 |
| Team USA is primed for another round of world domination in 2012 |
Despite losing Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade from that '08 team, on paper this year's assembly of All-Stars could be even better. It's prepared for every possible scenario because it's so balanced. It has everything you could ask for; potent scorers, tough defenders, depth, versatility, and a careful blend of youth and experience. I'm not sure if any team will ever surpass the perfect storm of talent that was the original 1992 "Dream Team" of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and all the rest, but this team stacks up well. They might not win every game by 40 points, but they are men playing amongst boys. Barring some sort of catastrophic collapse they should coast through the tournament and repeat as Gold medalists. Spain, with a formidable lineup that includes Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Jose Calderon, and Rudy Fernandez, will once again be America's biggest obstacle. I'm confident that Coach Mike Krzyzewski's team has enough firepower at their disposal to beat the Spaniards again, though.
C-Tyson Chandler
This spot would haved belonged to Dwight Howard, who's far and away the best center in the game but will spend his summer recuperating from surgery needed to repair a herniated disk in his back/attempting to force a trade to the Brooklyn Nets so he can team up with Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace. Chandler, the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year and NBA leader in field goal percentage, is a fine replacement. He protects the rim with as much intensity as a mother bear defending her cubs.
PF-Blake Griffin
Says the knee injury that hindered him during the playoffs has healed. Because of his size, Coach K is going to use him primarily as a center.
PF-Kevin Love
Hard to believe he's the same age as Durant. He's an elite rebounder who uses footwork and high basketball IQ to get great positioning under the hoop. Also the rare big man who can spread the floor with a lethal three point shot. We've never seen a player quite him.
SF-LeBron James
The best player in basketball has won three of the past four MVP awards and is flying high after finally capturing that elusive first championship ring. He's a beast on both ends of the court and is sure to give international players fits with his off-the-charts speed, athleticism and strength. Check that; he's going to eat the European players for breakfast and spit them back out around noon. This is his third Olympics, too, so he's well accustomed to the international game.
SF-Kevin Durant
James is the best player in the NBA, but the 23 year-old Durant isn't too far behind. This kid can score at will, but you knew that already. Hopefully he hasn't spiraled into full-blown depression after his Thunder lost to the evil Miami Heat in the Finals last month.
SF-Carmelo Anthony
Endured a rough season in New York, but since the Knicks missed out on the playoffs he should be healthy. On offense Anthony is essentially a younger version of Kobe Bryant; someone with a great midrange game who gets to the line and thrives on isolation plays, but doesn't pass particularly well and slows the offense down as a result. Like LeBron, 2012 will mark his third Olympics appearance.
SG/SF-Andre Iguodala
A perfect complementary piece and great team player who understands his role/doesn't need the ball in his hands to be successful. Is somewhat limited offensively, but has become a great facilitator over the past two seasons as the point-forward in Doug Collins' system. The swingman's athleticism and lockdown defense will come in handy, too.
SG-Kobe Bryant
Bryant, who will turn 34 in August, is the oldest player on the team by a good five years over Chandler. He probably should be taking the summer off to rest his knees and prepare for life with Steve Nash, but if Kobe wants to play from a wheelchair then nobody is going to tell him otherwise. The five time NBA champion still one of the best offensive players in the game, and if you need somebody to chuck up a contest jumper with the clock ticking away he's your man.
SG-James Harden
Fear the beard.
PG-Chris Paul
A balky left knee has hindered his effectiveness at times during the past two seasons, but he's still the most complete point guard around. His basketball intelligence and court vision are unmatched, and when CP3's running your offense you know you're in good hands.
PG-Russell Westbrook
Before Game 5 of the Finals, on the heels of his dominant, 43 point stat-stuffing performance, I wrote that "Yes, he can be reckless. He makes mistakes, takes dumb shots. and seems to forget that Kevin Durant plays on the same team as him. But everybody has their flaws, and much of the criticism he has to endure is undeserved. Because when he's on top of his game he's one of the best, most explosive players in the NBA." When he gets into the lane, he's unstoppable.
PG-Deron Williams
The second best point guard over the past five seasons. He's fallen into some bad habits with the Nets, but now that he's surrounded by such talented teammates he won't have to take as many shots, especially threes. He can stay in his comfort zone and return to being the more efficient player he was with Utah.
Alternates (can be used to replace anybody on the 12 man team up to 48 hours before the first game)
PF/C-Anthony Davis
Would have added more size to the roster, but I'm glad he didn't make the team. He hasn't earned it. Had been favored to make the squad but a sprained ankle prevented the Number 1 draft pick from scrimmaging last week, costing him his spot.
SF Rudy Gay
Gay's certainly a talented player, just not in the same class as Durant, Anthony, and James. Plus his style of play isn't particularly well-suited for international competition.
SG Eric Gordon
Missed all but nine games last season with cartilage damage in his right knee, so he's undoubtedly a little rusty as he works his way back into shape.
The team's first game is against France on July 29th, three weeks from today.
No comments:
Post a Comment