<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">An arena full of devil's advocate can be played on this one, countless reasonable arguments on each side about whether an 18-year-old who has yet to score an NBA point should take the spot of a veteran more used to competing against the kind of mature, savvy, skilled players that international teams offer. Which would mean something if those veterans had overly impressed anyone in foreign hightops playing zone the last seven years. Forget the part about the 6-foot-10-inch Durant deserving a spot, which he does based on that initial message this week and how he responded to it, including those 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting and six rebounds while helping the Blue team defeat the White 105-104 in a scrimmage on Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center. These roster decisions historically have been more political than anything you've seen at recent presidential campaign rallies. Durant arrived a massive long shot to be one of the final 12 and probably now rates as a considerable one. (In truth, the fact he can make consecutive free-throws and doesn't miss layups should make him a lock on this team. That, and it appears Kobe Bryant finally has discovered someone he likes as a teammate.) "I just wanted to win the game tonight and not worry about showing myself to get on" the FIBA roster, Durant said. "I want to make the team. I want to be part of a great team." Many will suggest that not rushing Durant's journey on Team USA is not smart, that by keeping him hungry and at arm's length of a roster spot now, his presence will be more important within a program he -- and other young stars like Greg Oden -- should be involved with the next decade or so. Maybe. But that would have been a more acceptable premise when the U.S. was the world's best team, when gold was guaranteed before tournaments began, when the Americans weren't finishing their last three major international competitions in sixth, third and third place. How can anyone be considered too big a risk now?</div> <div align="center">Source: Las Vegas Review Journal</div>
I hope he gets a spot on the team. But from all the players to cut off on that roster, its a long shot. But maybe his performance on Sunday might get him a spot.
He played well in one scrimmage game and he now 'deserves' a spot on the team because of that? That's ridiculous. Not saying he wouldn't be able to contribute, but it is wayy to early to tell. this writer probably just had a deadline and had to get a story in .
ADD HIM, lol.....by the time the Olympics come next year he'll have a year under his belt and I think he could definitely contribute....this would be great for the NBA also....might bet is he makes it.
Forget Durant, Ridnour is the one Team USA needs. They need some sharpshooting and Ridnour's defensive skills. Jokey jokey... Durant did well in the scrimmage and yes it was just one outing, but I think he'd be able to contribute all over the floor. Especially with all those other ballers on the floor Durant would be invaluable. He made it clear that he's there for the team and he didn't actively look for his shot. He took what was given and ended up with 22. The team needs more guys like that.
The team has a abundance of SF. They need to use the roster spots for big men. Chandler and/or Prince would be a better fit for Team USA then Durant. is Ridnour participating? I didn't see him in the scrimmage. Even if he is, its going to be hard for him to get a spot with Kidd, Deron, Paul and Kirk.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Prince would be a better fit for Team USA then Durant</div> as far as body types go, Prince and Durant are equivalent...when looking at Durants skill level on the offensive end, he blows Tayshaun out the water.
Whatever happened to KG getting on the squad? He needs to get on there too. I wouldn't mind seeing Durant and Oden on the squad together.
<div class="quote_poster">ILLmaculate Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">He better not get injured while playing for team USA.</div> Love the screen name, Illmaculate + The Saurus = beasts.
<div class="quote_poster">Shard Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Love the screen name, Illmaculate + The Saurus = beasts.</div> They're the Shaq and Kobe of freestyle battle
<div class="quote_poster">THE DREAM Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">as far as body types go, Prince and Durant are equivalent...when looking at Durants skill level on the offensive end, he blows Tayshaun out the water.</div> I was mostly thinking of defense. Team USA doesn't have enough good defensive players. I would like to see Prince in at ST then Battier. Still, the only people I really want to see either than the obvious good players like Kobe and Kidd is Chandler. USA might be able play some inside D.
