3 Warriors should be locks for team USA

This topic contains 32 replies, has 9 voices, and was last updated by Hype Machine 10 years, 2 months ago.

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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 5:20pm #63322

canadabasketballisrising
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With Thompson being arguably the best spot-up shooter in the nba, and everything Draymond does, especially on defense, i think that it is a non brainer that all 3 warriors should be locks for team usa, even if it means over guys like Harden, Anthony, ect.
Remember Colangelo is looking for the best basketball team, which means players fitting into role player status, not the 12 best players in the world, and chemistry is and sacrifice is paramount.
Thoughts on all 3 warriors being locks?
(Obviosuly Lebron, Durant, Westbrook, George, Cousins and Leonard are still in if wanted)
*paul said he’s not returning.*

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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 7:31pm #1053308

ItsVictorOladipo
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I agree with that. That means 9 guys are pretty much locks, leaving room for three more. These are the options as I see them.
PG – an extra guard isn’t necessary but I think team USA will go this route given the talent at the position. Kyrie Irving, John Wall and Damian Lillard are the most likely challengers for the spot. Based on current playing form, Irving is probably out. Based on his shooting ability Lillard might have the edge on Wall. So my guess is that Lillard will sneak in.
Wing: I feel like USA will either go for Harden at SG or Carmelo at SF, but not both. Carmelo can also play 4 and has a history of playing very well internationally so he might be the pick, but Harden has the flash and would give them a more traditional SG other than Klay. I really don’t think Gordon Hayward should be a serious contender given the other talent we have but I have a sneaky suspicion he might be.
Big: Candidates: Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and LeMarcus Aldridge. Griffin had alot going for him at the beginning of the season but things have since gotten derailed for him. Drummond has really emerged as a force for the Pistons but his terrible free throw shooting might be a liability and he might not be the best fit for the Intl game. Aldridge is in great form, is consistent and has paid his dues for a while in the league. I’d love to see him get a Gold medal.
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 2:02am #1053467
  
  Hype Machine
  Seems a little light on perimeter defense…and lacking toughness.
  Dellavedova leads the NBA in catch&shoot 3pt%. Mills was the leading scorer at 2012 Olympics. Joe Ingles is also one of the worlds best international players. Ryan Broekhoff is possibly Europes best 3pt shooter
  
  You also dont want players that cant handle the physicality. You just know that Dellys gonna be taking out knees and Bogut and Baynes is gonna be thirsty for blood.
  I already sense nervousness in the US camp.
  
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 2:02am #1053340
  
  Hype Machine
  Seems a little light on perimeter defense…and lacking toughness.
  Dellavedova leads the NBA in catch&shoot 3pt%. Mills was the leading scorer at 2012 Olympics. Joe Ingles is also one of the worlds best international players. Ryan Broekhoff is possibly Europes best 3pt shooter
  
  You also dont want players that cant handle the physicality. You just know that Dellys gonna be taking out knees and Bogut and Baynes is gonna be thirsty for blood.
  I already sense nervousness in the US camp.
  
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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 7:31pm #1053435

ItsVictorOladipo
Participant
I agree with that. That means 9 guys are pretty much locks, leaving room for three more. These are the options as I see them.
PG – an extra guard isn’t necessary but I think team USA will go this route given the talent at the position. Kyrie Irving, John Wall and Damian Lillard are the most likely challengers for the spot. Based on current playing form, Irving is probably out. Based on his shooting ability Lillard might have the edge on Wall. So my guess is that Lillard will sneak in.
Wing: I feel like USA will either go for Harden at SG or Carmelo at SF, but not both. Carmelo can also play 4 and has a history of playing very well internationally so he might be the pick, but Harden has the flash and would give them a more traditional SG other than Klay. I really don’t think Gordon Hayward should be a serious contender given the other talent we have but I have a sneaky suspicion he might be.
Big: Candidates: Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and LeMarcus Aldridge. Griffin had alot going for him at the beginning of the season but things have since gotten derailed for him. Drummond has really emerged as a force for the Pistons but his terrible free throw shooting might be a liability and he might not be the best fit for the Intl game. Aldridge is in great form, is consistent and has paid his dues for a while in the league. I’d love to see him get a Gold medal.
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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 8:24pm #1053447

