FIBA 2010, USA vs the World

[verbal8]

Congratulations to the U.S. for a well deserved victory. Overall, the game was just boring and it was all about U.S. coasting after halftime.

Durant deserved the gold, the US coasted off-of Durant's performance. It would have been much more difficult to get the gold w/o Kevin Durant.

Yes, but wouldn't every team have a harder time going for the gold if you took away their best player?

I think it was meant more as a credit to Durant than a slight to the rest of team USA. Durant was the only player of his caliber to step up and play for team USA.

[closg00]

Random thought: Rose was terrible and showed the limits of being a penetrating PG, especially when going-up against good defensive teams. I know that he is trying to improve his jumper and long-range shot, but it's hard to develop a shooters touch this late.

[fishercob]

Rose is going to be fine. He's so young, and he's already made a ton more progress on his J than Rondo has. Is there a chance that the '12 Olympic team could rival the original Dream Team in terms of greatness an invincibility?

Howard, Lebron, Melo, Kobe, Wade, Paul, Durant, Deron Williams and Bosh seem like locks unless contracts keep CP3 and/or Williams out.

Then you've only got 3 spots left and will be choosing from Rose, Westbrook, Odom, Boozer, Gordon, Gay, Curry and maybe Billups. Maybe Amare. Maybe a guy or two who isn't in the program yet -- Wall, Cousins, Evans? That team will win every game by 40.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I think Kobe will opt not to participate at 34/35 years and 16 years pro experience, having already won a gold.

I believe the only way Bosh is on the team is if Miami wins the NBA Championship this season. Miami's big three have to win or you won't see all three on the Olympic team, even though Bosh played very well for the 2008 Redeem Team.

Guys who might surprise and be on the team are Eric Gordon, Carlo Boozer, and Lamar Odom. Odom's defense and flexibility at C stood out in the gold medal game. Gordon's s great shooter. Boozer IMO is going to have a monster year for Chicago and is a Duke guy.

[fishercob]

I dunno, CCJ. the '08 Olympics was what laid the foundation for Wade, Bron and Bosh to become NBA teammates. I can't see why them being so would disqualify Bosh for London. I remember Coach K effusively gushing about Bosh's p'n'r defense, willingness to accept his role, etc. In two years, he may be better suited for the role Odom just played than an aging Odom.

That's a good point on Kobe. The guy loves to win though. I could see him playing.

[closg00]

Rose is going to be fine. He's so young, and he's already made a ton more progress on his J than Rondo has. Is there a chance that the '12 Olympic team could rival the original Dream Team in terms of greatness an invincibility?

Howard, Lebron, Melo, Kobe, Wade, Paul, Durant, Deron Williams and Bosh seem like locks unless contracts keep CP3 and/or Williams out.

Then you've only got 3 spots left and will be choosing from Rose, Westbrook, Odom, Boozer, Gordon, Gay, Curry and maybe Billups. Maybe Amare. Maybe a guy or two who isn't in the program yet -- Wall, Cousins, Evans? That team will win every game by 40.

To say Rose was terrible was too-harsh, I stand-by the rest of what I said though. Rose bricked badly on a number of shots and got the ball stolen when he tried to penetrate. Rose will indeed improve.