Team USA’s minicamp begins next week. Jason Kidd, Michael Redd, Tayshaun Prince, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Deron Williams, and Dwight Howard appear to be shoe-ins.
Joe Johnson, Tyson Chandler, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Mike Miller, Brad Miller, Luke Ridnour, Antawn Jamison, JJ Redick, Shawn Marion, Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Shane Battier, Bruce Bowen, Gilbert Arenas, and Adam Morrison are vying for the 2 roster spots.
Of those players, I would select Carlos Boozer and Tyson Chandler.
I think Coach K will start the 6-8, 250 pound LeBron James at power forward in an attempt to jumpstart the fastbreak and capitalize on the US’s athleticism. If that’s the case, Boozer becomes his backup. Chris Bosh is a very good player but he’s not the shot blocker or finisher at the basket that Chandler is.
I’m surprised that Tayshaun Prince is rumored to have been selected. Outside shooting is a premium in the international game. Prince scores most of his points off of post-up opportunities. The international game is also much more physical. It will be interesting to see how Prince’s slight build translates to a differently officiated ballgame.
Mike Miller or Bruce Bowen would have been a better fit.
Projected starters:
PG: Jason Kidd
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: LeBron James
C: Dwight Howard
June 20th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I’m very interested to see how Chris Paul plays. There isn’t a player in the NBA that can stay in front of him, but I have this feeling that he might not tear up international competition. We’ll see. One thing we DO know – Carmelo never saw an international shot he didn’t like – and LeBron James will be running up the court after EVERY rebound.
June 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am
I love Kidd and the fact he’s playing on this team. He clearly lost a big step last year and playing this summer will help to improve his stamina and strength for next season. But in the bigger picture, I think he simply wants to represent his country and knows this will be his last hurrah doing so.
LeBron won’t play the 4. No shot. Carmelo plays the 4 before LeBron does.
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Tsunami,
Paul didn’t play well in 2006. He’s a better player now but I don’t think he has the size necessary for international competition. It’s much more physical. I think Kidd and D. Williams will get most of the minutes.
Carmelo is a GREAT international player. And LeBron dominated the competition last summer.
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:26 am
A-Train,
You should check out Kelly Dwyer’s article on J. Kidd today:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Monday-quibbles?urn=nba,89639
I left a comment that somewhat disagreed with his opinion.