I think it's not about chemistry or talent. It's about playing styles, and for some reason NBA-succesful style and FIBA-succesful style are completely different (I guess the cause lies in some rules; like the NBA having a further 3P line, the illegal defense rule, the rebounding interference rule and NBA's "softer" refereeing). So, this is would I do if I were Colangelo:
-Hire an American coach with long and recent or current FIBA experience, like Sam Vincent (Nigeria) or Paul Coughter (Lebanon). Not D'Antoni because his style has become too NBA-like.
-Call several players with long and recent or current FIBA experience, priorizing those who don't absorb too much shooting on their teams and those who play for elite teams. My perfect example would be Anthony Parker, but there are many others. And have no doubt these guys would understand a lot better what it means to play for your NT.
-Then add some NBA talent, priorizing those who could fit that FIBA style and team-oriented players. Battier was a good choice, and Brad Miller should have played much more.
-And, at last, add one or two great scorers/shooters like Carmelo Anthony.
-Hire an American coach with long and recent or current FIBA experience, like Sam Vincent (Nigeria) or Paul Coughter (Lebanon). Not D'Antoni because his style has become too NBA-like.
-Call several players with long and recent or current FIBA experience, priorizing those who don't absorb too much shooting on their teams and those who play for elite teams. My perfect example would be Anthony Parker, but there are many others. And have no doubt these guys would understand a lot better what it means to play for your NT.
-Then add some NBA talent, priorizing those who could fit that FIBA style and team-oriented players. Battier was a good choice, and Brad Miller should have played much more.
-And, at last, add one or two great scorers/shooters like Carmelo Anthony.
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