canadabasketballisrising
Participant
agree with that 100%. There can be debate on the options you put above, and adding more options to it, but i think that’s about it.
I think Jordan and Whiteside will also be in the conversation for bigs, but ultimately i would give it to Griffin and then Drummond (if Griffin or Cousins’ can’t), for his versatility on the perimeter which is well suited for the international game. I see no problem with Griffin as a 5, at 6"10.
I think Lowry whould be in the discussion for the extra guard, which i think is needed with Westbrook playing off guard more.

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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 8:24pm #1053320

canadabasketballisrising
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agree with that 100%. There can be debate on the options you put above, and adding more options to it, but i think that’s about it.
I think Jordan and Whiteside will also be in the conversation for bigs, but ultimately i would give it to Griffin and then Drummond (if Griffin or Cousins’ can’t), for his versatility on the perimeter which is well suited for the international game. I see no problem with Griffin as a 5, at 6"10.
I think Lowry whould be in the discussion for the extra guard, which i think is needed with Westbrook playing off guard more.

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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 9:58pm #1053453

D7H7N
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All team USA needs to do is abuse a smallball lineup of Westbrook, Curry, Kahwi, Durant, and Lebron and they would run a train over every other country.
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Posted on: Sat, 04/09/2016 - 9:58pm #1053326

D7H7N
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All team USA needs to do is abuse a smallball lineup of Westbrook, Curry, Kahwi, Durant, and Lebron and they would run a train over every other country.
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 1:53am #1053465
  
  Hype Machine
  You won’t be running a train over the Australian National team.
  No Simmons and Exum is a killer, but we’ve got enough under-rated NBA talent who understand the international game to give them a good contest.
  In 4 years, we’ll be even better.
  
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 1:53am #1053338
  
  Hype Machine
  You won’t be running a train over the Australian National team.
  No Simmons and Exum is a killer, but we’ve got enough under-rated NBA talent who understand the international game to give them a good contest.
  In 4 years, we’ll be even better.
  
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 2:44am #1053469

Hitster
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Coach K and Jerry Colangelo will always go for high character guys who will play hard at both ends of the court. Draymond Green has so much versatility that he is a nice fit as he can create for the superstar scorers and take open shots if needed.
I’ll be interested to see how International teams try to shut down Steph Curry and contend with LBJ and Durrant on court all at the same time.

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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 2:44am #1053342

Hitster
Participant
Coach K and Jerry Colangelo will always go for high character guys who will play hard at both ends of the court. Draymond Green has so much versatility that he is a nice fit as he can create for the superstar scorers and take open shots if needed.
I’ll be interested to see how International teams try to shut down Steph Curry and contend with LBJ and Durrant on court all at the same time.

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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 3:02am #1053475
  
  Hype Machine
  Curry wont be anywhere near as effective without an entire offense designed around getting him open for shots.
  And if he looks for his own shots too much, it could create issues with the massive egos on team USA.
  
  I’ll take Delly and Mills in an Olympics matchup with no-defense Curry.
  
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 3:02am #1053348
  
  Hype Machine
  Curry wont be anywhere near as effective without an entire offense designed around getting him open for shots.
  And if he looks for his own shots too much, it could create issues with the massive egos on team USA.
  
  I’ll take Delly and Mills in an Olympics matchup with no-defense Curry.
  
