Artest: Where's my invitation?

[Jackal]

Who told you that lie? He's fat.

(Just playing guys..)

[GloveGuy]

What happened to Baron Davis? Isn't he good?

Did you see the World Championships? There's a reason he and Paul Pierce aren't on this team.

I would've gone like this:

Wade/Steve Blake
Iverson/Redd/Brent Barry
Ron Artest/Shane Battier/Lebron
Tim Duncan/Lamar Odom
Brad Miller/Theo Ratliff

Jefferson and Marion's games don't fit in with the International game. They couldn't make a basket if the rim was ten feet in diameter.

Carmelo doesn't know what the fuck to do. He's lost when it comes to his role on this team.

Marbury is not a true point guard -- something this team needs. Plus, he can't shoot to save his life.

Amare and Boozer are alright but they always look a bit lost out there. They're too inexperienced at this moment.

Here's a good site handing out grades to each member of the U.S. team:

Grades

[Jackal]

Artest explains absence: politics.

Pacers forward says flagrant fouls played a part in his not being selected to U.S. squad.

Full Story.

I don't entirely blame team USA. We already saw that article over at dotorg asking US to keep things calm. Ron's outbursts wouldn't have helped.

Like I said, I don't entirely blame them.

[fgrep15]

Regardless of your ranking of him, he would've been an upgrade and he could helped them more than Richard Jefferson and Shawn Marion have.

Steve Blake isn't ranked as high in NBA efficiency as Stephon Marbury, but I can tell you that he'd do a better job in this year's Olympics.

Sarunas Jasikevicius couldn't even make it into this league, yet he tore the U.S. team apart.

What I'm trying to say is, your rankings of NBA play don't really mean much. His game would be much more suited for Olympic play than Shawn Marion's. Marion, in your eyes might be the better NBA player, but his game pretty much sucks in Olympic play.

In my opinion, to say that the best perimeter defender in the NBA wouldn't help this team much is proposterous.

Kirk Hinrich would have helped the team, so would Brian Cardinal, but Artest isn't a good shooter either, and the team really isn't playing "bad" defense as a whole, just some players. Artest isn't going to make any more shot than Marion or even Jefferson is.
I think Marion has actually been very good for the team, he's doing many little things, and he's a better shooter than Artest as ugly as his shot might look. He plays defense, hustles, crashes the boards like a mad man, and I don't know what else you expect him to do, take over offensively?

I dont' believe he's worse than Peja, Marion, or Odom. Artest is the better defender than Marion and a more well-rounded scorer than Marion as well. The one thing Marion has on Artest is rebounds. Peja vs Artest is probably the closest matchup here, but the way Peja seems to choke every year, I'll take Artest. Plus, defense wins championships. I want to see Odom a year out of the strict system the Heat gave him to see if he can keep his head in the game. I hope and believe he can, but regardless, Artest is a far better defender than Odom and a better scorer. Odom is a more natural playmaker and better on the boards, but the biggest thing Artest has over Odom and the other 2 is the intensity and physical play he brings. They're game changers and motivators for the teammates. Which is why he would be far IMO he would make a big difference for this team.

I don't agree he's a better scorer than Odom and Marion, this guy is one of the ugliest offensive players I've seen
Also for the good he brings, he bring a lot of baggage, and Artest takes a lot of bad shots, are you telling me his outside shooting is considered to be good? I mean I'd take him over Jefferson and Melo for this team, but Artest wouldn't save them at all.

Jefferson and Marion's games don't fit in with the International game. They couldn't make a basket if the rim was ten feet in diameter.

....and Artest can, I have nothing against Artest, but we can't hate on these guys shooting, and expect Artest to come in a shoot better than them when he isn't even a better shooter.



This is who I'd have on the team:

PG: Wade | Kirk Hinrich
SG: Iverson | Mike Miller | Lebron James
SF: Redd | Shawn Marion | Brian Cardinal
PF: Lamar Odom | Theo Ratliff
C: Tm Duncan | Brad Miller

#4, Allen Iverson: Pretty much always a great choice. He can sometimes ‘jack up’ a few too many shots, but always gets the job done.

