Team USA 2006-2008

[damelo2]

Why not try a Us team with players playing out of USA? Trajan Langdon, Tanoka Beard, Alex Acker... I'm sure they would survive as well as a team made of NBA stars who won't respect them.

 

[Czarkazem132]

Why not try a Us team with players playing out of USA? Trajan Langdon, Tanoka Beard, Alex Acker... I'm sure they would survive as well as a team made of NBA stars who won't respect them.

The U.S. already tried using U.S. players that play over seas, guess what - they didn't win either. The U.S. should go in the trend they are doing now in my opinion, just because they didn't win the gold right away doesn't mean it is failing (hell, they did get the bronze, many nations would be satisfied with that).

 

[damelo2]

Yes, but the US should always go for the win. It's not a talent question, it's a mental consideration question. But, my post was polemical, still I think one or two of the best US players overseas would be good for them. Pure shooters. Like Langdon, or good Bball players, like Parker.
The fact is they need that types of players who have good knowledge of basketball fundamentals and FIBA rules. They would bring complementarity to this superstars team.
But, most important, they need real preparation, and their work will end up paying, what they're doing now. I think , they have the good approach, even if their players still don't totally respect International players. That's going better.

 

[Czarkazem132]

Yes, but the US should always go for the win.

Huh, well yeah...

It's not a talent question, it's a mental consideration question. But, my post was polemical, still I think one or two of the best US players overseas would be good for them. Pure shooters. Like Langdon, or good Bball players, like Parker.
The fact is they need that types of players who have good knowledge of basketball fundamentals and FIBA rules. They would bring complementarity to this superstars team.

I don't necessarily think adding AP or I guess even Langdon wouldn't hurt, but a team of U.S. internationals - that for the most part can't make the NBA - has less of a chance to win then taking better players.

I'm not sure about a mental consideration...just need better preparation -which they have been working on.

But, most important, they need real preparation, and their work will end up paying, what they're doing now. I think , they have the good approach, even if their players still don't totally respect International players. That's going better.

As stated, this is what they have been working on. This is the direction they are going in now, like I stated just because the U.S. didn't win the gold their first time out under the new system doesn't mean it's a failure. The U.S. - no matter what - will not win all the tournaments they are involved in. Brasil doesn't win all the soccer/football matches, so don't expect the U.S. too.

Also, it is cliche on this site to talk about the U.S. players not respecting international competition. With the improvements internationals are making in the NBA and the fact that it has been a minute since the U.S. has brought home gold, I think this is more assumptions by people here.

 

[mavs1282]

one of the biggest problems with last year's team was an overall lack of respect for their competition...they clearly hadn't done their homework on individual players to know their strengths and weaknesses, they were only considering their own style of play.

 

[joel232]

Yes, but the US should always go for the win. It's not a talent question, it's a mental consideration question. But, my post was polemical, still I think one or two of the best US players overseas would be good for them. Pure shooters. Like Langdon, or good Bball players, like Parker.
The fact is they need that types of players who have good knowledge of basketball fundamentals and FIBA rules. They would bring complementarity to this superstars team.
But, most important, they need real preparation, and their work will end up paying, what they're doing now. I think , they have the good approach, even if their players still don't totally respect International players. That's going better.

Trajan Langdon is not versatile, not defender, etc. but only a shooter thats it. That's why he was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA and then throwing in to play in other countries... These are free agents in NBA are not good players and looking for the other league for their jobs.

 

[damelo2]

Well, Parker was sent away by the NBA first, now, What I've seen in big games about him clearly show he got much better in Europe. Those guys are learning a lot in Europe.

For the mental consideration, I mainly base my reflection on the cases of guys like Spanoulis, able to beat NBA players on an international court and then let on the bench by Jeff Van Gundy. Definitely, Team USA had himself on the right way since Athens. But USA still need to grow a little about considering EL players as top players, and us to consider USA as not arrogant.

 

[joel232]

Well, Parker was sent away by the NBA first, now, What I've seen in big games about him clearly show he got much better in Europe. Those guys are learning a lot in Europe.

