USA Basketball Team Roster (1 Viewer)

[Your Mother]

Bump. Here's who I'd select for BeijingG: PaulSG: BryantSF: JamesPF: HowardC: ChandlerReservesG: 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.

Obviously love this squad, but not sure about starting two guys whose range is 2 ft. I'd go smaller and start Carmelo over Chandler, with Howard at C.

I'd recognize this as a valid idea, except that last year THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WAS OUTREBOUNDED BY MOTHER####ING URUGUAY. DO YOU KNOW WHO CLAUDIO CHAQUERO IS? OR FERNANDO MARTINEZ? ME NEITHER.That game, Uruguay rebounded 34% of their own misses. That's ridiculous. Our edge in rebounding in the 07 qualifiers was about 2.5 per game, and that's mostly due to beating up on some woefully undersized teams. Almost everyone else went for double-digit offensive rebounds against the US. Given that the US was making drastically more shots than their opponents (58% to 37%), that's an unacceptable number. The one thing the US had in abundance was guys who could score almost at will. If they leave out Anthony, they still have plenty of guys who can destroy the opposition on offense. Nobody's going to have an answer for James, Howard or Bryant. Or Paul. Stoudemire's another big step down defensively. The tricky thing is that while more rebounding help is needed, there's also the matter of having a four who can play the perimeter defensively. The US did do a good job of shutting down the 3 in 07 (31%), does that go up if you bring in more rebounding?I think the solution is to play James at the 4. He can rebound, he's big enough to where he can't easily be backed down, he can guard Euro-stiffs at the arc, and he'd be a nightmare for opposing fours to try and guard. He'd also spread the floor more to create more space for the US' superior athleticism.Kidd's 36. There is nothing he can do against int'l competition that Williams or Paul can't. Best PG in the world > Former best PG in the world.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Bump. Here's who I'd select for BeijingG: PaulSG: BryantSF: JamesPF: HowardC: ChandlerReservesG: 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.

Obviously love this squad, but not sure about starting two guys whose range is 2 ft. I'd go smaller and start Carmelo over Chandler, with Howard at C.

I'd recognize this as a valid idea, except that last year THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WAS OUTREBOUNDED BY MOTHER####ING URUGUAY. DO YOU KNOW WHO CLAUDIO CHAQUERO IS? OR FERNANDO MARTINEZ? ME NEITHER.That game, Uruguay rebounded 34% of their own misses. That's ridiculous. Our edge in rebounding in the 07 qualifiers was about 2.5 per game, and that's mostly due to beating up on some woefully undersized teams. Almost everyone else went for double-digit offensive rebounds against the US. Given that the US was making drastically more shots than their opponents (58% to 37%), that's an unacceptable number. The one thing the US had in abundance was guys who could score almost at will. If they leave out Anthony, they still have plenty of guys who can destroy the opposition on offense. Nobody's going to have an answer for James, Howard or Bryant. Or Paul. Stoudemire's another big step down defensively. The tricky thing is that while more rebounding help is needed, there's also the matter of having a four who can play the perimeter defensively. The US did do a good job of shutting down the 3 in 07 (31%), does that go up if you bring in more rebounding?I think the solution is to play James at the 4. He can rebound, he's big enough to where he can't easily be backed down, he can guard Euro-stiffs at the arc, and he'd be a nightmare for opposing fours to try and guard. He'd also spread the floor more to create more space for the US' superior athleticism.Kidd's 36. There is nothing he can do against int'l competition that Williams or Paul can't. Best PG in the world > Former best PG in the world.

good posting - it seems like you agree with me despite pointing out how Uruguay cleaned the glass against us last year. I still don't understand how you guys keep putting Melo on the bench after his dominant summer for team USA though. Put him and LeBron at the 3 and 4, along with Kobe, Paul, and Superman.

 

[Tau837]

Kidd's 36. There is nothing he can do against int'l competition that Williams or Paul can't. Best PG in the world > Former best PG in the world.

Kidd was 35 last year and was the starting PG for our undefeated team. He paid his dues last year and by all accounts played well. He is healthy. He is a respected veteran leader. I see no chance he is left off the team. Same for Anthony.

 

[Bri]

Missing the young guy that hustles because he probably doesn't belong(IE Christian Laettner with the best team ever). Those pamperred guys need to be around the hustler as it's "contagious".

