by Macca on Wed Aug 25, 2004 4:20 pm
Honestly, these Olympics have not been what I’ve expected them to be; especially the basketball. That is, including the US Team’s structure and just generally how they play. Maybe a “probe” is an idea to look at, that is, to have a probe around the selection committee, and to why they failed to do their job. It has lead to key star players, missing out like Artest- it just makes me so friggin' angry damn it!
The way this team was put together, you would think that a 9 year old had chosen them. Now I ain’t no damn expert, but there is a helluva better talent than some of those out there now. Andrew Gaze must’ve read my mind when he said that “they don’t run an audition or trials on who plays, but they just work out who will play well together.” IN my mind- it all looks good on paper, but does that mean that they will really come up with the best results in the end? Have a look at these comments…
(Please, correct me if I’m wrong; someone always usually does)
#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?
This is a very detailed account of the players and the way they play- that’s a whole different issue because, Coach Brown, Poppavich and Williams all run very tight ships in that, they make sure that the players play good defence and play hard- right until the end. The losses aren’t their fault- it’s the players. Those sort of players don’t play well together and it shows. Anyways, I just think overall, a better job could’ve been done and honestly, those losses were a wake up call for the US team. From that, they can learn that they aren’t invincible and that they should have to work hard just like everyone else.
My 5 cents… (sorry; I don’t have change)
Macca