#5, Stephon Marbury: An excellent choice for Jason Kidd’s spot. Now, although JKidd might have done a better job, (more assists, etc.) who else to turn to but Kidd’s trading partner in Marbury.

#6, Dwayne Wade: A rookie whom this year has led his Miami Heat to the playoffs, just like Anthony. Enough cannot be said about this young man’s ability to play. Several other choices to fill McGrady’s shoes: Francis? B. Davis? (Bibby and Kidd; why?)

#7, Carlos Boozer: What can you say about this man? Well, to me, has been one of the weak links in the US structure. He hasn’t been receiving enough time, when he does; he’s not up to his best. J.O would’ve done fine. Was Big Ben not available? KG anyone? Anyone of those could’ve been exceptable. What about these: Ku. Thomas, Camby, B. Grant, Antonio Davis?

#8, Carmelo Anthony: A player who at only 20 has achieved so much. His game speaks for itself, where only his defence, needs improving. To fill Carter’s shoes for these Olympics, all he needs to do is be able to hit a 3 and take it hard to the hole. However, Ron Artest could’ve been a much better choice. He has experience and has the all round game. Other notables: Pierce, Redd? I mean, that’s talent right there.

#9, LeBron James: What a rookie. Although, he’s no longer a rookie and has clearly shown that throughout this tournament. He has the upper hand over Anthony; making spectacular 3’s and dunks to please the crowd.

#10, Emeka Okafor: Well, what a surprise choice for the US Team. Just like Collison in the qualifying games late last year. Now this guy has a big game. At only 6 foot 9, no one has really seen what he can do. But at the college level, we all know hat he can do. Again, better choices should’ve been made, but I suppose it gave this young man a chance to see that Olympic dream that every athlete dreams about.

#11, Shawn Marion: Cannot say enough about this bloke. He has performed to his best and even better. Filling the shoes of K-Mart and Malone, he has filled up to those big ass shoes and some. With spectacular plays galore, his game and rep just keep getting better. He’s earned his spot in the team.

#12, Amare` Stoudamire: Just like Marion, he has had an excellent Olympic campaign. He hasn’t received as many minutes as Boozer and Odom have, but when he’s on, the former ROY has been spot on. His defence has been outstanding! Maybe only Ben Wallace or Rasheed could’ve done better. (With the exception of others whom are injured)

#13, Tim Duncan: Can’t say anything bad about this man. He’s done his job for the games. One of only 3 original members of the qualifying team. Probably has to buckle down on his D a bit more and the Larry will be smiling.

#14, Lamar Odom: Not one of the best options to go with, but does just about average a triple-double, or at least, he gets them. He can hit the 3, rebound, taking it to the hole, throwing out dimes. One player comes to mind besides Odom who can do that: Garnett. Why not Kevin? Was he available? Frankly, as good as Odom is, and the amount of minutes he’s getting- he’s not performing to his usual best. Some players in this team seem off to me. Maybe they need to go in a fridge so they don’t go stale?

#15, Richard Jefferson: This is one player who has not done anything right this competition. Sure, he’s scored, but just like several times with the Nets, he hasn’t performed. A replacement like Artest would’ve been better. The amount of 3’s he’s jacked up is ridiculous. He’s supposed to be their go to guy and yet, he can’t make them at critical stages. Prince of Detroit would’ve been the better option, but then again, we can’t go with too many young kids. This team needs experience damn it. If they gave Pippen half a chance he’d take it. Maybe the doors are open for the ’92 Team to come back and play for 2008?

I don't think Francis would have been a good option for the team at all.

Antonio Davis, please no!

Pierce really didn't play well last time, and I just don't think he'd be a good guy to take, Ray Allen, Tmac and Carter who are also stars on their team would play better than Pierce would.

Lebron, making spectacular 3's? I just thought that was kinda odd.