 

[Bri]

USA's biggest weaknesses at Athens and Satiama were defending three-point shots

That involves hustle and respect for your opponent's shot.These guys need to watch tapes of Oscar(not robertson) to see MJ, Bird, Magic respecting a foreigner's shooting touch and getting out there. In fact they should just put Oscar tapes on a loop in the lockerroom. He was one of the best shooters ever and their idols knew it.

 

[TLEF316]

fair enough. I'm a huge Battier fan. But i think Prince is the better player and would get the nod, despite the obvious love K has for Battier.

I agree with all of your points on Kidd. However, i think his tremendous international experience and success gets him on the roster. You can always sit him down for Paul or Williams when we run up against a great PG. (Parker, barbosa, calderon, ect)

I, for one, am really really looking forward to this tournament. I think its gonna be absolutly tremendous basketball. It will be great to see all the other international squads at full stregnth as well.

 

[TLEF316]

anyone have a list of all the teams that have qualified so far?

 

[TLEF316]

So italy didnt even make it through to the qualifiers? Thats hard to believe. Very good squad, although i guess some of their core guys are getting a bit older.

Your 3 choices look like a good bet to qualify. Hard to totally dismiss Germany though, as Nowitzki is lights out in FIBA and should be well rested. Slovenia also has a few lower level NBA guys, so they could have a shot.

Its shocking that Yugoslavia (or whatever they call themselves now) has fallen off so badly. They were dominant 5 or 6 years ago.

 

[TLEF316]

o wow, totally forgot about France. Hard to believe (although, if i recall, wasnt parker injured for the European championships)

 

[JMon348]

PG-Paul, Williams

SG-Kobe, Wade

SF-James, Redd, Battier

PF-Anthony,Boozer, Prince

C-Howard,Stoudamire

Coach K likes to go small. Call me a homer but I think Lamar Odom would be a nice fit for team USA

 

[Tau837]

fair enough. I'm a huge Battier fan. But i think Prince is the better player and would get the nod, despite the obvious love K has for Battier.I agree with all of your points on Kidd. However, i think his tremendous international experience and success gets him on the roster. You can always sit him down for Paul or Williams when we run up against a great PG. (Parker, barbosa, calderon, ect) I, for one, am really really looking forward to this tournament. I think its gonna be absolutly tremendous basketball. It will be great to see all the other international squads at full stregnth as well.

I agree with all of this. Furthermore, Paul and Williams can both also log minutes at off guard. So Kidd can play on the floor with Williams, for example, and Williams can defend the tougher guard matchup. Kobe could as well, when on the floor with Kidd.I love Battier, but it is very hard for me to see what he does better than Prince. And I just don't see room for both of them on the team given my belief that 3 PGs (Kidd, Paul, Williams), 4 big men (including Stoudemire, Howard, Chandler), Bryant, Anthony, and James are all locks, barring injury or unexpected withdrawal. That only leaves two spots, and I don't see both of them going to players perceived to be limited offensively (relatively speaking)... especially when I think Kidd and Chandler are already on the roster. I think Prince probably gets one spot and an offensive player, probably a shooter like Redd, gets the other.

 

[TLEF316]

o wow, totally forgot about France. Hard to believe (although, if i recall, wasnt parker injured for the European championships)

Parker played great at Eurobasket. IIRC, it was the 2006 Worlds when Parker was hurt. France's trouble came from the supporting cast: they didn't get much out of Turiaf, Diaw was inconsistent, Mickael Pietrus didn't play, and Florent Pietrus didn't exactly make a case for an NBA contract.

you're probably right. I knew he was injured for a big tourney recently. It probably was the worlds.

 

[Tau837]

PG-Paul, WilliamsSG-Kobe, WadeSF-James, Redd, BattierPF-Anthony,Boozer, PrinceC-Howard,StoudamireCoach K likes to go small. Call me a homer but I think Lamar Odom would be a nice fit for team USA

Homer. Seriously, Odom has zero chance and is not a very good fit given all the other talent available.

