USA Men's Basketball

[thecarrotdude]

Originally Posted by Lavindathar Erm, Im not a major basketball fan, since the sport hasn't been invented over here, but correct me if I'm wrong - USA are the only team that should stand a chance? Since you are the only country with a HUGE professional league? Sure, others play it, but its like the USA's first sport...

No, other countries definitely stand a chance because their players are the best of the best from their country. While USA players, although they are basically as good as the other team's players, are mostly mediocre NBA players and not all superstars. That's why, the only time most of our superstars played in 1992 (including jordan, magic johnson, pippen, larry bird, charles barkley, etc.) we completely demolished all the other teams by a margin of more than 30 points each.

But this year, I think team USA is going to give their all from the start because of their embarrassing defeats over the last few years. Argentina and Greece won't stand a chance. I guaransheed it.

Originally Posted by johnny Actually, i don't think they will win it.

....oookaayy

[Kakero]

Is there any time that USA have not won Olympic basketball gold medal before?

[Memnoch]

Originally Posted by Kakero Is there any time that USA have not won Olympic basketball gold medal before?

1980 when they boycotted Moscow, and again in 1988 in Seoul.

[Lord]

Originally Posted by Kakero Is there any time that USA have not won Olympic basketball gold medal before?

2004, when the men won bronze.

The team is actually looking quite versatile this year. Of course, Boozer will have to step in big to help Dwight at the 5.

Memnoch, don't forget that CP3 and and LeBron can also knock down threes. I expect Deron Williams to show off some of his skill from behind the arc as well. The team has phenomenal ball handlers in CP3 and Jason Kidd, and Prince is a reliable jump shooter for them to look to. This is looking like the best men's USA basketball team we've put together in a while. The Olympics should be a lot of fun to watch!

[Rikard T'Aranaxz]

Originally Posted by thecarrotdude No, other countries definitely stand a chance because their players are the best of the best from their country. While USA players, although they are basically as good as the other team's players, are mostly mediocre NBA players and not all superstars. That's why, the only time most of our superstars played in 1992 (including jordan, magic johnson, pippen, larry bird, charles barkley, etc.) we completely demolished all the other teams by a margin of more than 30 points each. But this year, I think team USA is going to give their all from the start because of their embarrassing defeats over the last few years. Argentina and Greece won't stand a chance. I guaransheed it.

Wait wait in 2006 you fielded Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Camilo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard

In 2004 you fielded Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Camilo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire

How are these "mediocre NBA players"?

Also compared to 2006 you added Carlos Boozer, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Micheal Redd and Deron Jameson

I personally dont see how that makes the difference between mediocre NBA players in 2006 and superstars in 2008.

You should have just send the Boston Celtics to the olympics.

[johnny]

There are several teams on the worldstage that can go up against team USA on any given night and actually stand a decent chance of winning, but i realize it's kinda hard to admit you're no longer THE absolute dominant force in the sport anymore.

[Rikard T'Aranaxz]

Lucky the dutch will always dominate Korfball *highfives johnny*

[VulcanRider]

I was kinda disappointed when we started sending professional players. I thought the Olympics was supposed to be for amateur (non-paid!) athletes.

[Memnoch]

Originally Posted by Lord 2004, when the men won bronze. The team is actually looking quite versatile this year. Of course, Boozer will have to step in big to help Dwight at the 5. Memnoch, don't forget that CP3 and and LeBron can also knock down threes. I expect Deron Williams to show off some of his skill from behind the arc as well. The team has phenomenal ball handlers in CP3 and Jason Kidd, and Prince is a reliable jump shooter for them to look to. This is looking like the best men's USA basketball team we've put together in a while. The Olympics should be a lot of fun to watch!

I shudder to think of Boozer playing at 5. Obviously Coach K plans to play small, run and gun ball. Are they expecting that Howard will stay out of foul trouble every game? And while CP3 and LeBron can hit their treys they're kind of streaky.

Still a strong team - not as strong as I'd hoped. I know a number of players declined the invites, but I feel they really needed one more big. Too many guards on the team.

[ZFR]

Originally Posted by Memnoch 1980 when they boycotted Moscow, and again in 1988 in Seoul.

And don't forget that famous final game in 1972 in Munich.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketb...ummer_Olympics

1972 was the first time they didn't win it.