[TimeForNineParticipant]

There are no words to explain how confused I am.

[McDunkin]

Called it in the other thread. Not to mention during the televised scrimmages they made sure to note he was added to the main team during them which was followed by the announcement of Blake’s injury.

 

His athleticism, rebounding and shot blocking ability should fit in nicely as he gets back up minutes.

He might not offer the most in terms of back to basket scoring but neither did Tyson Chandler.

[McDunkin]

Called it in the other thread. Not to mention during the televised scrimmages they made sure to note he was added to the main team during them which was followed by the announcement of Blake’s injury.

 

His athleticism, rebounding and shot blocking ability should fit in nicely as he gets back up minutes.

He might not offer the most in terms of back to basket scoring but neither did Tyson Chandler.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

I cannot wait until the day we commit to Plumlee, and trade Lopez before his value decreases more by the year.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

I cannot wait until the day we commit to Plumlee, and trade Lopez before his value decreases more by the year.

[TimeForNineParticipant]

 I just can’t see how Plumlee brings anything to this team at all. He’s not a bad player, but I don’t see how he could be anything other than the last guy off the bench on this roster. Cousins at least gives you scoring and rebounding, has more experience against the Gasols of the world, and is an underrated team defender (not rim protector, but is great at drawing charges).

I just don’t see it. I know there are attitude concerns but it still doesn’t make sense.

 

 

[TimeForNineParticipant]

 I just can’t see how Plumlee brings anything to this team at all. He’s not a bad player, but I don’t see how he could be anything other than the last guy off the bench on this roster. Cousins at least gives you scoring and rebounding, has more experience against the Gasols of the world, and is an underrated team defender (not rim protector, but is great at drawing charges).

I just don’t see it. I know there are attitude concerns but it still doesn’t make sense.

 

 

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

I think people are so afraid of his reputation that they tend to ignore what he actually does in favor of what other people say he might do.

[Scrooge McDuckParticipant]

I think it’s Sacramento’s lack of success… I think Cousins attitude would be frustrating to have to deal with, too. Why not take a great locker room guy in Plumlee? I’d personally prefer him on my team.

[Scrooge McDuckParticipant]

I think it’s Sacramento’s lack of success… I think Cousins attitude would be frustrating to have to deal with, too. Why not take a great locker room guy in Plumlee? I’d personally prefer him on my team.

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

I think people are so afraid of his reputation that they tend to ignore what he actually does in favor of what other people say he might do.

[ChoppyParticipant]

Does this mean Drummond misses out too?

[FearTheStacheParticipant]

 I feel like this means Drummond definitely makes it. Otherwise, Anthony Davis or Plumlee are your heaviest players. You just need a big guy who can shove his weight around. Without Boogie, Drummond totally gets the spot. Plus, he’s had a bunch of highlight plays pop over the course of the practices.

[Numbers_CruncherParticipant]

No $hiite Drummond is going to make it. You get smarter every day!

[Numbers_CruncherParticipant]

No $hiite Drummond is going to make it. You get smarter every day!

[benny15Participant]

honestly, i wouldnt be surprised if Drummond doesnt make it still. i think coach k would be fine going to spain with davis, milsap and mason as his bigs. Durant would probably start as a strettch 4 and Parsons would back him up. pual george would start at the 3 with klay backing him up. it wont be the first time team USA would be going small, in fact, its kind of expected already. 

[benny15Participant]

honestly, i wouldnt be surprised if Drummond doesnt make it still. i think coach k would be fine going to spain with davis, milsap and mason as his bigs. Durant would probably start as a strettch 4 and Parsons would back him up. pual george would start at the 3 with klay backing him up. it wont be the first time team USA would be going small, in fact, its kind of expected already. 

[FearTheStacheParticipant]

 I feel like this means Drummond definitely makes it. Otherwise, Anthony Davis or Plumlee are your heaviest players. You just need a big guy who can shove his weight around. Without Boogie, Drummond totally gets the spot. Plus, he’s had a bunch of highlight plays pop over the course of the practices.

[ChoppyParticipant]

Does this mean Drummond misses out too?

[ncballer]

 Anyone who is justifying this is simply choosing not to look at the facts…there is no explanation for this…

[ncballer]

 Anyone who is justifying this is simply choosing not to look at the facts…there is no explanation for this…

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

I mean I could understand miles plumlee, but MASON!  Smmfh

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

I mean I could understand miles plumlee, but MASON!  Smmfh

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I am kind of shocked. My first thought is reputation, but surely at this point they wouldn’t bring him this far to say, you are maturing, but you are still a jack***. My only explanation is the Duke connection, which makes me think Irving is a clear cut lock on the team too as long as he can finish out without getting hurt.

Plumlee seems kind of redundant in the fact that he is basically a worse version of Drummond. Nothing against Plumlee, but I was already iffy on trying to use Drummond in international basketball. Seems like an ok idea thing to try against everyone, but Spain.