For the mental consideration, I mainly base my reflection on the cases of guys like Spanoulis, able to beat NBA players on an international court and then let on the bench by Jeff Van Gundy. Definitely, Team USA had himself on the right way since Athens. But USA still need to grow a little about considering EL players as top players, and us to consider USA as not arrogant.

Jeff Van Gundy is not a good coach...

 

[Czarkazem132]

Well, Parker was sent away by the NBA first, now, What I've seen in big games about him clearly show he got much better in Europe. Those guys are learning a lot in Europe.

Ok, but Parker is more of an exception. He was far above other U.S. players (and non) and isn't the best example. Langdon, Acker, Haislip and others are not on his level.

For the mental consideration, I mainly base my reflection on the cases of guys like Spanoulis, able to beat NBA players on an international court and then let on the bench by Jeff Van Gundy. Definitely, Team USA had himself on the right way since Athens. But USA still need to grow a little about considering EL players as top players, and us to consider USA as not arrogant.

Coaching has a lot to do with it then just comparing the NBA to EL or international competitions. There are plenty of NBA players who have blossomed under one team/coach and then fail on another team/coach.

A player that has turnover problems and can't play NBA style defense will have trouble under a coach like Van Gundy.

 

[ShipyardAle212]

...Good to see Brad Miller there....(wtf!?)

 

[mavs1282]

Here are the 17 players who will be trying out for the 12 roster spots for the FIBA Americas tournament Aug. 22

Kobe Bryant 29 years old, 6'6'', 200 lbs, G, LA Lakers
LeBron James 22, 6'8'', 240 lbs, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Carmelo Anthony 23, 6'8'', 230 lbs, F, Denver Nuggets
Dwight Howard 21, 6'11'', 240 lbs, F/C, Orlando Magic
Chris Bosh 23, 6'10'', 230 lbs, F/C, Toronto Raptors
Shane Battier 28, 6'8'', 220 lbs, F, Houston Rockets
Kirk Hinrich 26, 6'3'', 190 lbs, G, Chicago Bulls
Chauncey Billups 30, 6'3'', 200 lbs, G, Detroit Pistons
Amare Stoudemire 24, 6'10'', 245, F/C, Phoenix Suns
Michael Redd 27, 6'6'', 220 lbs, G, Milwuakee Bucks
Kevin Durant 18, 6'10'', 215 lbs, F, Seattle Sonics
Jason Kidd 34, 6'5'', 200 lbs, G, New Jersey Nets
Mike Miller 27, 6'8'', 220 lbs, G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
Tyson Chandler 24, 7'1'', 235 lbs, F/C, New Orleans Hornets
Tayshaun Prince 26, 6'9'', 215 lbs, F, Detroit Pistons
J.J. Redick 23, 6'4'', 190 lbs, G, Orlando Magic
Deron Williams 23, 6'3'', 210 lbs, G, Utah Jazz

Dwyane Wade, Elton Brand, Shawn Marion, and Greg Oden are all injury withdrawls.

My 5 to cut would be
Redick
Chandler
Miller
Durant
Hinrich

Leaving the roster of

G Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams
G Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd
F Carmelo Anthony, Shane Battier, Tayshaun Prince
F Lebron James, Chris Bosh
C Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire

I think with the additions of the 3 PGs, Kobe, and Amare, this team will be far superior to the one sent to the WCs.