 

[TLEF316]

PG-Paul, WilliamsSG-Kobe, WadeSF-James, Redd, BattierPF-Anthony,Boozer, PrinceC-Howard,StoudamireCoach K likes to go small. Call me a homer but I think Lamar Odom would be a nice fit for team USA

Homer. Seriously, Odom has zero chance and is not a very good fit given all the other talent available.Brian

Odom played ok the last time he was on the team (i forget when) But he isnt gonna make it now that the top tier talent is playing.edit: it was athens. His numbers werent great, but he played hard. Made a lot of hustle plays. Didnt try out in 06 or 07 because of the death of his son.

 

[JMon348]

PG-Paul, WilliamsSG-Kobe, WadeSF-James, Redd, BattierPF-Anthony,Boozer, PrinceC-Howard,StoudamireCoach K likes to go small. Call me a homer but I think Lamar Odom would be a nice fit for team USA

Homer. Seriously, Odom has zero chance and is not a very good fit given all the other talent available.Brian

Odom is one of the most talented players in the NBA, he doesnt use it all the time, thats what sets him apart from being an allstar. Since Pau has come on board he is showing how good he can be. Larry Brown said he was the most consistent player on the 04 olympic team. I dont give him a great chance of making it, but you never know.

 

[Tau837]

PG-Paul, WilliamsSG-Kobe, WadeSF-James, Redd, BattierPF-Anthony,Boozer, PrinceC-Howard,StoudamireCoach K likes to go small. Call me a homer but I think Lamar Odom would be a nice fit for team USA

Homer. Seriously, Odom has zero chance and is not a very good fit given all the other talent available.

Odom is one of the most talented players in the NBA, he doesnt use it all the time, thats what sets him apart from being an allstar. Since Pau has come on board he is showing how good he can be. Larry Brown said he was the most consistent player on the 04 olympic team. I dont give him a great chance of making it, but you never know.

I'm not saying he's not talented. I'm not knocking him. But given the number of roster spots locked down, and the quality of talent competing for those few remaining spots, he has no chance.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Odom's inconsistent jumper is what has kept him from reaching superstardom. If he were ever to become automatic from 20 ft in, he'd be unguardable.

 

[ragincajun]

Chris Paul a lock at PG!!!

 

[LHUCKS]

Chris Paul a lock at PG!!!

I'm excited to see his impact on the team.

 

[Tau837]

U.S. basketball team to be set without tryouts

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press

So much for the training camp competition for the final spots on the Olympic team. The United States will pick its squad without a tryout.

The Americans have changed their plans and will select the 12 players headed to Beijing before they report to Las Vegas later this month. Originally, the team was to have potentially 16 players in camp and cut down to 12 on June 30.

"The staff really is more interested in getting down so that they can get to work in terms of preparation. We have switched our thinking," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Colangelo said the announcement likely would come after the NBA Finals end. The Americans are to begin workouts on the UNLV campus June 28.

There are more than 30 players in the national team program, but Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski are down to about their top 14. They will decide on the final two spots, probably at point guard and power forward, in the coming days.

With the team's minicamp expected to last only two days, Krzyzewski told Colangelo there wasn't enough time to make cuts, and asked to bring in just the Beijing-bound players so they could focus on the summer ahead.

Colangelo will get to work on one decision shortly, flying to Chicago to check on Dwyane Wade, who has been working out after missing the final 21 games this season because of chronic soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. Wade likely will get a spot if he's healthy, but Colangelo wants to get a "real read" on the Heat guard's rehab.

While there, Colangelo also will get a look at Chris Paul, one of the players on the bubble, whom Wade has invited to work out with him. The New Orleans point guard, runner-up to Kobe Bryant in the MVP voting, might have to beat out Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, and perhaps Wade for a spot.

Wade, though recovering from knee surgery last summer, traveled to Las Vegas to sit on the U.S. bench and watch the team qualify for Beijing in the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament.

There could be an opening in the frontcourt, where Amare Stoudemire might have talked himself off the team. The Phoenix Suns star said after his season ended that he needed to see how his body felt before deciding to play.

Toronto's Chris Bosh, who played in the 2006 world championships but was injured last summer, and Utah's Carlos Boozer are the leading candidates to claim a forward spot.

Bryant, Kidd, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard were the starters last year when the Americans went undefeated in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Stoudemire, Billups, Williams, Michael Redd, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler and Mike Miller also were on the team.

