If you've watched Josh Howard and Shane Battier throughout their career, both college and pro, it's not really debatable. Battier is a much better overall defender. You have to take in every aspect of the game. On ball perimeter D, off the ball help D, steals, blocks, the ability to cover more than one position. Drawing charges aswell as forcing your opponent into bad shots. Also must take into account a players drop in average scoring when facing that particular player. Battier is one of the premier defensive perimeter players in the NBA, there is no arguing that. Howard is not. he is a good defender, however, after Bruce Bowen, Ron Artest, and maybe Tayshaun Prince, no one alters the game defensivly like Battier can. Thats just fact. no statistics can show that, you just need to know the game of basketball. I hate Battier, I love Josh Howard, so don't claim the biased thing here. It's just a fact.
hmm i still dont understand why ben wallace didnt get invited, anyways my my 12 would be PG- Chauncy Billups/ CP3 SG- Kobe Bryant/ Wade SF- Lebron James/ Pierce/ Melo PF- Elton Brand/ Jamison/ Bosh C- Dwight Howard/ Stoudamire
PG: Chauncey Billups | Chris Paul SG: Kobe Bryant | Dwyane Wade SF: Bruce Bowen |Lebron James | Carmelo Anthony PF: Elton Brand | Chris Bosh | Dwight Howard C: Amare Stoudemire | Brad Miller I put Bruce Bowen as a starter because he is a great three point shooter who can spread the floor. And he dosent have to score to be effective he in my opinion is the best perimeter defender in the game.
I don't understand why people are putting Bruce Bowen on their lineups. He'll be thirty seven by the time 2008 rolls around so I doubt he'll be as effective offensively or defensively as he is is now. I think its safe to say some of Bowen's game will have deteriorated by then so I don't see the point in sending him to Beijing. Either Shane Battier or Josh Howard should get the spot over him in my opinion if you're really looking for a defensive specialist.
It's tough to eliminate any of these players and certainly the coaches will judge who wants to play the hardest and who fits the team they want. Clearly they want dominating frontcourt players like Marion and D. Howard, but also great ball-handlers, team players and tough defenders: Dwight Howard Kobe Bryant Shawn Marion LeBron James Michael Redd Chris Bosh Elton Brand Brad Miller Carmelo Anthony Gilbert Arenas Chris Paul Dwayne Wade Starters: D. Howard L. James C. Bosh G. Arenas D. Wade
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't understand why people are putting Bruce Bowen on their lineups. He'll be thirty seven by the time 2008 rolls around so I doubt he'll be as effective offensively or defensively as he is is now. I think its safe to say some of Bowen's game will have deteriorated by then so I don't see the point in sending him to Beijing. Either Shane Battier or Josh Howard should get the spot over him in my opinion if you're really looking for a defensive specialist.</div> He plays very smart defense and I doubt that will deteriorate, and his 3 pt has improved more since he has gotten older.
I would not have picked someone like Bryant who has a huge ego and may want to do it all himself. Obviously most players are going to want to be stars, but the super egos should be left at home. The fact is, the USA third team should still be good enough to beat any country in the world. So picking the not as good players (who are still actually awesome), but who are more team oriented would benefit the USA's charge to gold.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> He plays very smart defense and I doubt that will deteriorate, and his 3 pt has improved more since he has gotten older.</div> I'm sure some of his quickness will deteriotate, which would lead to some of his defense going down the drain. Plus, injuries might even hamper him later on.
The only problem I have, is that one of the games best players did not even get an invite to the training camp. AI not making the team because he didn't fit in with Coach K is one thing, and is pretty acceptable. But AI was/is one of the few elite players willing to dedicate himself to USA Basketball. For him to not get an invite is kind of a slap in the face in my opinion. AI can do more than just score, especially when he has a lot of talent around him. He can definitely be a big playmaking threat at any level he plays on.