[FanOfAll]

I don't agree he's a better scorer than Odom and Marion, this guy is one of the ugliest offensive players I've seen
Also for the good he brings, he bring a lot of baggage, and Artest takes a lot of bad shots, are you telling me his outside shooting is considered to be good? I mean I'd take him over Jefferson and Melo for this team, but Artest wouldn't save them at all.

Marion has a few things...fast breaks (dunks, lay ups), mid ranged jump shots, an occasional ugly 3, and drives (for dunks or FT's). Artest has those, plus a post game and a better outside shot IMO. Marion has better quickness on the drive...Artest is the more complete scorer. Artest and Odom are more even IMO, but Artest has the better 3 point shot and stronger post moves and that puts him a hair above Odom in my book. Is he ugly? Yeah. Marion is ugly too. When RJ bricks shot after shot that's ugly. When Marbury and 'Melo keep jacking up shots, that's ugly as well. Artest has a history jacking up shots too, there's no question about that, but he's not new and he's shown a will to listen to his coach. I think he would control his shots. What he's most important for his defense and intensity/heart/passion he brings to the team. RJ, 'Melo, to an extent Marion and Odom don't bring the same intensity he does, especially the first two.

This is who I'd have on the team:

PG: Wade | Kirk Hinrich
SG: Iverson | Mike Miller | Lebron James
SF: Redd | Shawn Marion | Brian Cardinal
PF: Lamar Odom | Theo Ratliff
C: Tm Duncan | Brad Miller

Like your team a lot. My only concern would be size (it bugs me when another big outrebounds Odom which has been quite often).

[Matt]

Marion doesn't get outrebounded though...he's a bit small to play PF the whole game

[Macca]

I don't think Francis would have been a good option for the team at all.

Antonio Davis, please no!

Pierce really didn't play well last time, and I just don't think he'd be a good guy to take, Ray Allen, Tmac and Carter who are also stars on their team would play better than Pierce would.

LeBron, making spectacular 3's? I just thought that was kinda odd.

On Francis: Well, I was just going with a point guard who could score as well as help out, but then again, when you think about it , between him and AI, the job’s covered so, point taken. Anyone of the PG’s in the L could’ve been better. Hinrich with Wade would’ve suited the team; all they need to do is get ti to the big men.

AD: My biased-ness got in the way. My bad.

The Truth: Ray Allen? Why didn’t he spring to mind when I typed. Redd would’ve been a better option than Pierce. Prince could’ve stepped up. Kobe, T-Mac, Jamison, Hamilton, Posey- all good. To fill that spot, (Pierce’s) all you need is a smooth shooter, a true team player. Someone with hustle- hard worker.

LeBron: Meh, he was going good the last time I saw him. But since then it’s been bricks away. Can't judge a guy on one game. Again, good call.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyways, Matt and Sit, you’ve just about got it spot on. If I were to correct what I said- it would be somewhere close to that…

The US Team, like Sit said, are having difficulty adjusting to International basketball. This comes back to they should’ve had more games together and the team ready to go 3 months before the games. IT comes back to believing in your team, confidence within your team etc.
Overall, the team are lacking height, TD is their only salvation that area. You got Boozer and Okafor who are playing the 4, when their height suggests that they should play the 3. Anyways, onto the players. I’ve re-looked what I said and corrected it.

Iverson: Okay- he’s done his job. Apart form too many shots, he goes in hard and his hustle play is exceptional.

Marbury: is very inconsistent, hence Wade getting time on the court with Iverson. He has had one good game- 31 points, and yet the next game, they lost to Argentina and Marbury had no defence to answer to the Argentine’s speedy & crafty offence. Hinrich, D. Jones or even Alston would’ve provided a bit more than Stephon. You need a guard who can guard!

Wade: Tick the criteria boxes on Wades’ to do list. He’s done more leading than the vet Marbury, and has been Iverson’s sidekick like Iverson would’ve been to Kidd.

