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Team USA's Redemption Begins

Training camp for Team USA's World Championship squad begins today in Las Vegas.

Sactown's own Brad Miller is one of the 17 NBA players vying for 12 roster spots heading in August's tournament in Japan. (Add in that Amare Stoudemire is one of the 17, and I'm not sure the Suns will have him play this summer.) Miller is the only true center on the roster, so it's roundly expected he'll make the squad.

Here's my current projected depth chart (with Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Lamar Odom, Michael Redd, J.J. Reddick, Greg Oden, Chauncey Billups, and Stoudemire likely sitting out):


PG: Chris Paul/Kirk Hinrich
SG: Dwyane Wade/Gilbert Arenas/Shane Battier
SF: LeBron James/Carmelo Anthony/Shawn Marion
PF: Elton Brand/Chris Bosh
C: Brad Miller/Dwight Howard

On my team, Hinrich beats out Luke Ridnour every day of the week and twice on Tuesdays. I'll take Battier over Bruce Bowen or Adam Morrison (and I think Coach K would agree). I don't think Antawn Jamison or Joe Johnson even belong in the discussion at this point. Howard could very easily start over Miller, but a jump-shooting center would look good next to Brand. I could also very easily see Wade starting at the point, James sliding into the off-guard, and one of Anthony or Marion getting into the starting lineup.

I'll say this: Chris Paul and Kirk Hinrich are the keystones for this team over the next three years. I look at the roster, and I see a lot of dudes who need the ball. Paul and Hinrich have to get it to them. In this sense, Miller could also become a hero, racking up assist after assist.

I love international competition, so I'm very stoked about a serious Team USA. We'll keep tabs as training camp moves along.

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Re: Team USA's Redemption Begins
Kobe's out but with Arenas on the team he can fill much of Kobe's scoring role. Kobe plays great defense but Coach K should help the team overcome any individual liabilities (aka B52). I like CP3 and Hinrich at the point with Wade and Lebron at the 2/3. I think Dwight Howard and B52 as well as Brand at Center will find time but if he produces like in the NBA you have to put Dwight on the floor... especially with international rules. Just take that ball off the rim big boy. I truly believe this competition Brad shows what he is made of and really improves his recent play. It will also carry over to the NBA season as I predict a return to glory for B52. I think JJ redick, when healthy, would make a great addition to Team USA. This team need shooters (did Ray Allen decline...he must have). I really appreciated Allen Iversons heart and determination last go-around and would like to see him on this team... but no dice I'm afraid. It is too bad...he represents what this competition is all about.

by Mityt on Jul 19, 2006 11:46 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Team USA's Redemption Begins
It's an absolute travesty that Allen Iverson wasn't even invited to camp.

by bballblog on Jul 19, 2006 12:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Team USA's Redemption Begins
I don't mind Iverson being left off the team one bit.

Maybe there will be some passing and a little less ball-hogging.

by evanmeagan on Jul 19, 2006 1:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Team USA's Redemption Begins
too bad darko isn't an american
we would have had this lineup

C: Darko #2
PF: Bosh #4
SF: Melo #3
SG: LBJ #1
PG: Wade #5

that's a pretty good draft class

by kingme on Jul 19, 2006 5:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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