USA 123 Virgin Islands 59

> For some reason Team USA always seems to start games off tight, and it doesn’t really matter who they are playing.

> The defensive intensity has been absolutely stifling through the first two games. The US has managed to completely derail the opposition’s half court offense thus far.

> Michael Redd is such a key component for this club that it boggles the mind as to why it took USA basketball so long to realize that they needed a designated shooter.

> When the games get more competitive further along in this tournament Deron Williams’ minutes need to go to Kobe Bryant.

> If you thought NBA refs were bad, you need to watch some international ball. FIBA referees are terrible. There are 5+ whistles a game that look like easy calls to make…but they end up going in the total opposite direction. It’s not the lack of a “star system” either, or that the refs are out to get the US, because the lesser squads suffer just as many questionable calls. I don’t know want the solution is, but through two games it’s painfully obvious that FIBA referees are clueless.

> I’m going on record early with this statement:

Amare Stoudemire should not be on the Olympic team.

It’s really that simple.

I’d replace Amare with Elton Brand and Mike Miller with Kyle Korver. I think I’d be pretty happy with this current group with those two additions in Beijing. Switching out D Wil for Dwyane Wade and Tyson Chandler for Chris Bosh would be overkill in my mind.

> I’ll be driving to the Oregon Coast on Saturday during the USA-Canada game (noon Pacific on ESPN2), so there won’t be a report on that tilt. I expect the “hosers” to give us a little more of a test, but not enough to worry about.

> The biggest challenge for the national team in group play will be Sunday versus Brazil (6 PM Pacific on ESPN2). I’m going to do my best to find a bar in Bandon with ESPN2 if my beach house doesn’t have it.

The top priority for coach Mike Krzyzewski is figuring out how to contain Leandro Barbosa. Looking at the team USA roster I’d give first crack at the “Brazilian Blur” to Kobe, then follow Bryant up with Deron Williams. Those are the only two players with even a slight chance to stay in front of Barbosa. Everyone else is far too slow, including backcourt defensive stalwarts Jason Kidd and Chauncey Billups.

The next order of business is making sure that Stoudemire, Chandler and Dwight Howard are ready to muscle Nene Hilario and Tiago Splitter. This is going to be a battle royal down low and will certainly give us the answer to the question of whether or not this US team has enough size and depth up front to hang when put to the test.

Brazil is more than just Leandro, Nene and Tiago though, as they also have little man Alex Garcia (Spurs & Hornets) and forward Marcus Vinicius (Hornets) that have played in the NBA. I’m not even mentioning their European based guys that play big minutes like Valter da Silva and Marcelo Machado.

This contest borders on must see TV.

USA 112 Venezuela 69

> Venezuela was completely overmatched in this one. No one their roster could guard Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo or even Michael Redd.

> I liked the intensity I saw on both ends of the floor throughout the game. Even when the game was well in hand Team USA was clamping down on defense and pushing the tempo on offense.

> Overall I’d have to say this was a very good first outing for the national team with nothing to get overly worked up about.

Starters – This unit played like the US always talks about playing. They ran all over Venezuela and used their superior athleticism to pressure the ball, force turnovers and blow the game wide open.

PG – Jason Kidd – didn’t take a shot and was very steady in charge. Our starting point man in Beijing.

SG – Kobe Bryant – he tried to fit in but forced things a little (team high 3 turnovers). #10 needs to do a better job running the half court offense when things slow down. Still, he led the team in assists (5), steals (3) and was second in rebounds (5). Bryant also set the tone early in terms of defensive intensity.

SF – LeBron James – looks content to be a facilitator (5-7 from the field with 3 rebounds, assists & steals), which is very good news for this squad.

PF – Carmelo Anthony – was a man among boys down low. I mean he took it at everyone with POWER trying to dunk any time he was in the lane. One negative though, Melo needs to understand that his 3-point shooting is not needed on this club.

C – Dwight Howard – I like D Hiddy in the starting lineup as he was willing to rebound (team high 8), defend (3 blocks led team), run and clean up the scraps.

Second team – This unit is what separates this version of the national team from the previous few. After the frantic pace that the starters set, coach Mike Krzyzewski comes with a more half court based group that features a traditional dominate post player surrounded by shooters all around.

PG – Chauncey Billups – His shot was off (1-4 from three) and looked somewhat awkward to me, but he ran the team well and should be our backup PG in the Olympics.

SG – Michael Redd – looks tailor made for the sixth man instant offense role. However he does need to get a little more comfortable spotting up because that’s where most of his opportunities will come from.

SF – Mike Miller – was open a lot and missed a lot (2-8 on 3’s) and that’s not going to cut it.