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  - Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:59am #1053490
    
    doubledribbler
    Participant
    Curry might not put up the same numbers, but none of these guys will. It’s not just Curry vs team Australia, but you’re talking about the best player on a 70+ win team getting his teammates upgraded. You’re going from Barnes, Green, Thompson, and Bogut to some likely combination of Leonard, Westbrook, Durant, James, Cousins, Drummond, etc. I don’t worship the Warriors, but Curry plays within the offense. He gets a lot of freedom, but he’s not shooting it every time. At MOST he’s taking around 1-2 shots than the other best players per game, but at higher percentages. It’s going to be hard for anyone to tell him not to shoot when he’s hitting nearly everything he puts up. He also finds open guys. Most good players have no problems with ego, playing time and shots when they are winning and I don’t see them losing.
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  - Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:59am #1053362
    
    doubledribbler
    Participant
    Curry might not put up the same numbers, but none of these guys will. It’s not just Curry vs team Australia, but you’re talking about the best player on a 70+ win team getting his teammates upgraded. You’re going from Barnes, Green, Thompson, and Bogut to some likely combination of Leonard, Westbrook, Durant, James, Cousins, Drummond, etc. I don’t worship the Warriors, but Curry plays within the offense. He gets a lot of freedom, but he’s not shooting it every time. At MOST he’s taking around 1-2 shots than the other best players per game, but at higher percentages. It’s going to be hard for anyone to tell him not to shoot when he’s hitting nearly everything he puts up. He also finds open guys. Most good players have no problems with ego, playing time and shots when they are winning and I don’t see them losing.
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  - Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 10:40am #1053558
    
    D7H7N
    Participant
    lol you don’t have to design an offense around him with the USA team. Just having Lebron, Westbrook, and/or Durant on the floor he’s going to get open because the defense will collaspe.
    
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  - Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 10:40am #1053430
    
    D7H7N
    Participant
    lol you don’t have to design an offense around him with the USA team. Just having Lebron, Westbrook, and/or Durant on the floor he’s going to get open because the defense will collaspe.
    
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:44am #1053486

doubledribbler
Participant
I have no problem with the 3 from the Warriors making it. Since the USA squad has went more with best fit and overall team it fits. Curry is obvious. I like Klay better than a guy like Harden for the team because of his willingness to move without the ball and play defense. Draymond might have the hardest case to make. He does a little of everything, plays d, etc, I just wonder if he would become unnecessary. As it is, Coach K shifts guys like Lebron and Melo to the 4. So you might be looking for at least one shot blocking big and someone like Cousins might be a better compliment to one of those. It’s a nice problem to have that much talent to choose from and different types of teams that you can build.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:44am #1053358

doubledribbler
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I have no problem with the 3 from the Warriors making it. Since the USA squad has went more with best fit and overall team it fits. Curry is obvious. I like Klay better than a guy like Harden for the team because of his willingness to move without the ball and play defense. Draymond might have the hardest case to make. He does a little of everything, plays d, etc, I just wonder if he would become unnecessary. As it is, Coach K shifts guys like Lebron and Melo to the 4. So you might be looking for at least one shot blocking big and someone like Cousins might be a better compliment to one of those. It’s a nice problem to have that much talent to choose from and different types of teams that you can build.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 9:26am #1053543

phila9012
Participant
Draymond green can literally play any position internationally. There is a spot for him somewhere. Not many teams have PGs like the USA where they are super quick and athletic, so he could guard 1-5. Also considering the only all stars not from the USA were horford and gasol, both of whom were injury replacements, green should be able to guard all the international bigmen as well.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 9:26am #1053414

phila9012
Participant
Draymond green can literally play any position internationally. There is a spot for him somewhere. Not many teams have PGs like the USA where they are super quick and athletic, so he could guard 1-5. Also considering the only all stars not from the USA were horford and gasol, both of whom were injury replacements, green should be able to guard all the international bigmen as well.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 9:27am #1053545

32tn32
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could team usa bring in a rookie????as in the past with AD OKAFOR AND LAETNEER(all past ncaa winners)the chances or most likely not with this years draft class..but just for discussion. the nba has a chance to hype up ben simmon or brandon ingram.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 9:27am #1053416

32tn32
Participant
could team usa bring in a rookie????as in the past with AD OKAFOR AND LAETNEER(all past ncaa winners)the chances or most likely not with this years draft class..but just for discussion. the nba has a chance to hype up ben simmon or brandon ingram.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 11:55am #1053444

canadabasketballisrising
Participant
they could, but too many deserving players allready.
I think the only debate is the back-up big: Griffin, Drummond, Jordan, Aldridge or Whiteside
and back up pg: Lillard, Wall, Irving, or Lowry.
Personally, I would go with Griffin and Irving or Lillard. (only because Irving played so well in 2014).

