shoot poorly vs. one of the other top teams.Rule #1: Don't put Russel Westbrook on the court in the last five minutes.

 

[Tau837]

The Team USA roster was announced.Carmelo Anthony, forward for the New York KnicksKobe Bryant, guard for the Los Angeles LakersTyson Chandler, center for the New York KnicksKevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City ThunderBlake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles ClippersJames Harden, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderAndre Iguodala, forward for the Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James, forward for the Miami HeatKevin Love, forward for the Minnesota TimberwolvesChris Paul, guard for the Los Angeles ClippersRussell Westbrook, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderDeron Williams, guard for the Brooklyn NetsThe team certainly doesn't lack talent or speed, but they don't have a lot of height. I don't know much about the international game, could that come back to bite them?

Outside shooting concerns me.This team is susceptible IMHO.

2008 Olympics 3 point shooting for the players returning from that team:Lebron 13/28 (.464)Carmelo 14/37 (.378)Williams 9/24 (.375)Kobe 17/53 (.321)Paul 4/14 (.286)2010 World Championship 3 point shooting for the players returning from that teamurant 26/57 (.456)Love 4/9 (.444)Westbrook 3/7 (.429)Igoudala 2/7 (.286)As long as Kobe doesn't drag them down, they should be okay. Keep in mind that the line is shorter than in the NBA, and the looks they tend to get in international play are often more open than in the NBA, thanks to their collective ability to penetrate and kick out.I'm surprised Harden made it over Gordon. Gordon shot lights out in 2010 (19/42 from 3).Not a fan of Griffin making the team. He doesn't add anything with his offense that the team doesn't already have in abundance, and he isn't great on defense either.

 

[TLEF316]

The scrimmage against Spain is absolutely pointless. They will run the most vanilla offense ever so we don't get a look at their go-to sets.

 

[Short Corner]

The Team USA roster was announced.Carmelo Anthony, forward for the New York KnicksKobe Bryant, guard for the Los Angeles LakersTyson Chandler, center for the New York KnicksKevin Durant, forward for the Oklahoma City ThunderBlake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles ClippersJames Harden, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderAndre Iguodala, forward for the Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James, forward for the Miami HeatKevin Love, forward for the Minnesota TimberwolvesChris Paul, guard for the Los Angeles ClippersRussell Westbrook, guard for the Oklahoma City ThunderDeron Williams, guard for the Brooklyn NetsThe team certainly doesn't lack talent or speed, but they don't have a lot of height. I don't know much about the international game, could that come back to bite them?

Outside shooting concerns me.This team is susceptible IMHO.

2008 Olympics 3 point shooting for the players returning from that team:Lebron 13/28 (.464)Carmelo 14/37 (.378)Williams 9/24 (.375)Kobe 17/53 (.321)Paul 4/14 (.286)2010 World Championship 3 point shooting for the players returning from that teamurant 26/57 (.456)Love 4/9 (.444)Westbrook 3/7 (.429)Igoudala 2/7 (.286)As long as Kobe doesn't drag them down, they should be okay. Keep in mind that the line is shorter than in the NBA, and the looks they tend to get in international play are often more open than in the NBA, thanks to their collective ability to penetrate and kick out.I'm surprised Harden made it over Gordon. Gordon shot lights out in 2010 (19/42 from 3).Not a fan of Griffin making the team. He doesn't add anything with his offense that the team doesn't already have in abundance, and he isn't great on defense either.

Agree on Griffin. I think he gets exposed defensively in this tournament.

 

[TLEF316]

I agree that Griffin isn't a good fit, but you can't go into a tournament like this with only 2 "true big guys"

Obviously Lebron will play a lot of 4, but one injury to chandler or Love would kill the team.

 

[Short Corner]

I agree that Griffin isn't a good fit, but you can't go into a tournament like this with only 2 "true big guys"Obviously Lebron will play a lot of 4, but one injury to chandler or Love would kill the team.

I'm not sure what you mean by "true big guy", but LeBron is better offensively and defensively in the paint than Griffin.

 

[Premier]

Can't wait to watch. Love the FIBA tournaments.

 

[LHUCKS]

I agree that Griffin isn't a good fit, but you can't go into a tournament like this with only 2 "true big guys"Obviously Lebron will play a lot of 4, but one injury to chandler or Love would kill the team.

I'm not sure what you mean by "true big guy", but LeBron is better offensively and defensively in the paint than Griffin.

Griffin was likely added for size and rebounding.That being said, he makes my all overrated team.