Ratings for 2012 Team USA have been higher than most nationally televised NBA games this year, and most of the games are the sister network of NBC which makes it even more impressive The TV Ratings in London for the Argentina vs. USA basketball semifinal match was INSANELY high. So its clear basketball is a strong number 2 behind soccer http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/201...ps-and-womens-soccer-nbcsn-has-best-day-ever/ http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/08/olympics-over-11-million-for-womens-usa-basketball-on-nbc/ keep in mind that these games are on tape delay, as well on a sister network.. that most americans do not have
So what will the roster for Rio look like? Besides Kobe anyone else on this team won't be on that team?
I don't think it has anything to do with team chemistry. It's that the style and pace of international basketball is much different from professional team basketball. It's the same way in soccer. Just because a player is a superstar club soccer play doesn't make him a star on the international stage. Look at Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. Both are the two best players in the world right now but have accomplished zilch (in terms of trophies or medals) during international matches. The thing is, when you play in a league, there are many factors that can guarantee a win: 1). Schedule and familiarity with teams. You usually play an opponent several times during a season. In addition, the endless scouting reports. Everybody is pretty much familiar with the other's game and style where you know how to exploit match-ups and weaknesses. In international play, there is not enough time for scouting and familiarizing yourself with opponents. You just have to go with the flow and at most, watch tape of the previous match. 2). Usually a winning team is built around 2 to 3 superstar players with a bunch of solid role players around them. No matter how many superstars you have on a team, there is only so much touches involved in a possession. Plus, if everybody is a superstar, they will have the mentality that they're supposed to be the man and take over the game offensively. Which means that other areas like rebounds, steals, and blocks will be lacking. 3). International rules are different from the NBA and usually allows for more contact and physical play. Referees are not going to give you superstar calls simply based on your reputation because none of the players know the referees. Thus, it doesn't matter if the team is together for 1 month or 5 months, against the great teams like Spain, Russia, and Lithuanian, they still won't be able to blow them out by 30+ points.
Marc Gasol 8-10 17 points despite the foul trouble. ibaka 12 pts. LeBron did a poor job defending. Kobe switched to Navarro in 2nd half and it made a big deference. Navarro 6-11 19points in first half, 1-6 2 points in 2nd half.
Kyrie needs to be on that team. He would destroy international competition with his ballhandling and shooting. But I don't expect Kobe/Chandler to return for sure though. Hopefully Dwight + mature Davis would prove to be a more formidable frontline in 2016.
Agreed and I like Harden but wouldn't be shocked if he isn't on the team next time around. Wouldn't shock me if Igoudala isn't on it either. Locks barring injury LeBron Durant Melo Paul(wouldn't be shocked if he isn't though) Deron Kevin Love Might be missing someone.
Fact is Kobe is no longer in Lebron's league, and has been for years. Accept it and move on please. Stop comparing those 2.
But can't the same be said for the primary contenders from the Olympics? Other than maybe Tunisia and China, every team in the tournament had people playing in the NBA or at least a major Euro-league.
PG: Cp3 Rose Irving SG Westbrook, Harden SF: LBJ Durant PF: Love, Griffen C: D12, Anthony Davis 12th man pool: Shabazz, Paul George, Demarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe, John Wall On the fence: Melo, Wade, DWILL
You can believe whatever you want to believe and I couldn't care less. Fact is LeBron was LeBronze in international games without Kobe. LeBron couldn't win a NBA championship without 2 all stars on his side. Most overrated ever.
Iguodala probably too. There will be younger, more athletic athletic defensive role players to pick from.
I believe Yi Jianlian from China is still active in the NBA. Wang Zhizhi, Sun Yue an Li Wei all played in the NBA at some point. I think Sun Yue maybe even won a ring with the Lakers, I could be wrong.
Colangelo didn't have good comments about Love during this tournament. Blake Griffin might replace him even though Love has a better international game. Dwyane Wade might be coaxed into joining Rio if he's healthy, he'd still be only 34.
Love will stay. His per 40 minute numbers in these Olympics were off the charts, esp. his rebounding. And he's a big who can spread the floor, a must in international competition. Love started out slow, but he got really comfortable the last 4 games.
