2010 WC absentees

[alermac]

The only way to avoid NBA players quitting on their NTs is if the NBA rewards those players' teams with some sort of benefits towards the salary cap or the luxury tax.

Imagine if NBA awarded every team a U$S 2 million exception (for example) for each player involved in the Olympics or World Championship.

Anyway, all of USA's absences mean that Gasol-less Spain is the main favourite, and that some other teams can make the final match too.

[mvblair]

The only way to avoid NBA players quitting on their NTs is if the NBA rewards those players' teams with some sort of benefits towards the salary cap or the luxury tax.

Imagine if NBA awarded every team a U$S 2 million exception (for example) for each player involved in the Olympics or World Championship.

Very creative solution. I like it!!

[PeteTheChop]

For the U.S. team, it's worth noting the following players also won't be in Turkey for the World Championships:

Carmelo Anthony (2nd-team All-NBA in 2009-10/'08 Olympic gold medal)
Deron Williams (2nd-team All-NBA/'08 Olympic gold medalist)
Tim Duncan (3rd-team All-NBA/chosen for US Olympic team in 2000 & '04)
Joe Johnson (3rd-team All-NBA)
Brandon Roy (3rd-team All-NBA)
Carlos Boozer ('08 Olympic gold medalist)
Andrew Bynum (promising young center)
Others who won't be on hand: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, David Lee

I still like the team we do have, though.

Looking forward to the competition. Good luck to all

[I decided to add just those from the 2008 Olympics. The others fo way back and some never played internationally. Let me know if you intend to add more. rikhardur]

Oh, yeah. Forgot to mention Chris Paul, a key member of the USA's Olympic Team in 2008

[FIBA Europe Basket]

Then, I would take Kakiouzis then over Kaimakoglu now every single day.

Like I said, Kaimakoglou is the same player as Kakiouzis skill wise and playing style wise. However, Kaimakoglou is much better physically. Much stronger and way more athletic.

You really need to start watching players other than just ACB players. You are starting to sound just like an NBA fan.

You telling me there is any difference in skill between the guy in the video below and Kakiouzis? Sorry, but no. And no way can Kakiouzis compare to Kaimakoglou athletically.

[Genjuro]

Like I said, Kaimakoglou is the same player as Kakiouzis skill wise and playing style wise. However, Kaimakoglou is much better physically. Much stronger and way more athletic.

There's more than skill, strength and athleticism in basketball.

You really need to start watching players other than just ACB players. You are starting to sound just like an NBA fan.

Don't worry, we already have you to sound like an NBA fan.

[SportyHoopsGuy]

Australia absentees

I believe one Australian center will not play due to pot smoking or something... not one of the best players but still an experienced big man

[wilo22]

I believe one Australian center will not play due to pot smoking or something... not one of the best players but still an experienced big man

from new zealand not australia

[honeybadger]

I believe one Australian center will not play due to pot smoking or something... not one of the best players but still an experienced big man

hahaha, since when is pot used to enhance the performance of athletes? he should get a medal if he can catch the ball when he's stoned.

[christodoulou76]

Kazlauskas bars Papaloukas from joining team?

Apparently, Papaloukas changed his mind about joining the Greek NT recently and asked to join the team but Kazlauskas denied his request because Papaloukas had missed the first stage of preparations.

http://www.talkbasket.net/news/kazlauskas-closes-the-door-to-papaloukas-3524.html

[rikhardur]

Mindaugas Katelynas added for Lithuania

[rikhardur]

J.R. Holden added for Russia.

[bfpri]

Lol @ the list for the USA. >_>

It seems joining team USA is indeed following the bandwagon.

[CKR13]

Chinese Forward Zhu Fangyu likely to miss the World Championship due to injury.

[Franz]

Brook Lopez has pulled out due to mononucleosis.

Link

[mvblair]

Brook Lopez has pulled out due to mononucleosis.

Link

Mono. His mono must be a lot worse than mine.

According to the link Franz provided, Lopez is being replaced by JaVale McGee.