<u>My 12:</u> Gilbert Arenas, Washington Chris Bosh, Toronto Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers Dwight Howard, Orlando LeBron James, Cleveland Shawn Marion, Phoenix Chris Paul, NO/Okla. City Paul Pierce, Boston Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Dwyane Wade, Miami Brad Miller, Sacramento <u>My Starting 5:</u> C - Dwight Howard / Brad Miller PF - Amare Stoudemire / Elton Brand / Chris Bosh SF - LeBron James / Paul Pierce / Shawn Marion SG - Kobe Bryant / Dwyane Wade PG - Gilbert Arenas / Chris Paul
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KICKSDADDY613:</div><div class="quote_post">If you've watched Josh Howard and Shane Battier throughout their career, both college and pro, it's not really debatable. Battier is a much better overall defender. You have to take in every aspect of the game. On ball perimeter D, off the ball help D, steals, blocks, the ability to cover more than one position. Drawing charges aswell as forcing your opponent into bad shots. Also must take into account a players drop in average scoring when facing that particular player. Battier is one of the premier defensive perimeter players in the NBA, there is no arguing that. Howard is not. he is a good defender, however, after Bruce Bowen, Ron Artest, and maybe Tayshaun Prince, no one alters the game defensivly like Battier can. Thats just fact. no statistics can show that, you just need to know the game of basketball. I hate Battier, I love Josh Howard, so don't claim the biased thing here. It's just a fact.</div> Agreed 100%. With Artest being a headcase and Bowen being 37 years old by the time the Olympics roll around, I don't think they could find a better defender. Even outside of his defense, he's all hustle, and he'll sacrifice his body for the team night in and night out. I know that "hustle" label is thrown around a lot, but no one embodies it more than Shane Battier. Also, don't sleep on the fact that he's a four year Coach K player. That'll probably be his biggest advantage in this whole process. I'm not really a huge fan of the rest of the roster, but it's still solid all around. I would have liked to see more youth though. Where are guys like Greg Oden, J.J. Redick, or Adam Morrison? By 2008, they should be serious contributers in the NBA. Okay, maybe that'd be a little too big of a gamble to make for such a serious event, but what would it hurt to leave one spot open for an up and coming player?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting B-22:</div><div class="quote_post">The only problem I have, is that one of the games best players did not even get an invite to the training camp. AI not making the team because he didn't fit in with Coach K is one thing, and is pretty acceptable. But AI was/is one of the few elite players willing to dedicate himself to USA Basketball. For him to not get an invite is kind of a slap in the face in my opinion. AI can do more than just score, especially when he has a lot of talent around him. He can definitely be a big playmaking threat at any level he plays on.</div> Say what you want about whether or not AI would fit on the US team. But its ridiculous to suggest that Iverson is owed a position on the team for being loyal. Its great that he's been one of the only players who has dedicated himself to the team, but if the Colangelo doesn't think his style of play suits the team and international play, then he shouldn't feel obligated to bring him on. At the end of the day, it comes down to results.
Carmelo Anthony, Denver Gilbert Arenas, Washington Shane Battier, Memphis Chauncey Billups, Detroit Chris Bosh, Toronto Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers Dwight Howard, Orlando Josh Howard, Dallas LeBron James, Cleveland Antawn Jamison, Washington Joe Johnson, Atlanta Rashard Lewis, Seattle Shawn Marion, Phoenix Brad Miller, Sacramento Chris Paul, NO/Okla. City Paul Pierce, Boston Michael Redd, Milwaukee Luke Ridnour, Seattle Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Dwyane Wade, Miami Chauncey / Paul / Wade / LeBron LeBron / Wade / Redd / J. Howard / Marion Bowen / LeBron / Marion / J. Howard / Battier Marion / Brand / D. Howard / Stoudemire / Bosh Stoudemire / D. Howard / Bosh / Brand / Bolded guys are my picks. I would not take Melo' after the last Olympics revealed he is a cancer in a team atmosphere. Kobe is perhaps the most talented of them all, but his selfishness and ego don't fit for my taste. I like Arenas, but feel he has been slighted and overlooked so much that he has something to prove individually and that isn't something we need. Battier, Bowen and Josh Howard go in on defense hustle, selflessness and ability to be very valuable even without ever touching the ball. Bowen's work ethic is incredible and I am betting on his age not being too much of a factor for him, and he is never injured. He's 35 and playing the best ball of his life. Bosh, Howard, Marion and Stoudemire are guys that are made for this type of tourney. They can put the ball on the floor, intimidate inside and get up and down the court all while being able to play multiple positons well. Elton Brand, Billups, LeBron, Wade, and Chris Paul are simply too talented to leave off the team and all enjoy spreading the ball around (unlike Kobe and Melo). I too would like to see a young shooter added that would fit in the team play concept. Reddick, Morrison, or someone similar wouldn't be too bad.
