<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ESPN - Tim Duncan has officially notified USA Basketball that he will not be a part of the U.S. team that will compete at this year's world championships and the 2008 Olympics. Jerry Colangelo, managing director of USA Basketball, said Saturday that Duncan's agent, Lon Babby, had called with the news earlier this week. Because of the call, Colangelo did not meet with Duncan when the San Antonio Spurs were in Arizona this weekend. Colangelo, chosen to form a team to bring the U.S. back to world prominence in the sport, is requiring players to make a three-year commitment. The commitment includes a training camp in July, probably to be held in Las Vegas, as well as exhibition games in China and South Korea leading to the worlds in Japan in August. There will be another training camp next year, followed by another and more exhibition games prior to the 2008 Games in Beijing. Colangelo said has met with 15 to 18 players, and Duncan was the first to say he would not take part. Some, including Shaquille O'Neal, have said they were still considering it, while others, including Allen Iverson, have said they were willing to make the commitment.</div> http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...orlds_08_games/
This is old news, he said he was never going to play again in the Olympics soon after the US won bronze (or was it silver?) for basketball in 2004.
Its alright hes been having problems with his ankles he needs off season to rest. =) But I think we could get people who would better fit, I would love to see Amare play or KG>
His decision might've been different if Pop was the head coach, but he sure needs some rest in the offseason.
It's better for the team USA that he isn't playing.He can't adapt to the game in Europe so he'd be in foul trouble like he was in 2004.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Martin:</div><div class="quote_post">It's better for the team USA that he isn't playing.He can't adapt to the game in Europe so he'd be in foul trouble like he was in 2004.</div> I think that's the main reason right there. He was really turned off by the officiating in the Olympic games because everything he's been coached to do in college and the NBA doesn't work in Europe. The officiating really benefits 7 footers who can bomb away from the perimeter. In Europe most players are trained to score from the outside-in. That's why you see a lot of International bigmen from Europe have guard skills and jumpshots, but a raw post game. Tim Duncan is the complete contrast of this style. The key for the US winning is going to be guard play. Steve Nash would have been the ideal canidate because of his playmaking and long range shooting, but he plays for the Canadian team. I think the best option might actually be Chris Paul or Brevin Knight.
Why not Chauncey Billups? They did need 3pt shooters and he's been shooting 2 pct% points higher then AI's FG pct for the past 3 years.
I would imagine Chauncey would want to rest during the offseason. But if he wanted to play, then he's absolutely deserving to be the frontrunner as starting PG.
Chauncey would be a good part of TEAM USA. If not him who do you guys think should be in TEAM USA as a PG?!?!?!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dallasdude:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd like Iverson back as PG..</div> Iverson is a good choice, however his 3-pt shooting is a not as strong as Chauncy's and when International teams play zones or collapse defenses it makes Iverson's game less effective. A lineup of: Chauncy Kobe Marion KG Shaq Backups: Arenas, Hinrich, Iverson Wade, Carter, Hamilton Tayshaun, Tmac, Pierce Brand, Amare, J O'Neil B. Miller, Camby, Haywood, Wallace
I would love Rasheed to be in Team USA. I love his game he is a very good defender and can step back and shoot a three pointer. I would love to see him play for Team USA. My Lineup would be 1.Billups 2.Kobe 3.LeBron 4.Rasheed 5.Shaq
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Iverson is a good choice, however his 3-pt shooting is a not as strong as Chauncy's and when International teams play zones or collapse defenses it makes Iverson's game less effective. A lineup of: Chauncy Kobe Marion KG Shaq </div> Shaq is going to be way too old to be that effective in 2008. He'll be thirty six by then.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Shaq is going to be way too old to be that effective in 2008. He'll be thirty six by then.</div> Thats a good point, he will have many toe injuries by that time! But no seriously I agree he will be too old and not in shape enough to handle the international type game.
hell probably still be the second best american center in the NBA, why are all of you forgetting the daily double?
This isnt how he performs in NBA my friend its how he would perform in International play. Even in the NBA he struggles against faster guys that can spot and shoot the 3. Thats why he dosent like the international game and most likely the reason he didnt wanna participate in the next Team USA.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">hell probably still be the second best american center in the NBA, why are all of you forgetting the daily double?</div> Because by then, he might not even be averaging a double double. Injuries are killing him right now and its obvious his career is going downhill. Its common knowledge that centers are the fastest to deteriorate and Shaq isn't proving anyone wrong. Like xClutchx said, O'Neal will have an incredible hard time running up and down the court to guard the faster centers in Europe that drain three's on the fast break.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dtpxcore:</div><div class="quote_post">Duncan is very suited for international play too bad he declined.</div> Actually he's not suited for International play, which is why he likely declined. He wasn't very effective the last time he joined Team USA. As for Shaq, if he's in shape and healthy he should start for the team. Him and Kobe starting again for the same team would be interesting. However, if he's not healthy, International teams will kill him with the pick and roll, just like NBA teams do to him.
