USA Basketball needs your help. They are tired of seeing the gold go somewhere else. Give me the 12 man roster that will bring the gold back home.
Who are the starters? What type of offense are you going to run? Who is going to get the most minutes? Let me know what roles each superstar is going to have on the team.
Justin: Now that I'm at the helm, it means Krzyzewski's fired. No more Duke family nepotism. And no more losing for Team USA.
I've built this team on two principles: outside shooting and rebounding.
On offense we won't run anything too intricate. Spacing will be more important than anything else we do. Versus man we'll run Pick-n-Roll and Motion and versus zone we'll run the UCLA Offense.
Our bigs are all mobile and should dominate guys such as Argentina's Fabricio Oberto, France's Johan Petro, Brazil's Anderson Varejao Serbia's Darko Milicic and Austrailia's Andrew Bogut. Our big men are also athletic enough to contain Spain's Pau Gasol, China's Yao Ming and Germany's Dirk Nowitzki.
Our Small Fowards each bring something different to the team. Whether it be scoring, playmaking ability, or perimeter/low post defense. They should have no problem with like international stars such as, Boris Diaw, Andres Nocioni and Mickael Pietrus.
Our guards are straight shooters and they all possess playmaking ability and they don't need to penetrate through the flop-happy Europeans and South Americans in order to do so. They should have no problems with Leandrinho Barbosa, Emanuel Ginobili, Tony Parker, BenoUdrih, José-Manuel Calderon, and Carlos Arroyo.
Starters:
C: Dwight Howard - We're not asking him to score. We just want him to be a defensive presence in the lane and to grab rebounds on the offensive and defensive glass. (20 mins per game).
F: Kevin Garnett - The team's leader and official hype man. Along with Howard, there will be no second chance opportunities for other teams. (25 mins per game).
F: LeBron James - He's going to play the team's most important role. We'll put him at point-forward, which allows us to start two shooting guards. (30 mins per game).
G: Kobe Bryant - He'll be our go to guy on offense. The offense will run through LeBron, but filtered to KB24. (25 mins per game).
G: Gilbert Arenas: - Another outside threat. We all know he has no problem scoring and with LeBron at point-forward, he doesn't have the added distribution responsibility.(15 mins per game).
Bench:
- G: Baron Davis - I've always said that when he's healthy, he's one of the top 3 point guards in the league. As long as his back is intact he'll always have a spot on my roster. (10 mins per game).
- G: Deron Williams - We'll call on him to relieve LeBron as the team's orchestrator. (10 mins per game).
- G/F: Joe Johnson - He can play three positions, but we'll use him as a shooting guard to give Kobe some rest. (5-10 mins per game).
- G/F: Richard Hamilton - Rip is going to be a crucial element of our offense by running of f screens and canning mid-range jumpers. At the international level, he'll also be effective from 3-point range.(5-10 mins per game).
- F: Carmelo Anthony - We'll play him at power forward and he'll replace Garnett in the lineup. We'll utilize his his ability to slash and attack the basket against less agile big men. (15 mins per game).
- F: Carlos Boozer - He's our best back to the basket player on the block. He plays disciplined D and will give us amble help on the defensive boards. When needed he and Williams give us a good pick and roll combo. (15 mins per game).
- F: Shawn Marion - He replaces coach K's pupil Shane Battier as our lockdown defender. He'll be relied upon to neutralize the other team's versatile stars. (20 mins per game).
14 comments:
One problem here, no true point guard. 4 scorers are starting with no real distributers. You will have to convince them to move the ball around.
I've delegated LeBron as my point-forward. He'll be the distributor. Remember that KG, Kobe and Arenas all have a career averages of about 5 assists per game.
We also got Deron, Joe Johnson and B.D. who each can direct the offense when necessary.
Deron Williams is a player who will do what the team asks of him.
Remember his days at Illinois... He would take a back seat to Luther Head and Dee Brown when they were on their game.
But I have a different problem Amoah... you only have 3 bigs on the team. I love the staring lineup but Boozer is the only natural low post coming off the bench. Not saying you need one that will score, but you do need one to rebound, defend and replace the starters when they are in foul trouble.
Why did you choose RIP over Redd?
I'd like a guy who could hit 3's so I could spread the floor. In international ball, everyone packs the paint on D because of the rules, you need someone in the corner. He can come off screens just like RIP can but he will also flourish in a pick and role offense when his defender helps too much.
I don't know how I feel about Marion making the team. I am wondering if rather than have Melo try to play the 4, should you add Bosh (who would be that 4th post I was looking for earlier) and move Melo to the 3?
With all that said...
Replace Marion with Bosh
Replace Hamilton with Redd
and you are Golden!
B: You are Correct. I only have three true bigs on the team, but I also have Melo and Marion. They can and will play inside for me.
Melo won't be stopped when he faces up in the high post against the slow-footed international defenders.
And Marion can shut down any international power forward around, including Dirk.
