Probably not, unless Durant and at least one other player turn into Superman and carry the team on their backs. I wouldn't be totally shocked if they won, but piecemealing a team together like this from scratch and throwing them into the highest levels of international competition a month later is a recipe for failure. For now, American players don't care about the World Championships that much. On the other hand, if Team USA mixes in some new players and cut the weakest links from the 2008 squad, I believe they would be dominant in 2012. After the Worlds this summer, FIBA is moving their 3-point line further out and will change their lane to match the NBA. This meshing of standards will help Team USA going forward.
For people who claim Lebron, D Wade, Dwight Howard and crew are overrated, have a look at those lineups to gain appreciation for their skills. Its a 12 man roster, so if those are the players then I'd go: 7 players to yank out (taking out lesser talents, non-shooters, ball stoppers and redundant pieces): JeVale McGee Jeff Green Eric Gordon Tyreke Evans Rudy Gay Lamar Odom Russell Westbrook Thatd leave: Blue Team Chauncey Billups Brook Lopez Kevin Love OJ Mayo Rajon Rondo White Team Tyson Chandler Stephen Curry Kevin Durant Danny Granger Andre Igoudala Derrick Rose Gerald Wallace Team would have no true power forwards except Love. Could put in Odom and take out Mayo. Would love for Westbrook to be on the team, but Rose and Rondo provide what he does. Curry's just too darn good a shooter already. Rudy Gay has a MAX contract of all these guys...Iguodala can do what he can do and WITH defense. As can Granger.
This is a homer question, but I'm gonna ask it anyways. You guys think Chase Bud would do well playing for team U.S.A.? I think so. He's so unselfish, a guy that can make plays for others and be a zone buster if a team does go zone on them.
I think this version of Team USA has as good a chance as any nation to win the World Championship. Most other top nations are missing big pieces too. Pau isn't playing for Spain, Nowitzki and Kaman aren't playing for Germany, Parker is out for France, and Argentina will be missing just about everyone. There are also some players on this team that would be heavily considered for the Olympic team even if every member of the redeem team returned. Durant is a shoo-in. Rondo, Curry, and Rose would probably get extended looks. Chandler might be the best defensive center not named Dwight Howard. Don't overlook the part that the FIBA game plays in selecting a team. In the FIBA game, guys like Kevin Love and Andre Iguodala become more effective because the three point line is much closer. They can also run and defend international bigs that are leaner and quicker. As far as JeVale McGee goes, Fran Frischilla just mentioned on the Blue vs. White broadcast that injuries to other players forced them to bring in another big man on short notice. McGee was already in Vegas for the summer league, so he was brought in.
I don't think it will be easy. The world is much better, although Spain will not have Gasol...they will be very hard to beat. France will be putting up a NBA lineup...Roddy B, Batum, Noah, Diaw, Pietrus. Brazil will have a very strong frontcourt... I just think the team will be too inexperienced...not enough chemistry...
It seems unfair to have Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose on the same team, they are the two best players IMO
I didn't say or imply it would be easy. I agree with your points and already expressed them using different words. I'm not worried about France because they have the same chemistry problems Team USA has. It would be a big shock if they won. For Team USA to have zero players from 2008 this year almost guarantees they won't win unless a couple of players go ballistic on offense. Their defense will struggle, both against PnRs and inside, so it will take dominant offensive performances by KD and somebody else to carry them. In 2012, Team USA will dominate more than in 2008.
I'm watching. Certainly has the look of a team feeling each other out. Lots of turnovers. Lots of transition jumpers. Kinda reminds me of the NBA All-Star Game in some ways because there has been a lot of over-passing where you just want the guy to put the ball up rather than trying to make the highlight reel pass. I'm really looking forward to that set of exhibition games they are going to play in New York in the middle of August. We'll learn a lot about this team with those games.
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