USA Basketball

I'll tell y'all what (sorry to interject some Texas vernacular, but I can't help it) I am pretty darn excited about USA basketball. I know it is going to be some time before we get to see the finished product against top competition, but I really can't wait to see if we can regain our rightful position of prominence in the world of international hoops. By all accounts, the FIBA World Chamionships are going to be a walkover for the boys in blue, so that leaves us until the Olympics to see how we will do. I realize that this has nothing to do with Kings bball as the only King on the invited roster is B52 but there is no way on God's green Earth that he makes that squad. However, since this is the offseason I thought I'd share my thoughts on the team and ask what y'all think.

First off, I am giddy that Kobe Bryant is on the team. Wait, wait... please keep your rotten tomatoes in their basket, I am not giving any Laker-love here. I hate Kobe the Laker but I adore Kobe the USA basketball star. He is, quite simply, the best singular talent in the NBA and perhaps the world. He is #1 to Tim Duncan's #1A. Too bad Duncan is out, but he is a whiny baby so if he wants out so be it. I honestly do not think anyone can stop Kobe anytime anywhere and it is up to him to determine how far the team goes. He shoots, plays defense, is a good teammate (arguably), and is a leader. If he had any semblance of a team around him in LALA-land the Lakers would be a force. Now, as I slowly bring my lips off of Kobe's ass, I realize he is a ballhog and that the international game is more about teamwork than any other brand of basketball. This is where I hope Kobe's playmaking comes into account. Last year he tried desperately to involve his teammates but, alas, they suck. Hopefully with Team USA (America...fuck yeah!) he will trust his teammates and his passes will result in wideopen looks. The problem, as always, is who can shoot the rock? Michael Redd is the supposed answer, but I am not so sure. He is streaky and the international three gives us Americans fits, for some unknown reason. Carmelo is a shooter, but more of a scorer than spot-up shooter but I suppose he can knock a few down. Billups can also shoot, but again he is streaky. Jason Kidd is a phenomenal addition to USA Basketball and, even though he is 125 years-old, is the best American PG there is. He should give Amare and Bosh (or insert other PF here) easy dunks and layups. Lebron, although to a lesser degree, will also help out his teammates with his passing skills (while Brad can help out with his Bow-hunting skills).

One caveat to all my USA-love is that I expect everyone to be accepting of their roles on the team. Obviously Lebron has to accept second or even third banana on this team, something he might not be used to. The same goes for Melo. Also, this team cannot under-estimate the competition. They are good ladies and gentleman. I fully expect some close games and even maybe some nail-biters. But in the end, USA has the talent and the desire to win the gold and I fully expect them to.

Here is my roster:
Chandler/Bosh/Melo/Kobe/Kidd followed by
Amare/Prince(Boozer?)/Lebron/Redd/Billups

Short on true size but high on defense and playmaking. I haven't put in a tremendous amount of true analytical power into this, just off the top of my head, but it seems nice to me. What do you think?