<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Larry Brown can tell you the first time he heard of LeBron James. It was five years ago, and James was playing basketball in eighth grade. Yes, eighth grade. That's how long one of the game's most respected coaches has been tracking the Cavaliers' star. Acting on a tip from a former Goodyear Wingfoots teammate, Brown saw James play a few years ago and talked to him at Gund Arena. "I was teasing him because I had heard he was a (North) Carolina fan and I was hopeful (he would go there)," said Brown, a former Tar Heels star. "Then I saw him play and I (knew) that wasn't an issue." Instead, James is playing for one of Brown's other alma maters: the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Brown won a gold medal in 1964 coming straight from Akron and the industrial-league Wingfoots. He's delighted to have the opportunity to coach James in his quest for Olympic glory. The 6-foot-8 swingman has been a focal point during the opening days of training camp as the coaching staff searches for the right combinations of players. As promised, Brown is working James in multiple positions on a team that is thin at point guard and post positions. James said he expects to play some at point guard and shooting guard, but defers to the coach he calls "The Mastermind." "He is the captain of our ship and we're willing to go wherever he tells us," James said. Brown is enamored not only with James' versatility, but also his aptitude and maturity. "I have spoken to Paul (Silas) numerous times and have marveled at how grounded he is," Brown said. "The kids around him (his friends who are accompanying James to the Olympics) are even unbelievable kids."</div> <div align="center">Link</div> I completely agree with Coach Brown. But even though LeBron is going to Athens as a Rookie, in my eyes I see him as a superstar. At his tender age, he brings energy to this team and he is enthusiastic about this whole experience. LeBron and the rest of the crew are going to bring the gold back to the US, no doubt about it.
James is no Rookie anymore.. He is a superstar in most people eyes. Yea it's his first time for the USA team but he will be probaly the most dominant player out there.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadlock:</div><div class="quote_post">James is no Rookie anymore.. He is a superstar in most people eyes. Yea it's his first time for the USA team but he will be probaly the most dominant player out there.</div> Not really he will be playing with two former mvps and a all star lineup I dont think he will be nearly the most dominating player there. He will be amoung top all stars like AI (CAPTIN), Tim Doncan (captin), and stephon marbury who helped lead the knicks to the playoffs. To say he will be the most dominating player there is to under rate the talent of all star players and former mvps.
Yea and AI and Tim Duncan will probaly be the top 2 players in this year Olympics. What I meant to say is like he won't be playing like a rookie, he will be a big force for us to have us bring home the gold. I think he will start because he can sell tickets and people will want to see a lot of him. Also because he has a killer good game.
Sure they do.. THe more he plays the more merchandise they can probaly sell.. And why wouldnt they start him?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadlock:</div><div class="quote_post">James is no Rookie anymore.. He is a superstar in most people eyes. Yea it's his first time for the USA team but he will be probaly the most dominant player out there.</div> Nothing against Lebron James but he will be 1 of the most dominating players out there but not the top one. Remember Camelo is just as good as LJ23 and you do have alot of other dominating players on the squad for example AI and Duncan.
So your saying a few more years? My question in who in the Easteren confernce is a better at SG then James?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadlock:</div><div class="quote_post">So your saying a few more years? My question in who in the Easteren confernce is a better at SG then James?</div> Paul Pierce. 20 points scorer. Leads the league in points in the fourth quarter and free throws attempted. AI since he hasent officially started point again former mvp. Second in the nba in points last year. Rookie of the year former. All star mvp. ALL STAR. Also how about rip hamilton. NBA Champ. Also another all star right now at this point in his career better than LBJ michael redd.
Ok first off... Paul Peirce he may be a better player but not by much and James will pass him up eventually. AI... Yea his better at the moment but Isn't he a PG now? Michael Redd is a great player but not quite a super star IMO. Either is James but this year he will officaily become one.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadlock:</div><div class="quote_post">Sure they do.. THe more he plays the more merchandise they can probaly sell.. And why wouldnt they start him?</div> Why in the hell would they want to sell merchandise?? They want to win a gold medal, not to sell any crappy merchandise.
Hello the NBA is always going to try to get money... THe more USA James jersey sells the more money the NBA gets.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TrueCavsFan23:</div><div class="quote_post">marbury also choked when he hit the playoffs.</div> Really? He was the one that hit the 30-foot runner in Game 1 against San Antonio in overtime to get Phoenix the win. That's your definition of choking?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadlock:</div><div class="quote_post">Hello the NBA is always going to try to get money... THe more USA James jersey sells the more money the NBA gets.</div> If your going to say that LeBron should start, Carmelo Anthony should start too? If your going by this logic, then Melo should start too, afterall, he and James were in the top 5 in jersey sales right? (1-2 I believe)
I agree.. I would go off a limb and have the line up with.. AI at point.. James at Shooting guard.. Melo and Small Foward.. Then Duncan at C/F then not sure who else. I would love to see Melo/James on the floor a lot togethor.. It would be great and fun as hell to watch, kind of like this years rookie game.
This years rookie game was just a dunkfest. So you want this lineup: PG: Allen Iverson SG: LeBron James SF: Carmelo Anthony PF: ??? C: Tim Duncan Instead of: PG: Stephon Marbury SG: Allen Iverson SF: Shawn Marion PF: Amare Stoudamire C: Tim Duncan If you do, then I don't really have much else to say.
PG: Allen Iverson SG: LeBron James SF: Carmelo Anthony PF: Amare Stoudamire C: Tim Duncan Thats how I would personally do it.. But I really doubt that will happen.. Your line up is more likely to happen and probaly better off. I just rather see my line up.
I think we would all rather see that lineup, but America is there to win a gold medal and put out the best lineup possible.