 

[Nikoo2]

Kidd, Billups, Kirk
Kobe, Redd, J.J. Redick
ShaneB, Mike Miller
Boozer, Amare
Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard

Why I didn't put
Deron Williams-Kidd and Billups are way more experienced than him and Kirk can shoot the 3 ball like a lay-up
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James-why you need those 2 when you have the main man-Kobe Bryant...Carmelo can substitute J.J. btw
Chris Bosh-way too thin and passive
Kevin Durant-19 year old
Tayshaun Prince-tired(40 mins a game, at least Billups had Flip Murray to back him up)

 

[mavs1282]

Kidd, Billups, Kirk
Kobe, Redd, J.J. Redick
ShaneB, Mike Miller
Boozer, Amare
Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard

Why I didn't put
Deron Williams-Kidd and Billups are way more experienced than him and Kirk can shoot the 3 ball like a lay-up
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James-why you need those 2 when you have the main man-Kobe Bryant...Carmelo can substitute J.J. btw
Chris Bosh-way too thin and passive
Kevin Durant-19 year old
Tayshaun Prince-tired(40 mins a game, at least Billups had Flip Murray to back him up)

Boozer not an option, why oh why oh why is Tyson Chandler starting over Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire?

 

[Nikoo2]

WTF i was 100% sure than Boozer is on the list.
Why Chandler over Howard-always start your best shotblocker to block or contest the first several shots and stop the opponents from getting in rhythm

 

[mavs1282]

WTF i was 100% sure than Boozer is on the list.
Why Chandler over Howard-always start your best shotblocker to block or contest the first several shots and stop the opponents from getting in rhythm

so why isn't Howard starting? He's the best shotblocker on the roster.

 

[rycorpz2]

Here are the 17 players who will be trying out for the 12 roster spots for the FIBA Americas tournament Aug. 22

Kobe Bryant 29 years old, 6'6'', 200 lbs, G, LA Lakers
LeBron James 22, 6'8'', 240 lbs, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Carmelo Anthony 23, 6'8'', 230 lbs, F, Denver Nuggets
Dwight Howard 21, 6'11'', 240 lbs, F/C, Orlando Magic
Chris Bosh 23, 6'10'', 230 lbs, F/C, Toronto Raptors
Shane Battier 28, 6'8'', 220 lbs, F, Houston Rockets
Kirk Hinrich 26, 6'3'', 190 lbs, G, Chicago Bulls
Chauncey Billups 30, 6'3'', 200 lbs, G, Detroit Pistons
Amare Stoudemire 24, 6'10'', 245, F/C, Phoenix Suns
Michael Redd 27, 6'6'', 220 lbs, G, Milwuakee Bucks
Kevin Durant 18, 6'10'', 215 lbs, F, Seattle Sonics
Jason Kidd 34, 6'5'', 200 lbs, G, New Jersey Nets
Mike Miller 27, 6'8'', 220 lbs, G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
Tyson Chandler 24, 7'1'', 235 lbs, F/C, New Orleans Hornets
Tayshaun Prince 26, 6'9'', 215 lbs, F, Detroit Pistons
J.J. Redick 23, 6'4'', 190 lbs, G, Orlando Magic
Deron Williams 23, 6'3'', 210 lbs, G, Utah Jazz

Dwyane Wade, Elton Brand, Shawn Marion, and Greg Oden are all injury withdrawls.

My 5 to cut would be
Redick
Chandler
Miller
Durant
Hinrich

Leaving the roster of

G Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams
G Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd
F Carmelo Anthony, Shane Battier, Tayshaun Prince
F Lebron James, Chris Bosh
C Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire

I think with the additions of the 3 PGs, Kobe, and Amare, this team will be far superior to the one sent to the WCs.

I prefer this line-up:

Point Guard: Kidd, Hinrich, Deron Williams ( they must dictate the tempo of the game these 3 are the best fit for int'l brand of basketball pass first mentality but can shoot the 3pt area )

Shooting Guard/ Off-Guard: Michael Redd, JJ Redick, Mike Miller ( For obvious reasons they need to have consistency in outside shooting coz most of the teams use 2-3 zone to stop penetrators and one - one plays sad to say Kobe's game its not effective in int'l brand of play, I wish dwane is not injured )

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, Kevin Durant [ for experience wise and stabiltiy (anthony and james) I chose Durant for explosiveness its a perfect compliment for Lebron and Carmelo' game although he's young to tell you the truth he's the future of the game NBA wise and future int'l events ]

Power Forward: Chris Bosh and Shane Battier ( they've got the experience and Bosh had a breakthrough NBA season too bad they lost to the play-offs and shane too, but I would prefer Carlos Boozer in this slot )

Center: Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudamire ( these big men are strong but can ran too in that way they can sustain the level of intensity, hardwork in 40 mins. game )

This line-up can conquer FIBA Americas easily and also can reclaim the Throne in Beijing Olympics

 

[Federoy2]

one of the biggest problems with last year's team was an overall lack of respect for their competition...they clearly hadn't done their homework on individual players to know their strengths and weaknesses, they were only considering their own style of play.