Carmelo Anthony, Denver Gilbert Arenas, Washington Shane Battier, Memphis Chauncey Billups, Detroit Chris Bosh, Toronto Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers Dwight Howard, Orlando Josh Howard, Dallas LeBron James, Cleveland Antawn Jamison, Washington Joe Johnson, Atlanta Shawn Marion, Phoenix Brad Miller, Sacramento Chris Paul, NO/Okla. City Paul Pierce, Boston Luke Ridnour, Seattle Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Dwyane Wade, Miami
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Chutney:</div><div class="quote_post">Say what you want about whether or not AI would fit on the US team. But its ridiculous to suggest that Iverson is owed a position on the team for being loyal. Its great that he's been one of the only players who has dedicated himself to the team, but if the Colangelo doesn't think his style of play suits the team and international play, then he shouldn't feel obligated to bring him on. At the end of the day, it comes down to results.</div> OK, but how is Colangelo going to think such a thing if he doesn't give one of the best players in todays game even a chance to try out for the team? I know he shouldn't feel obligated, he should do whats best for this country to win. There is no way in the world you can tell me that any player on this enitre roster deserves a tryout over Allen Iverson.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting B-22:</div><div class="quote_post">OK, but how is Colangelo going to think such a thing if he doesn't give one of the best players in todays game even a chance to try out for the team? I know he shouldn't feel obligated, he should do whats best for this country to win. There is no way in the world you can tell me that any player on this enitre roster deserves a tryout over Allen Iverson.</div> Well you have to realize the length of this entire process. Part of the national basketball team is to foster growth in its own players. Look at the players that are on this team. Besides Bruce Bowen (who IMO was more of a statement player), these are basically young players who haven't reached their prime yet. Now you can say Iverson is better and brings the same talents as say Arenas or Ridnour or Johnson, etc. But the difference is that Iverson has already reached his peak (or will bytime the Olympics come along). His game won't adapt as much as a younger player's would. IMO this is right approach to building a solid national team. Just look at the number of young players on this team and think of how much better they will play together as they create a sense of chemistry with each other,while their games improve. This process is definitely a reaction. Its basically the opposite of the "Dream Team" strategy of listing the best American players in the NBA. Remember when the US placed 3rd in 2004? The major argument was that the team lacked the familiarity, chemistry, and teamwork that international teams gained from playing together in the same program for years (an extreme example, were people who suggested that the Detroit Pistons would have performed better). If this works, it will basically negate that one advantage foreign teams have always had against the US.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting $Quan$:</div><div class="quote_post">i'm kinda mad they don't have my boy allen iverson in the game this year. man i hope team usa lose</div> You hope Team USA lose because Iverson isn't playing? Who do you support, Iverson or the team? He will be 33 in 2008. I think they chose the younger stars right now who would most likely to be amongst the best in the NBA in the future, such as Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade in the guard positions.
All the lame excuses of AI being old by the time we hit '08, are clear sign indicators, you just have a distastes for Iverson himself. This proves everything that's wrong with this whole selection. Iverson was clearly the most mature, most responsible and the undeniable team leader in '04. You think his game wont be the same by then? He's only going to be 33. He's averaging a career high in Pts, and Asst. right now. Iverson has NO problem being a set up man, which is what he did for the USA last time. The Dream Team went into the Olympics with an old Larry, an old Magic. And weather you like him directly, Iverson, as a player is up there with the All Time elite. You're tellin me when MJ was 33, and because he shot so damn much, you would have left him off Team USA? No, you wouldnt have. Our problem in '04, if you watched the game, was scoring, and outside shooting. The team HAS to have Kobe, they HAVE, to have AI, LeBron, and for his clutch ability, Carmelo. If a game is close and it comes down to a final shot, or some free throws, are you convinced LeBron is going to make the right play or hit the shot or MAKE A FREE THROW? I would rather put the ball in a real game closer's hands, like Kobe and Carmelo and AI, who can create and make a shot anytime, on anyone. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Where are guys like Greg Oden, J.J. Redick, or Adam Morrison? </div> It's funny you mention those exact 3 players. Because Team USA is holding 3 roster spots open for tryouts come summer of '07 incase of dropouts or injury. Those 3 players were mentioned as the ones that the US would like to hold off on and see how they develope, and if they will make good additions by the time we go to Bejing. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">His game won't adapt as much as a younger player's would.</div> Exact opposite. A veteran will adapt to International play, especially seeing as he's already played there, before someone who never has. In addition, they all play in the same League, so what would possess you to think age has anything to do with adapting to playing by international rules. The only real positions it affects is post player because of the trapazoid lanes. Everything on the perimeter is the same except the 3pt distance. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">argument was that the team lacked the familiarity, chemistry, and teamwork that international teams gained from playing together in the same program for</div> Which is why Team USA has made this a 3 year commitment, where the players will have time to grow and develope together before '08 instead of just naming guys in May, and tossin them out there 3 months later and saying "go win". A final injustice is all the fans, and the media, who lambaste all the NBA superstars, every year for the last few years, for not wanting to rep their country. Passing on the Olympics, thinking it's no big deal. Now, you have a couple true great NBA players, All-Stars who want to make theie country proud, in Kobe and AI, and one gets all the negetive (he's too selfish and a ball hog for this team) and one hasn't earned, or isnt owed anything. If anyone has every paid attention to the treatment, and the development of AI's career, the NBA OWES AI a whole lot more than an Olympic invite. And, although I'm not Kobe's #1 fan, the selfish crap has to stop. Have any of you looked at his roster? Do you know the talent on that team? If Kobe hasnt done what he's done this season, if he put up average Kobe numbers, say 25/game or so, this team would be locked into the lottery. He is carrying this pathetic roster into te post season, with a winning record, IN THE WEST! Give respect where it's due. I will, and I've been a Kobe basher in the pest. But as a guy who's played college ball, pro ball, and strives to just be on the pine in the same League as Kobe, I know what he's doing is insane, and I give this man all the credit he deserves. What he is doing right now is absolutly insane.