To address your rebounding concern, you should remember that Boozer, Garnett and Howard are three of the top of rebounders in the NBA. While Marion was the top rebounder at the small forward position averaging 12 per game, so there's no way Bosh takes his spot. Although Bosh is a much better offensive player, he doesn't defend multiple positions or rebound as well as Marion.
Choosing Rip over Redd was a difficult decision, I admit. But besides hitting an open jump shot, Redd doesn't help me in any other ways. Rip is a proven winner and a better finisher. Plus, considering the international 3-point line at 20'6 feet -- which is about three feet closer than the NBA's -- Hamilton wont have a problem hitting the trey.
I'm confident that my choices to bring in Rip and Marion will secure a long-awaited much-anticipated championship for the US.
Why Not JJ Reddick, in international ball these teams can play zone. So instead of getting a team full of athletic black guys, make it a little whiter for shooting purposes. Most teams are only gonna play between 8 and 9 guys so why not put a guy like Reddick on the back end of the roster, or even a guy like Daniel Gibson. You have Kobe who will get doubled Arenas can shoot but besides that there are no other deadly shooters. When Kobe and Lebron get doubled or the zone collaspes they need to kick to a cold deadly shooter, like JJ Reddick. Plus in international play the other teams are not as athletic and he will not be a defensive liability
-Truth
why not a zone killer, why not JJ Reddick, you only are gonna play 8 every year shooting kills the team why not reddick and maybe even Kyle Korver or Daniel Gibson. There gonna zone Team USA you better have shooters
Youre team would get killed. You have way too many slashers and scorers. Slashers dont work against a zone. What does work is a high low post game coupled with legit outside shooters. No one on your team would defer to anyone else. Everyone would try to be the big dog and stagnant nba offense would emerge. Not starting a point guard is just plain stupid. Not having duncan in your starting 5 is just plain stupid. Your starters should be:
Duncan, Garnett, Lebron, Kapono, Deron Williams. Plenty of scoring, and everyones happy. Kapono stretches the zone. Off the bench, come with Marion, Battier, Wade, Dwight Howard, David Lee, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. That team wins.
Ohh Dem Jersey Boys Coming Out Kinda Hard!
First of all Mr. Harvard Killer...
JJ Reddick isn't better than my suggestion of Mikkie Redd. But I like were you head is at. It's like a B+ version of my A+ suggestion.
and Billy H...
Gil is a PG, but I know what you mean... you are looking for more of a true point who isn't a ball hog. Williams as the starter isn't bad. Duncan isn't playing for the US though. He isn't considering so we've all kind of overlooked him as an option. I think your team is a good NBA team, but no Kobe Bryant is just plain stupid and no Carmelo is just plain stupid.
Coach K has came out and said that Melo, Bron and Kobe are the only players who would start every game.
Looking at your roster, you have made the following roster decisions:
No backup PG
David Lee over Amare
Prince and Marion, even though they bring the same qualities to the team, they would be better than Carmelo.
Kapono over Joe Johnson and Michael Redd
WHY IS EVERYONE FORGETTING THAT JOE JOHNSON IS A SUPERSTAR? HE IS VERY VERY GOOD.
Let me quote Roy Jones Jr. before I knock you guys out: "Y'ALL MUST HAVE FORGOT!"
Y'all must have forgot that Baron Davis is the best clutch shooter in the league. (see Mark Cuban).
Y'all must have forgot, as Brandon said, just how good and versatile Joe Johnson is.
Y'all mush have forgot,that Redick's, Gibson's and Kopono's combined average is just 2 points higher than Rips. (Actually you probably didn't know that seeing you suggested them).
Now that that's done, I'll dismantle your arguments. Step by step.
Truth, you make a good stab with your comment about Redick not being a liability, but it's just not correct. Yes, International players are less athletic, but if you're going to take your chances with Redick or Korver guarding Gibobli, Pietrus or Barbosa GOOD LUCK.
So Truth please stop feeding us your lies.
Now, Billy, I really don't know what to write about your comments, which raise more questions than provide answers.
Since Duncan isn't available, throw the option out right now. Don't you think he'd be on my team had he been?
And you suggested Battier??? C'mon. He's coach K's favorite pupil and he wasn't even invited back to this years team, so why do you think he deserves a spot?
Why did no one call the '91,'92, or '93 Bulls "just plain stupid," because they had no true point guard? As I wrote Lebron can play point-forward and D-Will or Baron can spell him or Arenas off the bench and takeover at pg.
Billy, it also seems you haven't been watching ESPN for the past six months. To bring you up to speed let me tell you that D-Wade is injured right now and Michael Vick is about to enter the prison industrial complex.
However, Billy, I really do like some aspects of your team; You've put together a great defensive-minded squad, with Prince, Marion, Lee and Battier. And in all actuality, your team could probably win too if you fix the baffles that Brandon and I have pointed out.
"So Truth, please stop feeding us with your lies."
Classic line!
