Will USA hoops bring back gold?

[silentbob]

I thought the goal was to put together a team, not just a group of All-Stars. Wasn't the outcry after we lost in Athens .. "More shooters! More role players!"

And yet, outside of Prince, there's not a role player among the bunch. Our only pure shooter? Redd. And how 'bout that inside game? Boozer, Bosh and Howard. What happens if Howard gets in foul trouble?

I think Kobe alone gives Team USA a chance, but I have my doubts.

G Jason Kidd
G Deron Williams
G Chris Paul
G Michael Redd
G Dwyane Wade
G Kobe Bryant
F Carmelo Anthony
F Tayshaun Prince
F LeBron James
F Carlos Boozer
F Chris Bosh
C Dwight Howard

 

[kingcreole]

I don't know if we will. I'm skeptical just because we no longer rule world basketball.

But I do know this ... anyone using the term "Dream Team" to describe this team should be shot.

 

[Beaker]

Roster seems a bit thin on the inside.

 

[PeteyPirate]

Roster seems a bit thin on the inside.

That shouldn't be a problem against the Eurotrash.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

Roster seems a bit thin on the inside.

Having Tim Duncan there would help.

 

[schiezainc]

Our only pure shooter? Redd.

Oh no, he used "our". Quick, somebody flame him!

 

[Appgrad05]

Probably could have used another big, but remember that in international competition, Anthony, James and Prince are all legit 4s.

 

[mustangj17]

I do not see what Jason Kidd brings to the table. He's old. There has got to be somebody better we can have out there than Jason Kidd. I like the Deron Williams pick.

 

[thegrifter]

I gotta agree with several others. This team needs more bigs.
This team also needs some more Olympic championship experience.
I think the team can get by, but no way will it dominate.

 

[Oz]

I think this team is OK on bigs. There isn't much need for a Shaq in the international game because -- from what I can tell -- it's more wide open. And remember, in 2004, everyone screamed that we lost because we lacked fundamentals, because we lacked people who could knock down mid-range jump shots. I think this roster addresses 2004's problems.

 

[Moderator1]

What's a big? Aren't they all big?

 

[spnited]

I hope this team doesn't make it out of the prelims.
Maybe then Starman's head will explode during one of his rants about how "we" should win every game by 40 and how the refs "**** us" every time.

Now that would be fun.

Seriously, I honestly don't care if the U.S. wins the gold medal. It's just not worth getting as bent about as some of you folks make it.

 

[Philosopher]

What's a big? Aren't they all big?

A power forward or center. Post player.

Given the international game, we don't need traditional post players. But we really could use someone like Nowitzki ... a big man who can shoot. Carmelo is the closest we have, and he has been really great in international competition so far.

 

[slappy4428]

personally, I hope they don't. I like the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Oh. And Coach K is in charge too.

 

[Piotr Rasputin]

I'd like to see them win gold, because besides Kobe, there are a lot of young players on this team who I like.

That said, I always thought the 1992 team should have been it. "We made our point, now you know we have asserted superiority. Now no more autographs: from now on, you get our college kids again."

 

[spnited]

C'mon, Piotr, you know that can't be.
We have to win. We have to dominate. We are the greatest coountry in the world. We have to show those Euro-trash players who WE are.
We can not fail in a meaningless basketball tournament. It is a national embarrassment when we do.

 

[93Devil]

If they can defend, they will win.

Scoring For the USA will not be a problem, but if a team like Greece hangs 75-80 points on this team, with the USA's speed and size (comparative) and strength, then our guys had no idea how to play a tight man defense.

If they buy into strong team defense, then they should not lose.

No Celtics?

 

[Starman]

Yes.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Garnett would have been a good addition to the team. I'm assuming he turned them down or something. Good size, a great defender and scorer. If he's on the team, I categorically give them the gold. The roster as it is: They're the favorite, but by no means a lock.

This lineup:
G Bryant
G Paul
F LeBron
F Garnett
C Howard

Beats this lineup:
G Bryant
G Paul
F LeBron
F Carmelo
C Howard

 

[spnited]

Yes.

And if the win every game by 30 you'll still find something to ***** and rant about.