Boozer: Anyone would’ve been better than Boozer. He has made his shots throughout, but his overall game; he’s having difficulties with the International game. No hustle. A tall player in his pot would be appropriate. Someone like Ratliff, Big Ben even Dampier- depending on how well they adapt. Miller; another good option. He can pass, shot and rebound. All round hustle.

Anthony: This is where Redd could’ve come in handy. Anthony has received hardly any minutes because he’s having trouble playing the game. College and NBA ball is a lot different to International ball. Artest would’ve been a good replacement for Carter. Carter himself, with injuries and all, his game is suffering because of his knees and ankles. So, really, when a player isn’t playing, he’s taking up someone else’s spot, and that person could’ve made a difference in the way the team played.

James: Meh, he would’ve been the top choice in rookies- Wade and Hinrich. But you can’t really judge a player on the way he plays in the NBA. ROY? Don’t mean nothing if he can’t come up with the goods in a tough situation on an International court. He’ll probably play more games for the US in the future, so he’s gonna have to improve that shaky jumper of his, and his all round game. Spectacular dunks don’t mean anything if you can’t win.

Okafor: Why? ‘Nuf said…

Marion: Can’t say enough about him this tournament. Filled in K-Mart’s shoes well. HE would be player of the tournament behind AI and TD. He’s rebounding at the 3 has been exceptional. Weird jump shot, only because he jumps so damn high so he has to lower his arms- but if it works for him!?

Stoudamire: Same as Marion. He’s done his job. He’ll only get better. KG could’ve replaced him, but he’s like the younger KG.

Duncan: MVP in 2003, MVP he will be in 2005. He has been their shining light bedsides some foul trouble. Well done Tim!

Odom: Hasn’t been as good as I thought. Had he adapted better to the circumstances, he could’ve triple -doubled and double-doubled. He occasionally take the 3, but the guy jus bugs me. Don’t like him, I respect him, but someone else should’ve taken his place. They should’ve gone with another tall forward or centre instead of him. Again, Dampier, Ratliff…

Jefferson: Why? Damn selectors. So what if he can hit a three? No defence, no rebounding. There are better guys than him. Jamison even. Why? I close my eyes every time he gets the ball ‘cause I fear of a turnover. He’s good, but there are 4 other guys on the court instead of taking the shot. If your shot ain’t falling, better your chances and pass to someone who’s shots are.
Now for my team. I’ve taken into consideration of all factors, and this is a team where if there was no terrorist fear or injuries.

(in no particular order)
C: Miller/Duncan
PF: Wallace/O’Neal/Stoudamire
SF: Marion/Artest/James
SG: McGrady/Iverson
PG: Wade/Kidd

You need a centre who can rebound and score. Another centre that can pass off and assist.
Then 3 power forwards, who can hit the 3, rebound at both ends, play hard down low and can pass.
Next are 3 SF’s who can play the 1 & 2. They need to be able to rebound, play hard defence, and assist- have good court vision.
The SG’s need to be able to score. That’s their job. Also, to help out the PG’s on offence and on defence.
The PG’s- they are the most important players on the court. They need to be able to see everything, also be able to steal on the defensive end- set up fast breaks.

That’s all for now, I’m sure I’ll be back, saving my ass again. But seriously… who were the ones who overlooked Artest? They should be hung. He’s good. He’s moustache is scary, but he’s good!

Macca

[GloveGuy]

C: Miller/Duncan
PF: Wallace/O’Neal/Stoudamire
SF: Marion/Artest/James
SG: McGrady/Iverson
PG: Wade/Kidd

Uh, shooters? Who's going to take the outside shots on this team.

This would be just as bad as what the selection committee put together because they don't have the required parts of an actual team. How can you assemble a team like that when it still doesn't rectify the U.S.'s biggest weakness -- outside shooting!

Keep in mind that they're facing zones everytime they get the ball. Do you really think Tracy McGrady could be the savior for this team? I don't think so!

And the thing we're trying to do is look at where the committe went wrong. Some of the players you mention decided not to play so they're pretty much irrelevant.