The deadline to submit the Olympic roster is July 1. The Americans will return to Las Vegas in mid-July to train and play an exhibition game against Canada before departing for China. They face the host Chinese in their Beijing opener on Aug. 10.

The notion that Chris Paul is on the bubble is ridiculous. I understand loyalty to those who played last summer, but one reason they have 30 players in the program is to make decisions independent of that.

 

[JMon348]

U.S. basketball team to be set without tryouts

Brian Mahoney, The Associated Press

So much for the training camp competition for the final spots on the Olympic team. The United States will pick its squad without a tryout.

The Americans have changed their plans and will select the 12 players headed to Beijing before they report to Las Vegas later this month. Originally, the team was to have potentially 16 players in camp and cut down to 12 on June 30.

"The staff really is more interested in getting down so that they can get to work in terms of preparation. We have switched our thinking," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Colangelo said the announcement likely would come after the NBA Finals end. The Americans are to begin workouts on the UNLV campus June 28.

There are more than 30 players in the national team program, but Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski are down to about their top 14. They will decide on the final two spots, probably at point guard and power forward, in the coming days.

With the team's minicamp expected to last only two days, Krzyzewski told Colangelo there wasn't enough time to make cuts, and asked to bring in just the Beijing-bound players so they could focus on the summer ahead.

Colangelo will get to work on one decision shortly, flying to Chicago to check on Dwyane Wade, who has been working out after missing the final 21 games this season because of chronic soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. Wade likely will get a spot if he's healthy, but Colangelo wants to get a "real read" on the Heat guard's rehab.

While there, Colangelo also will get a look at Chris Paul, one of the players on the bubble, whom Wade has invited to work out with him. The New Orleans point guard, runner-up to Kobe Bryant in the MVP voting, might have to beat out Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, and perhaps Wade for a spot.

Wade, though recovering from knee surgery last summer, traveled to Las Vegas to sit on the U.S. bench and watch the team qualify for Beijing in the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament.

There could be an opening in the frontcourt, where Amare Stoudemire might have talked himself off the team. The Phoenix Suns star said after his season ended that he needed to see how his body felt before deciding to play.

Toronto's Chris Bosh, who played in the 2006 world championships but was injured last summer, and Utah's Carlos Boozer are the leading candidates to claim a forward spot.

Bryant, Kidd, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard were the starters last year when the Americans went undefeated in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Stoudemire, Billups, Williams, Michael Redd, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler and Mike Miller also were on the team.

The deadline to submit the Olympic roster is July 1. The Americans will return to Las Vegas in mid-July to train and play an exhibition game against Canada before departing for China. They face the host Chinese in their Beijing opener on Aug. 10.

The notion that Chris Paul is on the bubble is ridiculous. I understand loyalty to those who played last summer, but one reason they have 30 players in the program is to make decisions independent of that.

This means Kidd is a lock on the team. I was hoping they would choose Paul and Williams now it looks like Kidd and Paul or Williams. I hope Chandler,Billups and Miller arent on the team

 

[Genedoc]

Team USA for Beijing:Carmelo AnthonyChris BoshCarlos BoozerKobe BryantDwight HowardLeBron JamesJason KiddChris PaulMichael ReddTayshaun PrinceDwyane WadeDeron WilliamsBy positionG: Kidd, Paul, WilliamsSG: Kobe, Wade, ReddSF: LeBron, Carmelo, PrincePF: Boozer, BoshC: HowardI'm guessing the starting five will be Kidd, Kobe, Carmelo, LeBron, and Howard. LeBron will play a lot of PF with that roster.

Someone correct me if I'm off here, but does outside shooting seem a little suspect with that roster? I know Redd and Kobe can shoot, but it seems to me that roster is going to see a LOT of 2-3 packed in zone to cut down on the slashing, and if the 1 or 2 designated shooters are cold, we could see problems, again. Thoughts?

 

[Gr00vus]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

 

[Sammy3469]

Team USA for Beijing:Carmelo AnthonyChris BoshCarlos BoozerKobe BryantDwight HowardLeBron JamesJason KiddChris PaulMichael ReddTayshaun PrinceDwyane WadeDeron WilliamsBy positionG: Kidd, Paul, WilliamsSG: Kobe, Wade, ReddSF: LeBron, Carmelo, PrincePF: Boozer, BoshC: HowardI'm guessing the starting five will be Kidd, Kobe, Carmelo, LeBron, and Howard. LeBron will play a lot of PF with that roster.