But everyone... If we all agree USA needs another shooter, why are we suggesting Kapono and Reddick when there's pretty good shooter who went to Texas last year, I think he was the guy picked after Greg Oden... actually I think he went to Seattle... Uhh.... KEVIN DURANT!
Last time I checked, he could shoot real well. He's 6'11 with long arms and against zones, he would kill! I know he just got cut but we are talking about who would be on our team.
Justin your problem is you look at how guys play in the NBA which is much different than international play. The international game is more like the college game so I am making a team who fit that game better, not guys like Joe Johnson who average alot of points on the worst team in the league and would rather put up numbers on a bad team than win with Phoenix.
Im building my team with veterans and leadership something your team lacks and something that is proven to win.
First Arenas is off my team.
Arenas is not a good leader and does not play defense and gets mad at his coach for telling his team to play more defense. He also bets fans on making shots. Yeah real professional alot like Jordan Magic Bird Stockton some of the guys on the original dream team.
Second I am making defense a priority. With players who have made all defensive teams.
Third I build my team around guys who have gotten to the finals and won championships.
Point J Kidd strengths brings leadership and is a distributor also a frequent member of the All Defensive Team
Weakness cannot shoot against a zone, but we have plenty of guys to make open shots, and its harder to run in transition in international ball than in the NBA. Nonetheless he brings a veteran presence to the point guard position and has been to the NBA finals twice
Two Guard
Kobe The most talented guy in the world. Has won three titles. Can make a three versus a zone.
Has made the All Defensive Team year in and year out
Small Forward
Lebron James
Is coming into his own and carried his team to the NBA finals.
Weakness not a great outside shooter. Never played college basketball and may look lost against a zone
Power Forward
Teyshaun Prince
Can shoot the three plays defensive and wins title
Center
KG
All Defensive Team
Bench
D Williams
Reddick
Bowen-Title hits open threes
Melo-College Title
Howard
Boozer
Wade-Title
That is a team with role players and wins not guys like Arenas and Joe Johnson who fill up a stat sheet
A few things... First off, I would definately have Chris Paul as a backup pg. Forgot to mention him. Second, my point is that you need a true PG who will run an offense featuring a lot of passing and ball movement against teams that will play true zone D.
My point is that slashers fare worse against true zones where you can stuff the paint. No one called the 91-93 bulls stupid for not having a true pg because they didnt NEED a true point or an offense with a ton of ball movement. They played against man to man defenses only. You couldnt pack the paint with bodies. You dont need a true point guard when all your matchups are man to man and youre running an iso offense (which is basically what the triangle is). Jordan would have had a much more difficult time playing against the pistons of the early nineties if they could simply pack in a zone (especially the 91-93 jordan, because he wasnt a jumpshooter yet, almost strictly a slasher with midrange game).
If no Duncan, then I would go with Bosh starting and Howard and Boozer off the bench. Throw Kobe in for Wade.
Too many scorers is a big problem. Teams need role players who are happy doing whatever is necessary to win. Lee will get you 10 rebs a game in 20 minutes off the bench. Amare will score a bunch of points in the right system, but where will his shots come from? I like the idea of a high low game with garnett and bosh (both of whom can stick a 15 footer with the best of em and pass pretty well out of the post). Kapono on the low wing would free up someone by stretching the zone.
Melo+Kobe+Lebron+Arenas= not enough shots. So Melo and Arenas are out in exchange for defensive minded players. Rather than sleight a superstar, I'd raher just not have him. I dont like Duke, but Battier does all the little things and he is a very smart player. Simply compiling the best individual players/scorers doesnt give you the best team. You need guys who will play well with each other, offensive players who dont need the ball in their hands to create their shot, and players who will do the little things and score nothing but garbage points. There are only so many shots to be taken. After careful consideration, my starting lineup is as follows:
C Garnett
PF Bosh
SF Lebron
SG Kapono
PG Deron
Off the Bench: Kobe (best offensive player on the team, plays in crunch time obviously), Boozer (best post up guy on the low block), Paul (another true point), Howard (Rebounding and Blocks), Lee(Rebounding and little things), Marion(a little of everything), Battier (Defense), Rip (shooter to stretch the zone especially if kapono is getting killed on d)
david lee makes alot of sense. i am serious
After watching 2 USA games this week, certain things come to mind:
Kidd has to be the starting PG for this team to keep good chemistry.
Kobe is the difference.
LeBron and Carmelo have so much more confidence then they did last time they wore the USA jerseys. Now, they think they are the best players in the world which they are both in the top 5.
Redd, Miller and Billiups are better for international ball than Marion, Odom and Marbury.
Howard and Amare have grown up and are now better than other countries post players. Last time around, USA's post players were being outplayed, so were the point guards.
Coach K needs to be the coach forever. Having an NBA Head Coach causes conflict. Just don't allow any Dukies on the team.
Tayshaun Prince isn't an elite NBA basketball player and hopefully will be replaced by Chris Bosh, Kevin Durant or Joe Johnson.
Tyson Chandler needs to be replaced by Elton Brand or Carlos Boozer (both acceptable Dukies).
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