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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 11:55am #1053572

canadabasketballisrising
Participant
they could, but too many deserving players allready.
I think the only debate is the back-up big: Griffin, Drummond, Jordan, Aldridge or Whiteside
and back up pg: Lillard, Wall, Irving, or Lowry.
Personally, I would go with Griffin and Irving or Lillard. (only because Irving played so well in 2014).

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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:24pm #1053491

ghettosermon
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He probably won’t get the nod but I think John Wall should be on thea team. With CP3 not participating Wall is probably the next best PG passer. Also if anything the team has enough shooters and what we’ve seen is that in international play having a superior athletic PG over slower plodding international PG’s is a massive advantage.
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:43pm #1053501
  
  benny15
  Participant
  i agree with you, if the opponening post’s 9 are in, id really like to see Wall and Lillard get 2 of the 3 spots remaining. some might say that 4 point guards are too much, but with how both Westbrook and Wall are able to play bigger than their size, i have no problem with having all 4 in the final cut roster.
  last spot should go to a big though. they can go with drummond again, i think deandre has been consistent and great in what he does enough that theres a case for him. whiteside can be considered as well if theyre simply looking for someone who can cover the other giants of international teams. Towns would be awesome but think he’s playing for a the dominican republic i believe. a name that doesnt get mentioned a lot is LaMarcus Aldridge. think his game would translate well in international competition and can easily play within the flow of the team.
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- Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:43pm #1053630
  
  benny15
  Participant
  i agree with you, if the opponening post’s 9 are in, id really like to see Wall and Lillard get 2 of the 3 spots remaining. some might say that 4 point guards are too much, but with how both Westbrook and Wall are able to play bigger than their size, i have no problem with having all 4 in the final cut roster.
  last spot should go to a big though. they can go with drummond again, i think deandre has been consistent and great in what he does enough that theres a case for him. whiteside can be considered as well if theyre simply looking for someone who can cover the other giants of international teams. Towns would be awesome but think he’s playing for a the dominican republic i believe. a name that doesnt get mentioned a lot is LaMarcus Aldridge. think his game would translate well in international competition and can easily play within the flow of the team.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 4:24pm #1053620

ghettosermon
Participant
He probably won’t get the nod but I think John Wall should be on thea team. With CP3 not participating Wall is probably the next best PG passer. Also if anything the team has enough shooters and what we’ve seen is that in international play having a superior athletic PG over slower plodding international PG’s is a massive advantage.
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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 6:55pm #1053524

Hype Machine
Damnit, I’m just trying to drum up a sense of competition for the Olympics by talking a little competitive banter, since watching team USA has been like watching the Globetrotters vs the Washington Generals in recent times.
Surely no-one wants to watch one-sided contests!
And since the other teams so far in Group A are Venezuela and China (which team USA could beat with HS players), the only game worth hypping thus far is against Australia.
Why not at least talk a little bit of trash back instead of raining negs. That way, I at least know who to target if we actually do manage to beat team USA.
Pretty good deal as a US fan if you ask me, since the chances of making me look the fool are 99.9%

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Posted on: Sun, 04/10/2016 - 6:55pm #1053651

Hype Machine
Damnit, I’m just trying to drum up a sense of competition for the Olympics by talking a little competitive banter, since watching team USA has been like watching the Globetrotters vs the Washington Generals in recent times.
Surely no-one wants to watch one-sided contests!
And since the other teams so far in Group A are Venezuela and China (which team USA could beat with HS players), the only game worth hypping thus far is against Australia.
Why not at least talk a little bit of trash back instead of raining negs. That way, I at least know who to target if we actually do manage to beat team USA.
Pretty good deal as a US fan if you ask me, since the chances of making me look the fool are 99.9%

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