PF – Tayshaun Prince – while he certainly has the length to play the 4 internationally, I’m not sure he possesses the strength.

C – Amare Stoudemire – I have my doubts about how his game translates on the international level, but I love him in the role of offensive focal point for the second unit down low.

11th man – Tyson Chandler – his size, defense and activity will be needed before it’s all over.

12th man – Deron Williams – he’s happy to be along for the ride and should get plenty of mop up minutes at the point.

Team USA Preview

I was going to write a long article breaking down all the tough choices coach Mike Krzyzewski has to make with the National Team, but then I started looking at the 14 camp invitees and there really aren’t any difficult decisions.

The two cuts are…Nick Collison and Kevin Durant.

Durant comes with a caveat that he may be able to force K’s hand and play his way on to the squad. It’s a long shot to be sure, but possible nonetheless.

The starters are…

PG – Jason Kidd
SG – Kobe Bryant
SF – LeBron James
PF – Carmelo Anthony
C – Amare Stoudemire

There aren’t many role players or shooters in that group, but with Kidd AND James on the floor together, sharing the ball will not be an issue. In addition, Kobe and Jason are great defenders that can pressure the ball all over the court. While Amare has the mobility to get out and defend the pick and roll.

The second five is…

PG – Chauncey Billups
SG – Michael Redd or Mike Miller depending on who is shooting better
SF – Tayshaun Prince
PF – Dwight Howard
C – Tyson Chandler

And your 12th man...Deron Williams.

What I like about this group is the bench is loaded with role players. If you’ve watched Team USA recently you know that Redd and Miller are going to have to make shots and be zone busters for the US to flourish. Prince is the defensive stopper on the wings and Chandler's shot blocking provides a quality last line of defense. Howard is the designated rebounder and the PG position does not miss a beat when Billups checks in.

All the US has to do is make it to the final game (i.e. win in the semifinals) and we qualify for the Olympics. And since Argentina is without all their NBA players except Luis Scola (Carlos Delfino hurt his knee over the weekend), I expect Brazil (with Leandro Barbosa and Nene Hilario) to be our stiffest competition. That said, I’m actually expecting Team USA to roll through this tournament with an average margin of victory in the double digits.

So why watch then? Well, the main thing I’ll be looking to see is improved defensive rotations and schemes along with some sign of chemistry developing between the Bryant/James/Anthony triumvirate. Other than that, you can enjoy the return to glory!

Summer Update

This off season has certainly seen more player movement than last summer and trade deadline combined. However, there are still a shocking number of clubs stuck in the middle netherworld of the NBA that haven’t done near enough to improve. My take on why that is the case is a separate piece in itself, so for now I’ll touch on six “top” stories thus far and finish up with some quick hitters from around the league.

1. On 7/5 the Seattle SuperSonics named P.J. Carlesimo as their new head coach. I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand I’m happy that P.J. is getting another chance after the infamous Latrell Sprewell choking incident. Carlesimo’s college experience developing players should come in handy with this ultra-young squad, and lawd knows Seattle needs to learn to play some defense eventually.

With the positives out of the way, I have to wonder how P.J. is going to relate to his new team that doesn’t have a single guy over 30 on the roster. It’s one thing to claim that you’ve learned from the past, but it’s another entirely to actually go out and prove it. Who knows, maybe eight years away from the head chair has mellowed Carlesimo some, but I’m leaning more toward it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks myself.

There’s no doubt P.J. was hired because of his San Antonio ties, but I can’t help thinking that Dwane Casey (the other finalist for the job) would have been the better choice. Casey’s younger, gets along with players better and has similarly strong defensive principles. In the long run it probably won’t matter though since neither would likely be coaching Seattle by the time they return to respectability.

Then on 7/11 Sonics GM Sam Presti traded Rashard Lewis to Orlando for a second round pick. I’ll cover the Magic’s end of this a little later, but the genius of Presti was that he received an 8 million dollar trade exception in this deal. Then on 7/20 Sam flipped said trade exception along with a future conditional 2nd round pick into Kurt Thomas & TWO 1st round picks (Phoenix’s in 2008 & 2010). I mean if that’s not quality GMing I don’t know what is.

So in his first two months on the job Presti has completely blown up a mediocre capped out franchise and placed them on a new course. Seattle probably won’t win a lot of games over the next two to three years, but they will have oodles of salary cap space after the 2008-09 season and their young nucleus isn’t too shabby either. Now if owner Clay Bennett can just decide on KC or OKC…

2. Boston Gets: Kevin Garnett

Minnesota Gets: Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, Boston’s 2009 1st rounder & the return of their own 2008 1st rounder

For the Celtics…

Obviously they get to pair KG with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Those three alone gets them to the playoffs in the East. This in turn should be enough to save GM Danny Ainge’s job and get the Boston peeps interested in their team again. It’s not all roses though.

