[jaysmith1987Participant]

I wonder how there gonna work this team this year. Are they going to put him on the bench after he carried the world team. Hes probably the 2nd best player in the nba and there gonna make him come off the bench thats not right. Let melo come off the bench and play Durant at Pf or lebron at Pf there both tall and lebron is big enough.

[Sewok15Participant]

The 2nd best player on the planet should not come off the bench. He might be more willing to accept that role then Melo but it doesn’t mean that is what Coach K should do. I personally would consider starting both of them and bringing Chandler off the bench as the 6th man and defensive specialist. I think a starting lineup of Paul Kobe Durant Carmelo and Lebron could run teams out of the gym. Spain has the Gasol boys inside but no other team would present much of a problem in the paint in my opinion.

[mds0549Participant]

USA USA USA

With the Olympics just around the corner you’ll always see it in all caps

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

He starts at 3, LeBron plays the 4 and Melo does indeed come off the bench. Believe me, I know how great Carmelo has been in International competition, but he will still get time. Dwyane Wade mainly came off of the bench in 2008 and led the team in scoring (with LeBron finishing in 2nd, Kobe in 3rd). My guess for the starting line-up:

PG Chris Paul (if his thumb is healthy, which I believe it should be)

SG Kobe Bryant

SF Kevin Durant

PF LeBron James

C Tyson Chandler

 

First guys off of the bench will be Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love. Russell Westbrook will more than likely get a lot of time as a 2 guard, as I know Deron Williams disliked playing off of the ball in 2008 (though he did it well enough). Tyson Chandler may not play more than Kevin Love, but I still think he starts the game and plays the role of lane clogger (to a tee). Either way, this team has excellent depth and should be incredibly versatile, even with Chandler being the only "true" center. LeBron at 4 should work pretty damn well, definitely did in the play-offs. With Kevin Durant by his side, that should be a pretty formidable forward tandem.

If Melo can’t accept a bench role, well, tough. International play gives Tyson Chandler a clear reason to be on the court as a defensive presence and I think that having four of the best scorers in the world with a big guy grabbing boards is a better idea than adding Melo to the mix. Melo will get time and shots, Coach K is great at giving guys roles and I hope Melo is accepting of his.

[SpacegrassParticipant]

Mikey is exactly right , that is the best lineup for the US especially with Lebron learning to go to the rim mostly instead of settling for jumpers and at 6’8 260 he isn’t much smaller than Love.

[SubZeroParticipant]

Dang…I don’t see how that team could ever lose lol

[OllstarParticipant]

Sorry but Melo is a worse scorer than Kobe, Bron and Durant? Melo is probably the most complete scorer in the NBA.

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 ^^^ then why does LeBron and durant average more ppg then melo on a a way better field goal percentage?

[LerinErinParticipant]

 Ala Linda Blair , Anthony is a better scorer than Kobe???, James???? And  Durant? ????????????????????

[AndyBeng2Participant]

 I hated it when people would say it and it may have made sense 2-3 years ago but, Melo isn’t the most complete scorer anymore, it’s Durant, he can hit any shot. Melo is a great scorer but from what I saw last year and in the playoffs, he takes contested jumpshots over people and cannot get to the rim as efficient as he used to.

[Tyreke JohnsonParticipant]

 I think Durant off the bench would be pretty beneficial. he can provide instant scoring off the bench like wade did in 08. it really doesnt matter who starts to be honest and will probably be a result of who they are facing. Durant would be more then accepting to come off the bench and its not like he wont get starter minutes or enough shots, his teammates are well aware of his abilities and talent as are the coaches. I can guarentee he is going to be finishing every game because of his high release and ability to get a shot off at anytime so its not a huge concern if he starts or not.

[frogmanParticipant]

I would bring him off the bench and play him with Westbrook as they obviously have cohesion fro OKC.  He will finish tight games anyway (if any games are close). 

BTW can you imagine Westbrook coming off the bench blowing past 2nd unit players or tired starters, would be a mauling.  If this team loses a game I will be shocked.

[lilballa141Participant]

Maybe its just me and cuz of bron’s versatility athletic ability and strength… but isnt kevin durant best suited to start at the 4? in the international version of the game. just my thoughts

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