USA Basketball just announced its team for the 2008 Olympics.
The roster, broken down by positions:
C: Dwight Howard
PF: Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer
SF: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Tayshaun Prince
SG: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Michael Redd
PG: Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Deron Williams
One question remains: could we have put one more swingman on the team? We definitely need more scoring at the 2 and the 3. (Yes, that is a joke.)
To me this roster shows what we've learned from our past few Olympic teams: absolutely nothing. I especially like the choice of Tayshuan Prince, which is clearly just a nod towards the general direction of the idea of building an actual "team". Don't get me wrong; there's a ton of talent here. But so much of it cancels other players out. For example, I love Carmelo (see below), but does a team with Kobe, LeBron, and D-Wade really need the scoring he brings to the table?
Having three point guards is actually justifiable, because you have a starter and a backup even if someone goes down. Plus, unlike in past years with guys like Scottie Pippen, none of the twos and threes on this team can really cover at point. Overall, though, this team is very perimeter-heavy.
I worry about the lack of inside depth. Some jerk might tell you this is a wise move because international ball is different or something. Well, that's the whole reason we need inside power! It's one area where the U.S. can still have an advantage. Unfortunately Amare Stoudemire withdrew himself from consideration, and I think Tim Duncan said before that he's done with international ball. Still, what about a David West or even Antawn Jamison? I'm not a huge Tyson Chandler fan, but he makes some sense, too: what will this team do if Howard gets in foul trouble against a team with some inside presence?
I worry that this edition of the U.S. Olympic team will still be too inclined to go one-on-one and doesn't have a good balance of depth. I've always rooted for the U.S., even when it was somehow considered unfair to send our best players (where did that come from, anyway?). This team will be no exception. I hope they get the gold, but I wonder. What do you think?
4 comments:
I'm actually really encouraged by our team this year. I think adding Howard and Prince will help out on defense a ton. I've always wondered why don't they invite someone like Bruce Bowen who they can stick on the others team's best player? I think Prince can/will essentially fill that role.
I think Chris Paul will have a bigger impact than any other player on the team. He's the best point guard in the league and will manage the team better than any other point guard in the league could.
I agree that they need another center, and in my opinion they should leave behind Kidd. Even if Paul or Williams were to get injured (or get into foul trouble) then James, Bryant, or Wade could fill in at point. So why not bring someone like Camby for rebounding and shot blocking? With Howard and/or Camby in the middle the international teams would be way to scared to take the ball inside.
on a side note:
It's interesting how much harder Melo played for Coach K than for Bzdelik or Karl. Coach K has been effusive in his compliments of Melo's play. He said that "He plays with courage at BOTH ends of the court." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-08-23-anthonhy-national_N.htmWhy can't Karl get him to play like that?
I have no problem with Prince, and he's exactly the kind of player I wish we had more of. The problem is that the role players on our international teams never seem to see the floor that much, so they end up not mattering.
I agree that Paul's play is critical. I guess I sort of already said it but I disagree that James or Bryant could play the point well for stretches. Bryant does not have the mindset; LeBron used to but I don't see it much lately. Wade could do it, maybe.
That article is hilarious because Carmelo Yellow talked about wanting to dominate, not embarrass, when in reality the U.S. is usually lucky to go for either one these days. Anyway, if he has a hard time playing hard for Coach Karl I think that's his problem. Obviously Karl has to deal with it but you never hear about how Jordan or Iverson or whichever other great player would slack off depending on who's on the sidelines, you know?
Yeah, that's a good point. I guess it just annoys me because Karl seems so nonchalant about coaching these days even if we're getting killed. I seem to remember Karl benching Melo for stretches his first couple of years with the Nuggets, what happened? Am I remembering wrong? That might be just the motivational push Melo needs. (Of course, it could backfire too and cause Anthony to demand a trade or something.)
For the record, I think we could use some better jump-shooters, too. This has been a problem on our last few teams.
Karl definitely used to be harsher on Melo. I remember hearing how much he'd lightened up last year (because of health problems and aging and whatever else) and was happier as a result. Hey, good for him, but I think the team could use some of the old intensity.
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