Fgrep, after today's game, my opinion on Marion changed. He got the US some easy baskets and showed great intensity on the floor. He, Odom, Duncan, and Iverson are the only four players that I thought were actually playing well.

[Fresh8]

OK... I"m gonna change my team- for players who were available we shoulda had:

Big Men:
Duncan
Miller

Power Forwards:
Stoudamire
Boozer

Small Forwards:
Artest
Marion
Bowen

Shooting Guards:
Redd
Iverson

Point Guards:
James
Wade

These guys would do much better than the current team IMO... James and Wade both running the point would be fine for me. Redd an excellent three point scorer and Iverson a ver good penetrator as my 2's. Artest and Bowen as defensive stoppers...not to mention Bowen is a good scorer from beyond the arc. Both of them plus Marion (hustle) round up my 3's. My 2 and 1 guys would be Miller and Duncan (best they got) and Stoudamire and Boozer... it looks alright to me.

They have the skill... but do they have the brains to win?

[DipSetVC]

Is Artest joking? He must be! With the amount of touch fouls they call in interntaional play, it'll take maybe 5-6 minutes for him to foul out. He won't get any respect jst because of his great clutching and grabbing skills that he's perfected in the NBA.

[Matt]

C: Miller/Duncan
PF: Wallace/O’Neal/Stoudamire
SF: Marion/Artest/James
SG: McGrady/Iverson
PG: Wade/Kidd

Uh, shooters? Who's going to take the outside shots on this team.

This would be just as bad as what the selection committee put together because they don't have the required parts of an actual team. How can you assemble a team like that when it still doesn't rectify the U.S.'s biggest weakness -- outside shooting!

Keep in mind that they're facing zones everytime they get the ball. Do you really think Tracy McGrady could be the savior for this team? I don't think so!

And the thing we're trying to do is look at where the committe went wrong. Some of the players you mention decided not to play so they're pretty much irrelevant.


Fgrep, after today's game, my opinion on Marion changed. He got the US some easy baskets and showed great intensity on the floor. He, Odom, Duncan, and Iverson are the only four players that I thought were actually playing well.

hmm, I think T-Mac would be part of the answer to long range shooting. He's a career 35% shooter from 3, and given that the 3 point line is 3 feet closer in the Euro game....although a pure 3 point shooter would have been great

[GloveGuy]

T-Mac is an average three-point shooter at best. I don't see him single-handedly rectifying any problem that has to do with taking and making shots from the outside.

[Macca]

Uh, shooters? Who's going to take the outside shots on this team.

This would be just as bad as what the selection committee put together because they don't have the required parts of an actual team. How can you assemble a team like that when it still doesn't rectify the U.S.'s biggest weakness -- outside shooting!

Keep in mind that they're facing zones everytime they get the ball. Do you really think Tracy McGrady could be the savior for this team? I don't think so!

And the thing we're trying to do is look at where the committe went wrong. Some of the players you mention decided not to play so they're pretty much irrelevant.


Fgrep, after today's game, my opinion on Marion changed. He got the US some easy baskets and showed great intensity on the floor. He, Odom, Duncan, and Iverson are the only four players that I thought were actually playing well.

Dude, I don't understand why you taking shots at me, picking holes in my suggestions. Is this not a forum? Is this not a discussion thread? If we can't talk about NBA talk, in a civilised manner, than where can we? I got nothing against you, but why you picking on me. So my opinions are different; doesn't mean that you have to correct mine to suit your needs.

Anyways, with the shooting, thankyou once again for Matt for seeing it from my point of view. I am aware of the U.S dismal shooting percentage at these games (thankyou Richard Jefferson)but, what I was about to say, or what you (Gloveguy) didn’t see (because I didn’t type it) was that I had Bowen, Prince as SF backup, Alston as another backup PG and Hinrich; Redd backup to McGrady as well as Posey (really a 3, not a 2) and hence, there is only room for 12 players on an Olympic team roster.