I don't see where "lack of respect" comes into play here. Team USA had only three weeks to prepare for last year's WC, so as a team, their main concern was learning about each other as players to form a cohesive unit. Given the limited preparation time, it's asking too much to focus the players' attention on a few individuals when in international basketball it's the different offensive (flex/motion offensives, backdoor cuts, screens etc.) and defensive (2-3 and match-up zone) sets that the US have trouble adjusting to. It doesn't matter who the name of the individual is on Greece or Spain's national team. If the USA can't hit outside shots or defend simple pick-and-roll plays then they're in trouble regardless.

 

[bobo812]

Chauncey cant cut international bball...I want Kirk back, but Kidd will do as long as he is healthy.

Kinda glad LB23 is gone. Glad Amare is in, we're looking good down in the paint for any zone D that might show up.

 

[Czarkazem132]

Of the players listed, my line-up:

PF - Chris Bosh; Shane Battier
SF - Carmelo Anthony; Tayshaun Prince; Mike Miller(G)
C - Amare Stoudemire; Dwight Howard
PG - Jason Kidd; Kirk Hinrich(combo); Deron Williams
SG - Lebron James(F); Michael Redd

Leaving off:

Kobe Bryant: Great player, one of the best in the game. Maybe I'm just biased (never liked him), but I feel there would be chemistry issues on the team with him (along with other scorers).

Chauncey Billups: Would be a good selection, but at this point I would rather see Hinrich, Williams (and Chris Paul for that matter) ahead of him. Kidd is better.

Kevin Durant: Too young and inexperienced right now. Still needs to work on game. Should have plenty of opportunities in the future to rep the colors.

Tyson Chandler: With Bosh, Stoudemire and Howard - all of which are better then him - Team USA doesn't need him.

J.J. Redick: With Redd and Miller, Redick is expendable and not as good as the aforementioned.

 

[mavs1282]

Of the players listed, my line-up:

PF - Chris Bosh; Shane Battier
SF - Carmelo Anthony; Tayshaun Prince; Mike Miller(G)
C - Amare Stoudemire; Dwight Howard
PG - Jason Kidd; Kirk Hinrich(combo); Deron Williams
SG - Lebron James(F); Michael Redd

Leaving off:

Kobe Bryant: Great player, one of the best in the game. Maybe I'm just biased (never liked him), but I feel there would be chemistry issues on the team with him (along with other scorers).

completely disagree, I think this is a bad stereotype. He's a ball hog on a team of young and mediocre players...and even then, he spent an entire year where he wouldn't even CONSIDER his own shot for the first half...he'd just set up his own teammates. I think he'll be spectatucal in this setting....and I'm not a big Kobe fan.

Chauncey Billups: Would be a good selection, but at this point I would rather see Hinrich, Williams (and Chris Paul for that matter) ahead of him. Kidd is better.

I don't understand why Hinrich has the reputation here as a pass-first penetrating point guard...he's no Steve Nash. He's barely in the top 30 in the league in assist ratio. Billups is one of the top 10 in the league, and he's a great shooter. Hinrich is not what this team needs at PG, I'd much rather have Paul, but much much much rather have Billups.

Kevin Durant: Too young and inexperienced right now. Still needs to work on game. Should have plenty of opportunities in the future to rep the colors.

Tyson Chandler: With Bosh, Stoudemire and Howard - all of which are better then him - Team USA doesn't need him.

J.J. Redick: With Redd and Miller, Redick is expendable and not as good as the aforementioned.