ESPN: Lebron and Marbury picked over Francis for the Olympics

So that's why they picked Stephon Marbury? Who is not a pure shooter, has average range, is very immature, and can't play defense worth a lick?

Lebron? same thing?



Is that why Stu picked Andre Miller in 02? Baron Davis? for their defense and range? (that's the one that stinks to high hell re: Jackson btw...no way Miller or Davis deserved it over Francis that year, or even this year)

I'm not saying Francis should have gone ahead of Cassell, but come on. If you want a team guy or a guy suited for international play, that's one thing, but Marbury? He's neither of those things.

 

Amen Sane... great stuff

don't forget with all the stars on this team they need a PG who can run a break

 

This (brilliant) post needs to go in here too. Marbury is ahead of Francis for sure.

I think you need LeBron on the team too because he's so popular. You know, get people excited about the dream team again. Plus, you need mismatches in these competitions and LBJ is bigger and would create more mismatches agains the internationals.

Still Sam Cassell would have been better than both. You need shooters, and that's why Ray Allen would have helped too.

 

So why didn't they pick guys who can do it and don't bring the baggage of Starbury, i.e. Jason Willliams or Sam Cassell.

I understand the argument that Francis isn't a good "fit" for the all star team....but if Francis isn't a fit, then neither is Marbury.

 

sam - agree Cassell would probably be a better fit

nevertheless Marbury is a better pick at this stage than Steve

he plays some D and can run a break

Cassells shooting is very needed though

 

something i didnt like on espnews when they should the possible selection for james was that the highlights they showed was from when he played against the rockets. It seems that whenever i see any player being mentioned outside of a game and they show highlights of that player from random games there is a 65-70% chance its against the rockets.

 

I don't think that they want a boring, bumbling guard who dribbles like a fool. Nevermind that he forgot how to shoot.

 

he's soooo boring that millions of the sports fans vote for him to represent the western conference as the starting gaurd...

 

y be suprised? even RJ got selected

 

I'm actually glad that Steve is left off the Olympics team. That extra month and half of play in the summer could really hurt you physically. I would rather see him well rested for next year.

 

Although you are right about everythign regarding Marbury, he's still better than Steve at everything except for rebounding.

I left this out of my original post, because I was speaking about the whole roster... But when it comes to PG's, you also look at asst/to ratio.

Don't tell me Steve averages as many assists as Andre Miller. Don't tell me Steve averages less turnovers than Jason Kidd. There's no way you can argue that a PG who's asst/to ratio as poor as Steve's should be on the NT, and there's no way you can tell me he's a better fit at SG than any of the rest.

Also, as Smegg mentioned, he needs to be able to run a break.

Common man, I feel for Steve, I really do. I agree that in the past, he may have been screwed over once. But even that is unlikely. This year, he doesn't deserve it.


As for Lebron, that's another argument on its own. That's just marketing on the league's part - they want the world to see Lebron.

But one thing holds true - Marbury is a better player than Francis. He's quicker, a better scorer, a better passer, has better court vision, has as much if not more heart, and more experience. He also isn't a league leader in techs. Yes, I know KG is up there in techs too, but when Francis becomes the MVP, then we'll let the techs slide.

I feel the best PG's for international competition would be Bibby, Cassell, Kidd, and maybe Baron.

I think it's a good thing that the league is choosing based on what would win in international competition rather than what works in the NBA. It's refreshing really, I feel that this next US team will work beautifully, great shooters, dominant players, great passers all voer the court. Really, the Brands and Ben Wallace's of the league don't fit, neither do the Francis' of the league. I think the U.S. is a lock to win the tournament, especially with the current team in place.

One thing baffles me is the choice of Marion... I don't think he'll play much, but there may have been some better options out there, someone who could shoot better (Rashard?) and is a better passer, less of an athleticism-only player. Although he's worked hard on his game, he's still a bit awkward with his jumper and handles - it will be interesting to see how he fares in the tourny.

 

who has the two rings?
who was a top three if not the best point gurad this whole year?


SAM I AM

 

Hmmm. It would appear that SF3's "And One" game is not as highly valued around the league as it is here...

 

Yes, because clearly our BBS posters are an accurate reflection of Team USA's criteria. Starbury is as much of an "And One" player as Steve, and was a decidedly poorer defender this season.

 

How? Starbury ranking No. 11 in Ast / TO ratio (2.89) this season, and Francis is no where to be found in top 50 list.

No. 11 >> No. 50+

How is Starbury as much of an "And One" player as Steve??

 

Yeah, they really got away from the playground game when they went with Starbury...I mean he hasn't played at West 4th or Rucker in like 6 months.....

"Starbury" is the nickname he got as a playground legend in New York....that's what the "And 1" mix tapes & touring team are all about.

 

As an American, I said NO.

 

Sam, that was great. Perfect comeback.

 

You should have stopped while you were ahead. Anyone who argues that Starbury is more of a team player is just blinded by Steve Hatred.

 

YOU ARE CORRECT SIR


so much Steve Hatred here, ,, , it is incredible

Lakers tied the series. . . hhhmmmm those tony Parker is GOD
post have slowed considerably

Waiting for the BAND WAGONERS to jump back on then
the Spurs win their next game . .. IF they win another one


D*MN SPURS BETTER WIN!!

Rocket River