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!
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!
posted by D$ at 10:10 PM
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