Hmmm...I personally don't see why Kidd is on this roster and really can't see why he'd be starting (but I agree that he wouldn't be going if he wasn't starting). At this point he can't guard people and its not like he can shoot either. I also think one of the pure PF starts over Melo (more likely Bosh since he has greater range).

 

[LHUCKS]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

Yeah, why is Tim Duncan not playing this go round?

 

[TLEF316]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

Yeah, why is Tim Duncan not playing this go round?

cant stand Fiba refs. He feels that they are inconsistent and that they target him specifically with unfair calls. After watching the games in Athens, its tough to disagree with him.

 

[TLEF316]

shooting doesnt bother me. We have Kobe and Redd. Plus all of the decent, but not great shooters (Lebron, Melo, ect) will benefit a lot from the shorter line. I am prety confident that Lebron can knock down the FIBA 3 pretty consistently if he has to.

 

[SKribbles]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

Yeah, why is Tim Duncan not playing this go round?

His team did not make the Olympics.

 

[TLEF316]

agree on wade as well. His skill set isnt that great for international play. I would prefer to see him replaced by a specialist (either shooting or defensive)

 

[Oscar]

agree on wade as well. His skill set isnt that great for international play. I would prefer to see him replaced by a specialist (either shooting or defensive)

Definitely would have preferred another shooter on this team. Too many PGs, IMO. Pretty interesting looking back in this thread at all of the predictions.

 

[LHUCKS]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

Yeah, why is Tim Duncan not playing this go round?

cant stand Fiba refs. He feels that they are inconsistent and that they target him specifically with unfair calls. After watching the games in Athens, its tough to disagree with him.

Huh...I can't say I disagree with him, but we could really use him on the team.

 

[Sammy3469]

Team USA for Beijing:

PG: Kidd, Paul, Williams

SG: Kobe, Wade, Redd

SF: LeBron, Carmelo, Prince

PF: Boozer, Bosh

C: Howard

I'm guessing the starting five will be Kidd, Kobe, Carmelo, LeBron, and Howard. LeBron will play a lot of PF with that roster.

Someone correct me if I'm off here, but does outside shooting seem a little suspect with that roster? I know Redd and Kobe can shoot, but it seems to me that roster is going to see a LOT of 2-3 packed in zone to cut down on the slashing, and if the 1 or 2 designated shooters are cold, we could see problems, again. Thoughts?

I would have preferred dropping Kidd for another outside shooter. Also, as great as Wade is, I'm not sure he brings anything to the team that Kobe, Williams, or Paul doesn't already provide. Wade also might have some injury rust, too. I would have preferred somebody like Joe Johnson instead of Kidd or Wade. Deron Williams was .395 on NBA threes this season, so he should be fine shooting FIBA threes. Paul was .369 - not deadly, but not so bad you can leave him unguarded out there, either. Still, IMO there was room for a PF that can hit threes and rebound instead of taking nine perimeter players.

That's what I don't totally understand about this roster. If you're going small you better run, but Kidd doesn't seem to be the ideal guy to pull that off. I also think they're going to regret only taking 3 big guys. I would much rather have had Chandler or someone of that ilk especially since scoring shouldn't be an issue

 

[LHUCKS]

Wade is an underrated defensive player.

 

[TLEF316]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

Yeah, why is Tim Duncan not playing this go round?

cant stand Fiba refs. He feels that they are inconsistent and that they target him specifically with unfair calls. After watching the games in Athens, its tough to disagree with him.

Huh...I can't say I disagree with him, but we could really use him on the team.

I dont disagree with him about the reffing. FIBA refs blow. Obviously we would love to have him on the team. He just wont do it. He's fed up with international ball.

 

[TLEF316]

Team USA for Beijing:

PG: Kidd, Paul, Williams

SG: Kobe, Wade, Redd

SF: LeBron, Carmelo, Prince

PF: Boozer, Bosh

C: Howard

I'm guessing the starting five will be Kidd, Kobe, Carmelo, LeBron, and Howard. LeBron will play a lot of PF with that roster.

