2012 Olympic Roster Predictions

I know USA basketball is a seperate entity than the NBA, but the two have a very buddy, buddy relationship. We only sent D-League guys to the Pan-Am games and if there is no NBA season is would be a shame if USA basketball decides not to send NBA players to the Olympics. They could send D-Leaguers or a team of top college players: both would get killed internationally.

 As you mentioned IF everyone participates and is healthy enough:

C: Dwight Howard, Kevin Love

PF: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin

SF: Lebron James, Kevin Durant

SG: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade

PG: Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams

I don’t think Coach K tinkers with his starting five (besides Kidd who would be too old to participate) since he’s all about continuity with the USA team. Having Durant, Wade, and Rose come off the bench would bring instant high powered offense and absolutely destroy the competition’s second stringers.

Bosh and Love were MADE for the international game. They can both stretch the floor with their shooting. Love is obviously a rebounding machine, and Bosh, if you remember, was the key big man for the 2008 team down the stretch (even more than Dwight).

There’s also no way Stern allows Blake Griffin to be left off this team and not grow the NBA’s international marketing appeal with ferocious dunks.

Jerry Colangelo does. That being said, I think Blake has the strength and athleticism that separates most American bigs from other country’s. I agree with your picks, but I think it will be a miracle if they can get all of those guys to London in 2012. My injury or fill-in for non participants would be as follows:

PG

Russell Westbrook: Really liked how he played in 2010, think he has the athetic ability to stand out amongst International guards. He can defend either guard position proficiently, meaning that he could potentially play with a player like Deron Williams to make an imposing backcourt. I know that Williams did not have much of a chance to play point in 2008 and remember him complaining about playing off of the ball. I believe that Chris Paul, Derrick Rose and Deron Williams genuinely want to play, but Russell would not be a terrible addition if Dwyane Wade did not make the trip.

SG

Eric Gordon: His play during 2010 was fantastic. He is money from International 3 point range, plus his strength and athleticism are perfect for the international game. If they wanted to add another scorer, I think he is more versatile than Westbrook, especially in International play. If Kobe or Wade dropped out, Gordon and Westbrook would probably be guys to consider, and I think Gordon might fit a great role for the team.

SF

Rudy Gay: I liked Rudy better than Andre Iguodala in 2010, so I could see him being probably the best fill in for this team. I feel that Durant is a lock to play, and Melo has promised, but I am unsure about whether LeBron will make another trip. Have not heard one way or the other, but it definitely is draining (unless there is no season, than I think that excuse flies out the window). Either way, Rudy is a freak athlete, he is proficient from International long distance and he is another player who will be difficult to defend for International opponents.

PF

LaMarcus Aldridge: I believe that LaMarcus is entering the upper echelon of PF’s in the NBA. I might put Amare Stoudemire here, as he did not play in 2008, but I think that he has health concerns that might keep him from wanting to play more than he has to. LaMarcus has the size and length to really mess with people. He gained a lot of strength over the last off-season and still kept a great deal of his athletic prowess. He was a load to stop down low and still had his soft perimeter shot. If Chris Bosh could not play, easy fill in right here. Bosh was awesome playing the 4/5 in 2008 (even lead the team in rebounds per game over Dwight Howard), but I think LaMarcus could fill that same role, while even providing more of a post-up big.

C

Tyson Chandler: Shooting and guard play is huge in the International game, but most of the top contending countries have some huge bodies as well. The USA has struggled in the past with some of the huge Centers they have faced. Enter Tyson Chandler, and they would have a giant security blanket. I was incredibly impressed with the way Chandler handled himself in the play-offs. He is a definite presence on defense and would be an ideal back-up Center for those purposes. He might not provide as much as Kevin Love offensively, but I am not sure he might fill more of a role with his presence on the other end of the court. I do not know many Centers who could guard Kevin Love in the International Game, but I am not sure he provides that much of a defensive presence. Tyson has had issues with durability, but if they are looking for a true Center to do some dirty work, I think he would be a fantastic option for Team USA.

C:

Dwight Howard – He’s a no brainer.