Sit put his team well; those were some good choices. For me, that’s a perfect team. Only thing is that if that was the team, to win, they’d have to come together 2-3 months earlier for practice. And another thing, maybe a little to young, but it’s probably the best that a U.S committee could do with others pulling out and all.

I’m gonna go to bed now, catch some Z’s and wonder what Glove guy from Boston will have to say to me. Good night everyone…,

Macca

[GloveGuy]

Sorry buddy, I didn't mean to be harsh, but I'd think that when assembling your fantasy team, you'd rectify the US' biggest problem. You didn't do so and so I decided to question your opinion. Anything wrong with that?

I really don't see how my post was uncivilized. I simply just saw your post last and I disagreed with it, so I responded with a rebuttal. If I wanted to, I could respond to your analysis of each player with my own analysis which is varied from yours. But I decided not to...

[Fresh8]

Hey- Wat about giving Yao, Gasol and that Lithuainian PG American citizenship???

[FanOfAll]

Wade: Tick the criteria boxes on Wades’ to do list. He’s done more leading than the vet Marbury, and has been Iverson’s sidekick like Iverson would’ve been to Kidd.

Boozer: Anyone would’ve been better than Boozer. He has made his shots throughout, but his overall game; he’s having difficulties with the International game. No hustle. A tall player in his pot would be appropriate. Someone like Ratliff, Big Ben even Dampier- depending on how well they adapt. Miller; another good option. He can pass, shot and rebound. All round hustle.

Marion: Can’t say enough about him this tournament. Filled in K-Mart’s shoes well. HE would be player of the tournament behind AI and TD. He’s rebounding at the 3 has been exceptional. Weird jump shot, only because he jumps so damn high so he has to lower his arms- but if it works for him!?

Stoudamire: Same as Marion. He’s done his job. He’ll only get better. KG could’ve replaced him, but he’s like the younger KG.

Odom: Hasn’t been as good as I thought. Had he adapted better to the circumstances, he could’ve triple -doubled and double-doubled. He occasionally take the 3, but the guy jus bugs me. Don’t like him, I respect him, but someone else should’ve taken his place. They should’ve gone with another tall forward or centre instead of him. Again, Dampier, Ratliff…

Jefferson: Why? Damn selectors. So what if he can hit a three? No defence, no rebounding. There are better guys than him. Jamison even. Why? I close my eyes every time he gets the ball ‘cause I fear of a turnover. He’s good, but there are 4 other guys on the court instead of taking the shot. If your shot ain’t falling, better your chances and pass to someone who’s shots are.

Wade: I don't think you're critical enough about him. IMO, the only thing he did well was play defense. And even that can be disputed, as he was lost on every singe high screen. He was turnover prone (7.x TO's per 48), and constantly got into trouble by driving, jumping (trying to draw a foul, but nobody jumped and made contact!), forcing a bad shot or making a bad pass/turnover. It was frustrating watching one of my favorite players consistently screw up.

Boozer: No hustle? He was the only player consistently hitting the offensive glass on the team. Everyone out there, except for 'Melo hustled. Some (Marion, LBJ, Odom) more than others. Boozer was in my eyes, invaluable because of his offensive rebounding. In fact, I believe I earlier listed Amare over Boozer, but now I change my mind and will take Boozer over Amare.

Marion: Glad someone gives him props . I don't care about the bronze game. He played very well. Not the best man up defender, but a great team defender. Great anticipation for steals. Good rebounder for a perimeter defender. Always hustling out there. Probably with James, had the highest +/- on the team.

Amare: I don't think he did his job. He hardly received any playtime. I think his grade/evaluation should be an INC.

Odom: I don't understand, with all due respect, how anyone can be critical of him. He gave his fullest. More than anyone else out there. I forget what game it was, but he was so tired Doug Collins or his partner commented that he couldn't cross half court. I think it was vs Greece where he made 3 straight awesome defensive plays, 2 I believe were blocks, and 1 was a stop on a 2 on 1. He's been the 3rd best player IMO behind TD and AI. Odom hustled at every single loss or not loss ball. His team defense was spectacular, his man to man defense, fairly good.

