Both USA, (had the most talent) and Germany, (had the best player), lost to ball clubs that emphasized and excelled at team ball. Could this cause the NBA to begin to veer away from the "exploit the matchups" that is so prevelant, and get back to basics. Also, the excuse of the day seems to be that we did not have time to practice as a team. Could this cause NBA players to to actually attend and give importance to the off season and preseason. Shaq, Barkley, the list is to long to even start. One of the resasons for the Bulls being so great was Jordan keeping everybody in shape and in line during the off season. Off hand comment. Somebody asked John Elway, when he retired if he "couldn't face another season"? "The season is fine" he retorted, "it's the getting ready that I can't face". Gee is that why he was a champion.