I think you have it in reverse. The less NBA players need to adapt when playing under FIBA rules, the more comfortable they will be. The rules will cease to be a significant roadblock as the "worlds" merge closer. If talent and athleticism become the sole determining factors, it's advantage USA.
all those espn analysts who thought spain would pose a big threat to us should be banned from wasting tv time ever again
I can appreciate the majority of the upcoming rule changes, but the one I really dislike is the proposed addition of a semi-circle restricted area in the lane. I think the restricted area is an abomination upon the game of basketball. Sure, defenders no longer stand 2 feet in front of the basket and pose danger to airborne slashers underneath the rim; instead, those same defenders are now thrusting themselves <i>toward</i> those taking the ball to the rim in order to get in front of the restricted semi-circle. The number of collisions has not only increased, but now those same collisions are potentially more dangerous. And don’t get me started on how much I hate the way the restricted area is officiated.