Someone correct me if I'm off here, but does outside shooting seem a little suspect with that roster? I know Redd and Kobe can shoot, but it seems to me that roster is going to see a LOT of 2-3 packed in zone to cut down on the slashing, and if the 1 or 2 designated shooters are cold, we could see problems, again. Thoughts?

I would have preferred dropping Kidd for another outside shooter. Also, as great as Wade is, I'm not sure he brings anything to the team that Kobe, Williams, or Paul doesn't already provide. Wade also might have some injury rust, too. I would have preferred somebody like Joe Johnson instead of Kidd or Wade. Deron Williams was .395 on NBA threes this season, so he should be fine shooting FIBA threes. Paul was .369 - not deadly, but not so bad you can leave him unguarded out there, either. Still, IMO there was room for a PF that can hit threes and rebound instead of taking nine perimeter players.

That's what I don't totally understand about this roster. If you're going small you better run, but Kidd doesn't seem to be the ideal guy to pull that off. I also think they're going to regret only taking 3 big guys. I would much rather have had Chandler or someone of that ilk especially since scoring shouldn't be an issue

you think Kidd isnt the ideal PG to run?? He's probably the best PG to play that syle (other than nash, who's obviously not an American) Kidd is tremendous passer on the break. Outstanding vision. He made Kenyon Martin a borderline superstar. Yeah, he's slower now, but he's still one of the best fast break PG's on the planet. If anything, his weakness now is in the half court due to his poor shooting and lack of penetration ability.

 

[Tiger Fan]

can anyone explain why on earth that kidd would start over paul (let alone williams)

 

[LHUCKS]

So, what's the best roster of USA players not going to Beijing?PG: Billups, RoseSG: Iverson, Joe Johnson, Ray AllenSF: Pierce, Battier, KaponoPF: Garnett, AmareC: Duncan, ChandlerI'm sure someone can come up with a better SG/SF mix, but that roster probably medals.

Billups over Paul?

 

[LHUCKS]

can anyone explain why on earth that kidd would start over paul (let alone williams)

Paul should be starting, the only argument for Kidd is experience and unselfishness...but those arguments would pale in comparison IMHO.Paul should be starting.

 

[Tiger Fan]

can anyone explain why on earth that kidd would start over paul (let alone williams)

* Lifetime achievement award* Kidd played well in the Tournament of the Americas qualifier last summer* Coaches and basketball lifers tend to think more highly of Kidd than fans and mediaI wish I had a better explanation. IMO, USA could build a stronger roster with someone else in his place.

fair enough. All I know that Kidd was horrible down the stretch this year

 

[Genedoc]

They could use another true C/PF - the interior looks soft and they could get killed on the boards.

Yeah, why is Tim Duncan not playing this go round?

cant stand Fiba refs. He feels that they are inconsistent and that they target him specifically with unfair calls. After watching the games in Athens, its tough to disagree with him.

Opposing centers could have gotten away with occasional folding chair shots on Duncan in Athens. Closed circuit to Team USA coaching staff: FIBA refs hardly ever call moving screens out top, even when screening for the man with the ball. Adjust your practices and gameplans accordingly.

I think a legitimate argument can be made that nobody will take better advantage of this than Mike Krzyzewski. Love him or hate him, he will figure out what is/isn't being called and adjust his game plan accordingly.

 

[packersfan]

I believe Kidd is unbeaten in international play so that's a factor.

Also, Paul struggled - especially defensively - in his last international competition.

 

[TLEF316]

I believe Kidd is unbeaten in international play so that's a factor.Also, Paul struggled - especially defensively - in his last international competition.

Bingo. Kidd is 38-0 and is perfect to the run the fast paced, high flying type offense the US has used to crush people in the past. In half court games, the other 2 are better. But there is nobody better sutied to throw alley oops to Kobe, Lebron and Howard than Kidd. and Paul was not good the last time he played. Wasnt awful, but didnt shine like many expected. obviously, he's much better now.

 

[southeastjerome]

I believe Kidd is unbeaten in international play so that's a factor.

Also, Paul struggled - especially defensively - in his last international competition.

Yes, Paul did struggle, especially against Greece in the 2006 semis. The PG from Greece was a taller more physical player and he ate Paul up. I think the concern there is that they wanted to go with more physical play from the PG position with bigger players like Kidd and Williams.

 

[Oscar]

Did Kevin Garnett elect not to participate? Was he not asked? Too old?

