Team USA Basketball 2008 training camp invites

[Clockwork Orange]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2349009

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

That's plenty of talent. After they've got the roster set, they've got to make a team out of them.

Bring home the gold boys.

[WABronco]

Luke Ridnour?!?!?!?!?!?

[RhymesayersDU]

It also should be noted that Shaq has a standing invitation to play. From what I read, if he feels like playing, he can just go play.

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

It also should be noted that Shaq has a standing invitation to play. From what I read, if he feels like playing, he can just go play.

I don't like that. They need to set the roster and stick with it. These guys need to become a team and play like one. This isn't an All-Star game and it shouldn't be treated as such.

Get the guys in there who want to do this, who want to play hard and who want to win a gold medal.

[RhymesayersDU]

I would argue that Shaq is a veteran, and his size makes him somebody that you can just throw in there. You put him on the block, and nobody can guard him really, and even when he's doubled, he knows how to pass and find open people.

He may not be dominant Shaq of a few years ago, but still, a guy his size with his knowledge of the game, I'm good with him having an standing invite.

[yavoon]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

I would argue that Shaq is a veteran, and his size makes him somebody that you can just throw in there. You put him on the block, and nobody can guard him really, and even when he's doubled, he knows how to pass and find open people.

He may not be dominant Shaq of a few years ago, but still, a guy his size with his knowledge of the game, I'm good with him having an standing invite.

I always thought shaq wussed out because he was afraid of being castrated by the international game. who would he defend? he's almost certainly going to have to defend a player who CAN HIT 3 POINTERS.

and I think the international game would be a lot more willing w/ no nba institution in place to actually call it when he bulls over ppl w/ his ass.

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

I would argue that Shaq is a veteran, and his size makes him somebody that you can just throw in there. You put him on the block, and nobody can guard him really, and even when he's doubled, he knows how to pass and find open people.

He may not be dominant Shaq of a few years ago, but still, a guy his size with his knowledge of the game, I'm good with him having an standing invite.

Yes, but how much will Shaq have to offer 2 years from now? Physically speaking? I also don't think it's right that someone who makes a two year commitment to this team gets bumped at the last minute because Shaq decides he feels like playing.

The one that gets me is Iverson not getting invited. I'm not a big Iverson fan, but he played harder than anyone else on Team USA in 2004 and was one of the superstars who actually wanted to represent his country. I thought he deserved an automatic spot on the team.

[yavoon]

chauncey billups
kobe bryant
josh howard
elton brand
brad miller

thats the starting 5.

also rashard lewis and gilbert arenas should probably get auto dropped.

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

Yes, but how much will Shaq have to offer 2 years from now? Physically speaking? I also don't think it's right that someone who makes a two year commitment to this team gets bumped at the last minute because Shaq decides he feels like playing.

The one that gets me is Iverson not getting invited. I'm not a big Iverson fan, but he played harder than anyone else on Team USA in 2004 and was one of the superstars who actually wanted to represent his country. I thought he deserved an automatic spot on the team.

You make some good points. Not only who do you bump, but do you bump a center? I would hate to see a guy like dwight howard bumped for shaq, but still, I'm in inclined to let Shaq go if he wants.

Now as for AI, he's still my favorite player in the League. Has been since he came in, and it's ****ty they didn't invite him. It's reputation I guess. Or maybe they don't think he'll want to make a 2 year committment with what happened in Philly with the whole practice deal. Who knows. But he is all heart on the court, USA could use a guy like him.

[Clockwork Orange]

I can't see Bruce Bowen making this team. Yes, he's a teriffic defender in the NBA. Unfortunately for him these games are going to be called by international officials under international rules. Our guys found out the hard way in 2004 that the international officials actually call travelling, palming and *gasp* superstars don't get away with murder. Bowen's physical (and sometimes dirty) tactics are going to get him in foul trouble pretty quick in the Olympics.

[RhymesayersDU]

How many guys do we get to have for this squad? 12?

[Clockwork Orange]

I would think 12, yes.

[Clockwork Orange]

Here's my 12, starters in bold.

Guards
Chauncey Billups
Chris Paul
Michael Redd
Dwayne Wade
Kobe Bryant

Forwards
Carmelo Anthony
Elton Brand
Paul Pierce
Lebron James
Shawn Marion

Centers
Amare Stoudemire
Dwight Howard

Stoudamire plays center for Phoenix, so that's where I slated him. If he comes back allright from his knee surgery, he's a lock.

[yavoon]

remember when they were talking about all the role players they were going to use?

I doubt if they really end up w/ any role players. who on that list is a role player? bowen? the pgs? josh howard? sure seems basically like "here are pretty much our best players"

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by yavoon

remember when they were talking about all the role players they were going to use?

I doubt if they really end up w/ any role players. who on that list is a role player? bowen? the pgs? josh howard? sure seems basically like "here are pretty much our best players"

What's really sad is that most of the USA's best have chosen not to go. Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and others who we saw at the glorified pick up game in Houston aren't interested in representing their country.