Jefferson: I disagree. He hustled. He played defense. He didn't turn it over all that much. He played within the team (otherwise LB wouldn't have played him). He just wasn't the jumper, which I would say 90% of his were open, ball rotation jumpers. They just weren't going in.

[GloveGuy]

I wish Emeka played a bit more. Regardless of him being the token college player, he was still older than Lebron, Melo, and Amare. He's a great defensive player and could've lifted some of the load that Duncan was carrying, which could've kept him out of foul trouble. He'd be a none factor on offense except on the boards, but I don't see how Boozer or Amare, who have zero post game, could've done any better. He's a smart guy and I really felt bad for him when he was the only one on the bench still in his warmups.

[Sauru]

what they need to do is stop inviteing the damn kids over there just for pr reasons and actually put the players out there. yeah all the young kids are good but they are far too inexperienced also.

[FanOfAll]

I wish Emeka played a bit more. Regardless of him being the token college player, he was still older than Lebron, Melo, and Amare. He's a great defensive player and could've lifted some of the load that Duncan was carrying, which could've kept him out of foul trouble. He'd be a none factor on offense except on the boards, but I don't see how Boozer or Amare, who have zero post game, could've done any better. He's a smart guy and I really felt bad for him when he was the only one on the bench still in his warmups.

Amare zero post game? His game is the post game. Boozer has no post game, that's without a doubt. But Okafor isn't too far off either.

[GloveGuy]

Not once did I see Amare post up on someone this Olympics. The only guy who was actually asking for the ball down low was Duncan.

[Jackal]

Not once did I see Amare post up on someone this Olympics. The only guy who was actually asking for the ball down low was Duncan.

That's an interesting comment, Richardson had an opinion about the big man game over at the Olympics.

Said Richard Jefferson, "There's a reason why European guards are such good shooters. It's because they don't allow the big guys to play."

Jefferson.

[matmat8]

The Nba allows them to play way too much.
Whatever, when are they finally going to make international rules?

[FanOfAll]

The Nba allows them to play way too much.
Whatever, when are they finally going to make international rules?

I doubt the NBA will ever adopt FIBA rules. Some of the rules are completely laughable. Once the ball hits the rim, you can swat it either in our out. No defensive basket interference. No offensive basket interference either. I don't know why Duncan, Odom, and Marion didn't take advantage of such a lousy rule. There's also no handchecking. Duncan got called for that numerous times. If want the entire NBAPA to revolt because you get called for handchecking, then alright...I guarantee you if they adopted FIBA rules and cracked down on handchecking, top defenders (assuming the coach leaves them just for hypothetical reasons) would be gone in 15 minutes. Also players like Peja who utilize a jab step very effectively would have lots of turnovers and the players would protest. You can make a jab step according to FIBA rules, but when your pivot foot comes off the ground, the ball must be out of your hands (either dribbling or you already passed it). NBA players would go absolutely crazy over these rules.

Plus, adopt things like the trapezoid paint and the shorter 3 pt line, and you're basically sending a message to tell the coaches to play zone, get more shooters, and stop pounding the ball down low. The new MVP's would be guys like Peja and Ray Allen. Not Duncan and KG. Or Shaq. You're going to have some very upset players...

[Alcoholic]

What's handchecking?

[Colin]

Also players like Peja who utilize a jab step very effectively would have lots of turnovers and the players would protest. You can make a jab step according to FIBA rules, but when your pivot foot comes off the ground, the ball must be out of your hands (either dribbling or you already passed it). NBA players would go absolutely crazy over these rules.

That's supposed to be an NBA rule, they just never call it. The fact that's not travelling in the NBA is riduculous. Lifting the pivot foot like that is travelling in my school games, in the NCAA, and in international play like you said.

Rules from international play that suxor.

No defensive 3 seconds
That 'no goaltending' crap
Rules regarding when timeouts can be called
No arm bar allowed in the post (you called this handchecking)