Team USA Back on Top
Team USA has finally taken care of business by defeating Spain to win the gold in the Beijing Olympics. Most analysts and critics took a long time to come around to Team USA and most actually believed Spain or Greece would win the Gold this summer. Does this mean guys like Ric Bucher with ESPN had no idea what they were talking about? A couple of years ago the United States took a beating from Greece. After the game the international media asked Coach K a couple of questions. His responses basically where vague sentences like number 24 played really well. I also like number 16. This led the international media to wonder if Coach K and Team USA watched any tape at all as they didn’t know the player’s names.
I’m very proud of our accomplishment, but I’m not ready to put Coach K and Jerry Colangelo on a pedestal so to speak. Let’s think about Jerry Colangelo’s job for a second. He is basically the GM of Team USA. Puting together Team USA is like going to a Lamborghini dealership to find fast cars (not difficult). The same can be said for Coach K. He had the difficult job of coaching the best players in the world. Remember, a gold is expected. I’m very proud of the accomplishment, but I also understand that this is supposed to happen. I only hope that teams in the future look to find those that will play roles.
The role players of today will probably be a little old for the next olympics in 2012. I’d like to see several role players get the opportunity to try out for a 3 year commitment next summer.
1. Defensive Specialist- DeShawn Stevenson (Solider Boy!) 6-5, 218 Guard
2. Roleplayer- Udonis Haslem 6-8, 235 Forward
3. Roleplayer- John Salmons 6-6, 207 G/F
The above players aren’t big time stars, but I really like their game. It’s obvious guys like Kevin Durant should get tryouts to make the team, but I’d like to see how some roleplayers would come in a play the “Posey” role for Team USA. I would again require a 3 year commitment for anyone that wants to be on Team USA. I’d also continue with the Select Team to pull players from that are praticing with Team USA. Below is a list of guys I’d list for Team USA 2012 right now (of course it can change as time goes on).
Carmelo Anthony PF, Dwayne Wade SG, Lebron James SF, Chris Paul PG, Deron Williams, PG, Dwight Howard C, Chris Bosh PF/C, 5 remaining roster spots
In addition I would build a Select Team of role players and rising stars to compete for these remaining spots each summer.
Tyson Chandler PF/C, Greg Oden C, Kevin Durant G/F, Andre Iguodala G/F, LaMarcus Aldridge PF/C, Monta Ellis G, Al Jefferson PF/C, Brandon Roy G/F, Amare Stoudamire PF/C, Devin Harris G, Josh Smith F/G, Marvin Williams Jr. F, Derrick Rose PG, Michael Beasley PF, Kevin Love PF, OJ Mayo G, Randy Foye G, Al Horford PF/C
Right now that would be my announced team as long as all those players agreed to participate. Of course before the rookies got invited they would need to have a strong first season in the NBA. Well there you go Conangelo. Those are my suggested lamborghinis.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.