What USA Basketball should look for in Olympians -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Fred Carter Special to ESPN.com What's the first thing ESPN's Fred Carter does on NBA 2Night or SportsCenter? He points at you. So we've asked the former NBA player and coach to make some points for ESPN.com each week. USA Basketball has put together its "Olympic wish list" of NBA players it hopes will represent America for the 2004 Games in Greece. It should have an "Olympic criteria list," too. When USA Basketball finalizes its roster of 12 players who'll wear the red, white and blue, each member of Team USA should embody the following qualities. 1. Dedication. You want players who come to work every single day. We all know who those guys are, the ones who don't take days off. You have to remember that at the Olympics, you aren't being paid. So you want dedication. 2. Unselfishness. You want guys who know how to play team basketball. Whatever individual goals guys strive for during the NBA season, they have to be dropped at the Olympics. Teamwork is essential. Some guys find it tough to do that. 3. Commitment to defense. You want players who play solid defense. That's a key part of winning. If you don't have guys who can play at both ends of the court, you won't win. 4. Image and decorum. This is so important. When you leave American soil, you are representing your country. You have to be on your best behavior. That comes into play in when you're an Olympian. FYI to Francis who always talks about his desire to play for team USA. You've got 1 and 4 in the bag. Number 2 is getting better with Yao and experience. Francis, as great a player and athlete as you are, if you want a medal, look at Number 3.
4. Image and decorum. This is so important. When you leave American soil, you are representing your country. You have to be on your best behavior. That comes into play in when you're an Olympian. How can they even consider Allen Iverson??
lol...you're right. How can they consider AI? He is still the best. Steve is very dedicated. He and Yao are the ones who practice the most along with The Cat. He is a little selfish but would pass more if he had Shaq and Tim Duncan and Ray Allen with him. He can work harder on defense. IMO and many others', Steve looks much better than TMAC. Tracy Mcgrady may be a better basketball player, but Steve has better looks...Ex: Steve Nash...And Steve doesn't lose his temper that much.