Maybe I'm just spoiled because I'm a hockey fan and hockey players consider it an honor to be invited to represent their country in the Olympics.

[yavoon]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

What's really sad is that most of the USA's best have chosen not to go. Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and others who we saw at the glorified pick up game in Houston aren't interested in representing their country.

Maybe I'm just spoiled because I'm a hockey fan and hockey players consider it an honor to be invited to represent their country in the Olympics.

I dont know I bought into the idea of we're sending a "team" this time. obviously thats crap w/ this list.

they should send redick. now thats a role player.

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by yavoon

they should send redick. now thats a role player.

No kidding. It seems like it's almost fashionable to bash the guy (I have no idea why, I guess people have their reasons), but he's an absolute lights out shooter. Something that Team USA was sorely lacking in 2004.

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by yavoon

I dont know I bought into the idea of we're sending a "team" this time. obviously thats crap w/ this list.

they should send redick. now thats a role player.

How is that crap? In 2004 we sent the most popular guys we could, either by fan voting or jersey sales or whatever.

We could have used a guy like Michael Redd. We could have used a guy like Chauncy.

Ok, I'll agree that none of the guys who will make the squad are role players, but at least this go-round they're looking to put 5 guys out there who play their positions and don't just try to drive the lane one-on-one and dunk.

But, I would agree about sending Reddick. Let him back up Redd, or hell put them both on the floor. That will break up any potential 2-3 zone defenses real quick.

[Connecticut Bronco Fan]

my Starters

C Amare Stoudemire
F Elton Brand
F LeBron James
G Kobe Bryant
G Dwyane Wade

Bench
1 Michael Redd
2 Chris Paul
3 Chauncey Billups
4 Shawn Marion
5 Chris Bosh
6 Dwight Howard
7 Carmelo Anthony

Left out
Gilbert Arenas
Bruce Bowen
Josh Howard
Joe Johnson
Paul Pierce
Brad Miller
Shane Battier
Antawn Jamison
Rashard Lewis
Luke Ridnour

*edited for comment*

The olympics are 2 years away, and to be honest with you, Coach K is the head coach, so his boy redick will more then likly be on the squad. It is too far away to tell right now who is going to make the team, but I honestly think Redick will be on the squad.

[RhymesayersDU]

OK, so somebody knowledgable on Phoenix basketball, if there is anybody on this board, tell me what position Amare plays. Last season he played Center, but I thought I heard that he was generally playing out of position and was unhappy, hence bringing in Kurt Thomas.

Isn't he happier at the 4 spot? Or am I confused on that?

[Connecticut Bronco Fan]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

OK, so somebody knowledgable on Phoenix basketball, if there is anybody on this board, tell me what position Amare plays. Last season he played Center, but I thought I heard that he was generally playing out of position and was unhappy, hence bringing in Kurt Thomas.

Isn't he happier at the 4 spot? Or am I confused on that?

Kurt Thomas and Stoudamire have been hurt pretty much all year, so who knows what the suns would of done.

Stoudamire could be a center in international play, his speed and size would make him ideal.

[yavoon]

my USA team:
guards:
chauncey billups
redick
Kobe bryant
Lindsey hunter

Forwards:
Josh Howard
Elton brand
Shawn marion
Joe johnson
Paul pierce

Center:
Ben Wallace
Amare Stoudamire
Brad Miller

and lets start:
Chauncey
Redick
Shawn Marion
Elton Brand
Ben Wallace

rotate in:
kobe
lindsey
Josh Howard
Amare Stoudamire

leave the rest for special circumstances.

yah its late, seemed like a decent idea. I could be more creative but I'm not an encyclopedia of basketball players.

[yavoon]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

OK, so somebody knowledgable on Phoenix basketball, if there is anybody on this board, tell me what position Amare plays. Last season he played Center, but I thought I heard that he was generally playing out of position and was unhappy, hence bringing in Kurt Thomas.

Isn't he happier at the 4 spot? Or am I confused on that?

He wants to play the 4 because he wants to play more outside. If he stays at the five he has to guard the big uglies who bang him around, and thats probably not how "he rolls" or what have u. D'antoni basically just made him play the 5.

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by Connecticut Bronco Fan

Kurt Thomas and Stoudamire have been hurt pretty much all year, so who knows what the suns would of done.

Stoudamire could be a center in international play, his speed and size would make him ideal.

Interesting. That is true, we don't know what would have happened, considering Amare hasn't played yet.

And that is true, athleticism will always be a luxury for team USA, lot of guys who can play multiple positions.

[yavoon]

Originally Posted by Connecticut Bronco Fan

Kurt Thomas and Stoudamire have been hurt pretty much all year, so who knows what the suns would of done.

Stoudamire could be a center in international play, his speed and size would make him ideal.

stoudamire can be a center in the nba. really the only thing that happens is all the really talented big men are athletic enough to play the 4 so they do and the team gets a big oof to play center thinking that the "size" would be more valuable than whatever extra talent they can pickup at the 4.