For starters I have serious doubts that coach Doc Rivers in the guy to lead this bunch deep into the post season. The C’s also mortgaged their entire future for a two to three window to win it all. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing in my mind since the goal in the NBA is to secure that elusive ring. The real kicker for Boston and Ainge specifically, is that the C’s will be teetering on the brink of the luxury tax for the next three seasons. What this means is that it will be nearly impossible for them to add any significant pieces during this time. You can already see the ripple effect with both Eddie House and Scot Pollard signing for the veteran’s minimum.

Besides Garnett, PP & Ray-Ray finding their chemistry, Boston’s future success depends on at least two of their remaining young players developing quickly. PG Rajon Rondo is the most likely to make that jump as I see it. The next candidate is center Kendrick Perkins, who will now be able to focus solely on rebounding, shot blocking and improving his post defense. Swingman Tony Allen *could* be a defensive stopper and undersized big man Leon Powe will certainly get his chance to shine as well.

The Celtics have a shot to win the East this year, but I would have liked their chances much better if they had kept Gomes. While including Ryan should not have been a deal breaker, Ainge should have pushed hard to keep him. That being said, I think Boston will be very tough in the ‘08-09 season.

For the Timberwolves…

With all the heat Vice President Kevin McHale deservedly takes, he actually did about as well as he could here. While I think Jefferson is in for a rude awakening in the West, there’s no denying Big Al’s potential at only 22 years old. Gerald Green possesses insane athleticism and has shown flashes of shooting/scoring ability as well. Gomes is easily a 10 year role player in the Association, though I’m not sure how valuable he is on a bad club. Ratliff was acquired for his 11.6 million dollar expiring contract and Telfair receives his last chance on a terrible squad in a small media market. If Bassy can’t make it work in Minny (let’s just say I’m not optimistic), Europe will be his next stop.

The Wolves will have enough cap room next summer to sign a major free agent, but it’s highly unlikely that anyone will be interested in cold winters and 50 losses. So it’s behooves McHale (or Fred Hoiberg for their fan’s sake) to rebuild slowly around the youth and draft picks while saving the cap space for when they are good again. Kind of the like the model Bernie Bickerstaff used in Charlotte. Otherwise we will be looking at the Clippers East, Hawks North and Sixers West in Minnesota.

Winner - Celtics

3. On 8/3 the Clippers Elton Brand ruptured his left Achilles tendon during his normal daily workout. This is a MASSIVE blow to Los Angeles (bye-bye playoffs) and probably the final straw for owner Donald Sterling when it comes to spending money. There’s no timetable for Elton’s return, but I suspect he’ll be out for the majority of the upcoming season.

Unless Chris Kaman suddenly explodes, the Clips have no one on their roster that is capable of replacing EB’s 20.3 points, 10.2 rebounds & 2.1 blocks (career averages). Then on 8/6 to make matters worse, Vice President Elgin Baylor let Jumpin’ James Singleton sign with Euroleague powerhouse Tau Ceramica. I’m sure Singleton is pretty much an unknown to most, but he plays with energy and could’ve replaced some of Brand’s rebounding and post defense.

Just so it’s not all bad for LA, I like their signing of PG Brevin Knight. BK gives them a quality veteran backup if Shaun Livingston doesn’t make it back. Knight can also step in and start when Sam Cassell inevitably tweaks a leg muscle.

4. As I alluded to above, the Orlando Magic made a huge splash on the free agent market right out of the gate by agreeing to terms with Rashard Lewis on a maximum contract. I know what you’re thinking…“Wait a second, Lewis has never been the best player on a team, nor has he proven he can carry a club as their #1 scoring option.” Oh but hold on a minute, it gets worse. Not only did GM Otis Smith basically out bid himself, but he decided 5 years and 94 million wasn’t enough. Nooooo, Otis had to work out a sign & trade for a 2nd round pick (since Seattle refused to take any of his scraps) to secure the right to pay R Lew 24 mil when he’s 33 years old! Did I mention that Orlando already has a player in Hedo Turkoglu that does the EXACT same things that Rashard does?

I wish that was all Magic fans, but Smith wasn’t done. He then went out the next day and inked Dwight Howard to a 5 year 80 million dollar maximum contract. So that’s two max deals in two days for two guys with some serious holes in their respective game’s.

Otis violated two of my primary GM rules…

#1 NEVER pay max dollars to ANYONE who is not a max player. It kills your flexibility and the guy always ends up to be an albatross around the franchise’s neck before the contract is up.

#2 NEVER pay for potential. Rather ALWAYS pay for production.