*Team USA only carried one true center in 2008, which is why I think they’ll on carry one in 2012… Sorry Tyson Chandler.

PF:

Carmelo Anthony – He’s a power forward in International play and a GREAT one at that. He COULD start at power forward.  

Chris Bosh – He was arguably the best big man in the 2008 Olympics, but people tend to forget that. He was great when Team USA put him at center and played small ball. Really defended the pick and roll well, which killed USA in the past during International play.

Lamarcus Aldridge – Similar to Chris Bosh. Bigs who can play both low post spots, spread the floor and shoot the ball have a place on this roster. He can defend the pick and roll as well.

SF:

LeBron James – He’s a no brainer. Coach K loves his versatility at both ends of the floor.  

Kevin Durant – He’s a no brainer. It’ll be interesting to see if he’ll be the starter over Melo or possibly even LeBron. I think Melo is a better International player than LeBron.

SG:

Kobe Bryant – He’ll play a similar role to what he did in 2008.

Dwayne Wade – He’ll play a similar role to what he did in 2008 as well.

Eric Gordon – Team USA and Coach K loved him last summer. I think he gets the nod. Very good shooter, plays tough defense and plays a physical game. Has the no ego type of game that Team USA likes.

PG:

Chris Paul – He’ll create for others, not make mistakes and make open shots. Plus, he’s a sneaky defender.

Deron Williams – He’s a great International guard due to his size and physicality. I mean, he does everything well.

Derrick Rose/Russell Westbrook – The last spot will come down between these two. Westbrook played better in International play last summer. Should be an interesting battle.

Tough Cuts:

Tyson Chandler – Team USA only needs one center, despite the fact he played well last summer.

Lamar Odom – Tough cut because he played very well last summer. Just think Bosh and Aldridge are better.

Amare Stoudemire – I don’t know if he’ll try out, but I’d pick Chris Bosh and Lamarcus Aldridge over  him too in International play.

Andre Iguodala – He can’t shoot and I think there are players on the roster that does what he does better.

Rudy Gay – Team USA already has players that does what he does, except better.

Blake Griffin – Jumper is still inconsistent and he’s not a good defender just yet.

Kevin Love – He’s an awful defender.

 I like your list @Indiana, but I’m still thinking LO gets the nod if he can come in healthy and in shape with something to prove. Coach K LOVES his versatility and ability to guard multipe positions while being another ballhandler. He may end up getting snuffed, like he alwaqys seems to, but I personally think he’s the perfect 4th big. Griffin would be my other choice, I just don’t think Aldridge is as effective when he isnt a main presence and getting his way as the #1 option.

Although he doesnt deserve to be mentioned with any of those guys yet in terms of ability I liked how Curry played last summer and I think he fits the back up niche better than someone like Westbrook. I believe he is a great international player and would be a better fit for the team. Oh and it doesnt hurt that the coach is currently coaching his little brother.

Look, I love, Amare, but as a person that wants to see him healthy, I would not put him on the team. Strategically, he can give you basically everything Griffin can give you, and I don’t think Amare is too far behind Blake defensively.

But we all know the condition of his knees are iffy, and asa  basketball fan, I don’t want to see him out there playing when he doesn’t need to play. I know he wants to represent our country, and I know his knees have been healthy as of late, but I would rather go with Griffin or Love than Amare.

I think Griffin might get asked due to his pure dunkability and exciting play.  Also the fact that is fast becoming the poster child of the NBA…

C-Mehmet Okur

PF-Ersan Ilyasova

SF-Hedo Turkoglu

SG-Omer Onan

PG-Kerem Tunceri

Bench-Asik, Kanter, Arslan

@iguapops420

Aldridge was effective playing off of Roy during Roy’s peak years…

I wouldn’t be surprised if Odom made it. I mean, due to the fact Bosh and Aldridge play similar, maybe Team USA decides to go with Odom over one of them. Odom brings a different dimension considering he can get handle the ball as well.

Regardless, Team USA will take the Gold. I more interested in seeing the practices. They really get after each other.