 

[TLEF316]

Did Kevin Garnett elect not to participate? Was he not asked? Too old?

he turned it down early. He already got his medal. He wanted to totally focus on getting a ring. Mission accomplished.

 

[southeastjerome]

Did Kevin Garnett elect not to participate? Was he not asked? Too old?

Its really too bad, I wish he'd reconsider (especially since the Celts won). Team USA's problems haven't been on offense as much as they have been on defense. Its well known the effect KG had on the Celtics D, he certainly would have offered improvement to the D on Team USA.

With all due respect to the red, white, and blue, Kevin Garnett is focused on wearing Celtic green

USA Basketball president Jim Tooley confirmed that Garnett was approached about joining its 2008 Beijing Olympic squad within the last week. The first-year Celtics forward won a gold medal while playing for the United States during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Tooley, however, said the 10-time All-Star respectfully declined the invitation.

"There is no discussion about that," Garnett said. "I don't want to discuss that. They know that."

Said Tooley: "We understand his decision and respect it. He's with a good team and he's focused on that."

Garnett and Celtics teammate Ray Allen were both on that 2000 USA team, the last one to win an Olympic gold medal. The US's roster currently includes such big men as Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, and Chris Bosh, but could have definitely used Garnett. In fact, regular Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony started at power forward for the US in this summer's FIBA Americas tournament. While Allen and Celtics teammate Paul Pierce have USA Basketball experience, neither is expected to play in the Olympics next year.

"They have a team and the team is already established, which is good. I've had my time in it," said Garnett, who was second in scoring for Team USA during the 2000 Games, averaging 10.8 points per game.

 

[Oscar]

Did Kevin Garnett elect not to participate? Was he not asked? Too old?

Its really too bad, I wish he'd reconsider (especially since the Celts won). Team USA's problems haven't been on offense as much as they have been on defense. Its well known the effect KG had on the Celtics D, he certainly would have offered improvement to the D on Team USA.

With all due respect to the red, white, and blue, Kevin Garnett is focused on wearing Celtic green

USA Basketball president Jim Tooley confirmed that Garnett was approached about joining its 2008 Beijing Olympic squad within the last week. The first-year Celtics forward won a gold medal while playing for the United States during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Tooley, however, said the 10-time All-Star respectfully declined the invitation.

"There is no discussion about that," Garnett said. "I don't want to discuss that. They know that."

Said Tooley: "We understand his decision and respect it. He's with a good team and he's focused on that."

Garnett and Celtics teammate Ray Allen were both on that 2000 USA team, the last one to win an Olympic gold medal. The US's roster currently includes such big men as Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, and Chris Bosh, but could have definitely used Garnett. In fact, regular Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony started at power forward for the US in this summer's FIBA Americas tournament. While Allen and Celtics teammate Paul Pierce have USA Basketball experience, neither is expected to play in the Olympics next year.

"They have a team and the team is already established, which is good. I've had my time in it," said Garnett, who was second in scoring for Team USA during the 2000 Games, averaging 10.8 points per game.

That really is too bad but I guess I understand. Having Carmello as your starting PF leaves you with essentially no defense at that position.

 

[the moops]

So, what's the best roster of USA players not going to Beijing?PG: Billups, RoseSG: Iverson, Joe Johnson, Ray AllenSF: Pierce, Battier, KaponoPF: Garnett, AmareC: Duncan, ChandlerI'm sure someone can come up with a better SG/SF mix, but that roster probably medals.

PG: Baron DavisSF: Durant

 

[Mr. Yuk]

So, what's the best roster of USA players not going to Beijing?PG: Billups, RoseSG: Iverson, Joe Johnson, Ray AllenSF: Pierce, Battier, KaponoPF: Garnett, AmareC: Duncan, ChandlerI'm sure someone can come up with a better SG/SF mix, but that roster probably medals.

PG: Baron DavisSF: Durant

For sure. Rose over Baron Davis? No way.

 

[John Mamula]

They should just send the current NBA champs anytime we need a crew and throw mad bonuses their way.

rare

You guys know that lots of NBA players aren't American right?

some fool had this same idea on talk radio this morning and was subsequently owned by the talk show host.

yes! let's send the NBA champs...oh wait now 1/3 of the team can't play because they're playing for other countries.