Sure D Hiddy seems like the future of low post play…but he’s not now. Nor does he look to be in the next two years at least. So what Smith essentially did was lock in a group that went 40-42 last season for the foreseeable future. In the process he also let Grant Hill, Darko Milicic & Travis Diener all walk away for nothing. This my friends is exactly how you go from a promising young team to stuck in the middle for years. Otis better hope new coach Stan Van Gundy makes a major difference this season…for his own sake.

5. Sticking in Florida, the Miami Heat made news on 8/9 with the signing of 36 year old Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. Who incidentally has not played in the NBA since November 2005. His PER in his last four seasons went from 13.05 to 11.82 to 8.99 to 2.06 (15 being average). And this makes Miami better how? Sure Penny says he’s “pain free” now, but that’s only because he’s been out of the league for cripes sake! (Full disclosure: Hardaway’s contract does not become guaranteed until January.)

The Heat have also signed such luminaries as Smush Parker, Devin Green, Jeremy Richardson, Marcus Slaughter & Joel Anthony this summer. Not to mention their pursuit of restricted free agent Mickael Pietrus. Yawn…

Meanwhile President Pat Riley has yet to officially commit to coaching this year and Eddie Jones and Jason Kapono have left via free agency (with James Posey soon to follow). Basically, for Miami to be any good Shaquille O’Neal has to play hard for the entire season and Dwyane Wade needs to be at full speed as soon as he gets back. Otherwise this squad might not make the playoffs...even if they manage to stay healthy.

6. There’s only one team in the ENTIRE league that has yet to add a single player. Not a quality player, not a crappy player nor a draft pick. Drum roll please…it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers! Apparently GM Danny Ferry is playing a game of chicken with restricted free agents Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao. There’s nothing that builds team chemistry like alienating two of your top seven players!

The only reason I mention this is because you have to wonder what LeBron James is thinking about all this. I suppose it’s possible that the King is laying back in the cut smiling that he signed that short contract extension which allows him to be a free agent after the ‘09-10 campaign.

You hear that in the background Ferry? It’s the clock ticking on your job.

> Charlotte – The Bobcats have quietly put together a very solid eight man rotation (not including Adam Morrison) and are still well under the salary cap.

> Dallas – Kudos to President Donnie Nelson for the crafty signings of veteran Eddie Jones and the perennial underachiever Brandon Bass.

> Houston – New GM Daryl Morey continues to puzzle with the addition of Steve Francis. However, trading the disgruntled Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 2nd round pick for Jackie Butler and Luis Scola was a stroke of genius (or luck).

> Indiana – Nice job by President Larry Bird giving new coach Jim O’Brien the shooters he desires in Kareem Rush and Travis Diener.

> Lakers – Getting rid of Smush Parker and Shammond Williams is a start, but I won’t be satisfied until Sasha Vujacic is jettisoned as well. When my boys are counting on the return of Derek Fisher and Chris Mihm, along with the additions of rookies Javaris Crittenton and Coby Karl, you know times are tough.

> Memphis – Signing Darko Milicic for 21 million over 3 years *could* turn out to be a serious heist. The imminent trade for Juan Carlos Navarro should keep Pau Gasol happy as well.

> Milwaukee – While they’re probably not enough to make a huge difference, I like the signings of Desmond Mason and Jake Voskuhl for the Bucks.

> New Jersey – Losing free agent Mikki Moore and replacing him with free agent Jamaal Magloire is an underrated big time downgrade.

> New Orleans – Signing Morris Peterson is a great insurance policy for Peja Stojakovic and his balky back. Hornets GM Jeff Bower continues to do a very solid, if unspectacular, job.

> Phoenix – I’m not as big on the Grant Hill signing as most are. In fact, if Hill wasn’t such a good chemistry guy I’d probably hate it. I just don’t see how his aging athleticism and poor 3-point shooting fit into the way the Suns play.

> Portland – I have a man crush on GM Kevin Pritchard for how he’s reshaped the Trail Blazers so quickly, but I fail to see why it was necessary to sign Steve Blake. With Jarrett Jack and Sergio Rodriguez already in the fold, and draft picks Taurean Green and Petteri Koponen coming soon, one would think Portland is all set at the point.

> Toronto – The best GM in the business, Bryan Colangelo, continues to do his thing by signing Jason Kapono and Maceo Baston. Two very solid moves.

> Utah – Nice job by Director Kevin O’Connor replacing Derek Fisher with Jason Hart and Ronnie Price. So long Dee Brown…

Unless something major happens this is my last NBA column until my Conference Previews come out in October. In the meantime I will be covering Team USA at the FIBA Americas Championship. Beginning with who I think should make up the 12 man roster. Stay tuned!