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| The 2012 squad will most likely have 7 or 8 returners from the '08 Gold Team. |
There is absolutely nothing better than watching the United States "All-Pro, Dream Team, Automatic Gold" Olympic basketball team play. It's just a prolonged comedy of alley oops from the best to the best, 40 point beatdowns and USA pride. There is no reason why the United States Olympic basketball team shouldn't absolutely destroy every single team they play, no matter if they have a pair of talented(but soft) Spanish brothers or a bunch of Greek sharp shooters. The list of players has now been cut to 20, and the final call will be for 12 players. Here are the 12 players that will probably make the team, along with who I think will start and what the rotation will be.
Starters:
C, Dwight Howard
This one is a layup, even though Howard's known for his ferocious dunks. Howard will command the middle for the US and host a block party for any Spanish, Greek or Lithuiana chump that thinks he's getting to the basket. The best part for Dwight is that he won't need to be an offensive force, which is something he's still working on, even in his eighth year. Howard is the defensive game changer for the United States, he practically eliminates post play for the opposing team, especially when his best big man competition is the Downey soft Gasol brothers.
PF, LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge is the best player that no one has ever heard. Stowed away in remote Portland and hidden behind Brandon Roy and Greg Oden's knees, the Blazers have a power forward who I think will be a hall of famer. The 6'11 former Texas player has literally carried the Trailblazers in the midst of Roy and Oden's injuries. Aldridge's post game is significantly better than Chris Bosh's, but more importantly he is a man. The exposure he'll get from this olympic run should turn him into a household name.
SF, Lebron James
Lebron James is beginning to become the complete offensive player the world dreamed of. James' new found post abilities have made him unstoppable. But there is one roadblock for the NBA's most talked about player: himself. Lebron still psyches himself out in big situations and big games, if LBJ can one day get over his 4th quarter woes, he will win several championships. As for his status on this team? Automatic starter. James is the most talented player in the league hands down, but that doesn't mean that he's the best.
SG, Dwyane Wade
D-Wade gets no love because of the size of Lebron's head, but he is one of the deadliest players in the NBA. Give him a reason to beat you, and he will destroy you. Wade's defense is also widely underrated. He isn't a lock down defender, but he works hard and can make plays. If USA needs a big shot late, though it probably won't happen, Dwyane Wade is their man.
PG, Chris Paul
The United States has a point guard problem, and when I say problem I mean too many amazing point guards. This was definitely the hardest decision, but I went with Paul on the basis of two things. I think CP3 is the best defender and best passer of the three. Since D-Will and D-Rose are primarily scoring point guards, they will be better served off the bench. All CP3 needs to do is run the offense and play defense. He won't need to score will all the scoring talent he'll have on the floor, but if he needs to hit the open shot Paul certainly can do it. Expect his stat line to be something along the line of 6 points, 17 assists, and 4 steals.
Bench:
Sixth Man, Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the game period. He can shoot, he can drive and he can absolutely abuse the rim. If the offense is stale, KD can come in off the bench and drop a quick ten. Durant's defense is mediocre, but that's not what he's here for. As for Durant not starting, I think he will be a spark plug for USA...if they ever need it.
Seventh Man, Tyson Chandler
Chandler is the second best defensive center in the game behind Dwight Howard, but he is of high importance for the USA team, especially when Howard gets into foul trouble. Chandler doesn't have much of an offensive game except for throwing down mean alley-oops, but between his defensive prowess and his unbelievably positive attitude, he becomes a key component to this team. He's been considered to be the ultimate gel guy and gelling this unit is what he'll do.
Eighth Man, Deron Williams
D-Will is considered to be the best point guard in the league by all those fans that try to be underground. While I do think he is a top tier player, I don't think he can pass like Chris Paul. D-Will plays solid defense and can bring a driving presence that will open up the wings for shooters like Durant and Kobe Bryant. If CP3 slips up at any time though, Deron will be right on his coattails waiting to take the starting spot.
Ninth Man, Kobe Bryant
Kobe's role has dramatically changed from the 2008 squad. Bryant was a starting and served as the main scorer. Now I think he's better served coming off the bench and being a lock down defender. While we know Kobe can still score( per the 40 point games he's had this year) Durant and Lebron will serve as the main points guys. Hopefully Kobe will take the mature route and accept his role as a veteran bench player whose importance rests on his defense. However, if Bryant gets on fire expect the USA coaching staff to let him loose.
Tenth Man, Kevin Love
Love will serve as the team's rebounding machine. I'd like him in a lineup with Kobe and Durant shooting because of his unstoppable rebounding ability. Love will sort of be a do-it-all big man for United States and will probably be plugged into whatever hole Chandler, Howard or Bosh create, whether it be post defense, scoring, rebounding or blocking shots.
Eleventh Man, Chris Bosh
Bosh will primarily be used as the scoring big man off the bench. I'm still not sold on how great of a defender he is, though everyone claims him to be. Bosh is still soft as your girlfriend's movie collection, but he is talented on the offensive end and can get plenty of baskets down low if the shooters are off.
Twelfth Man, Derrick Rose
Rose, despite his MVP status, is probably going to be the last man coming off the bench. I actually like him more in pseudo SG/PG role because he is clearly the best scoring point guard in the league. His driving ability is unparalleled and his shooting is coming along. I also think D-Rose's unbelievable quickness makes him a much more serviceable defender than people give him credit for.
Coach K will have the boys ready to run the table, 8-0, another gold and another absurdly fun olympics for us basketball fans in the States.
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