 

  

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I am kind of shocked. My first thought is reputation, but surely at this point they wouldn’t bring him this far to say, you are maturing, but you are still a jack***. My only explanation is the Duke connection, which makes me think Irving is a clear cut lock on the team too as long as he can finish out without getting hurt.

Plumlee seems kind of redundant in the fact that he is basically a worse version of Drummond. Nothing against Plumlee, but I was already iffy on trying to use Drummond in international basketball. Seems like an ok idea thing to try against everyone, but Spain.

 

  

[knicks4lyfe88Participant]

 I can sort of understand the move. Cousins is more of a pick and pop big then a P&R big plumlees athleticism on the roll will compliment the shooters and other players on the team more. But ultimately I think it comes down to reputation and chemistry. Would cousins be okay not getting much playing time?

[Jester87Participant]

Cousins isn’t a pick and pop guy at all, he’s mostly a low post scorer.

[Jester87Participant]

Cousins isn’t a pick and pop guy at all, he’s mostly a low post scorer.

[knicks4lyfe88Participant]

 I can sort of understand the move. Cousins is more of a pick and pop big then a P&R big plumlees athleticism on the roll will compliment the shooters and other players on the team more. But ultimately I think it comes down to reputation and chemistry. Would cousins be okay not getting much playing time?

[Lafferty DanielParticipant]

Remember that time when Christian Laettner made the Dream Team?   

 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

That was more of a historical/ honor for his collegiant greatness. Not saying I agree with it, but it is what it was. To be honest Laettner would have made this team if that says anything. 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

That was more of a historical/ honor for his collegiant greatness. Not saying I agree with it, but it is what it was. To be honest Laettner would have made this team if that says anything. 

[Jester87Participant]

meh, why after 22 years people still talk about Laettner and the Dream Team without knowing anything. Team USA had to bring at least one collegiate because of agreements made between the Nba and amateurs and Laettner, as the consensus player of the year, was the obvious choice. So Duke connection didn’t have a whole lot to do with it.

[Jester87Participant]

meh, why after 22 years people still talk about Laettner and the Dream Team without knowing anything. Team USA had to bring at least one collegiate because of agreements made between the Nba and amateurs and Laettner, as the consensus player of the year, was the obvious choice. So Duke connection didn’t have a whole lot to do with it.

[Lafferty DanielParticipant]

Remember that time when Christian Laettner made the Dream Team?   

 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

Yeah, I mean Mason is a solid player, but he has no business making the team.  It’s an obvious Duke connection.  He won’t get much run ala Laettner in 92 so it won’t really be that big if a deal.  He’ll be a non-factor for sure.  

[ncballer]

 Yup.  And yet you get negged for this.  I don’t understand what else could explain it.  Boogie is a lot better of a player now.  Mason is solid, but this was an obvious Duke favor.  (I welcome the negs)

[ncballer]

 Yup.  And yet you get negged for this.  I don’t understand what else could explain it.  Boogie is a lot better of a player now.  Mason is solid, but this was an obvious Duke favor.  (I welcome the negs)

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

Yeah, I mean Mason is a solid player, but he has no business making the team.  It’s an obvious Duke connection.  He won’t get much run ala Laettner in 92 so it won’t really be that big if a deal.  He’ll be a non-factor for sure.  

[AlvinRobertsonsQuadrupleDoubleParticipant]

Other players don’t want to play with Cousins. 

[AlvinRobertsonsQuadrupleDoubleParticipant]

Other players don’t want to play with Cousins. 

[Flameres15Participant]

 I can see this. Cousins would have brought chemistry issues to the team, and Plumlee is a great team player. Mason Plumlee was a beast in college and a great player when given minutes on the Nets. However, Cousins is a better overall player and they could have used his offensive skills.

[Flameres15Participant]

 I can see this. Cousins would have brought chemistry issues to the team, and Plumlee is a great team player. Mason Plumlee was a beast in college and a great player when given minutes on the Nets. However, Cousins is a better overall player and they could have used his offensive skills.

[benny15Participant]

I think more than like laetner with the dream team, this would be more simillar to Nick Collison making team USA back in 2002 for the same tournament. nick collison wasnt the best post player in college that year, but he had a very pro approach to the game and would be happy doing the dirty work if his number was called. its not like this move would be unprecedented. 

[benny15Participant]

I think more than like laetner with the dream team, this would be more simillar to Nick Collison making team USA back in 2002 for the same tournament. nick collison wasnt the best post player in college that year, but he had a very pro approach to the game and would be happy doing the dirty work if his number was called. its not like this move would be unprecedented. 

[JordanC20Participant]

wow that’s crazy…Big Cuz is just gonna keep getting better and prove all these haters wrong…people act like he killed their pet or something.

[JordanC20Participant]

wow that’s crazy…Big Cuz is just gonna keep getting better and prove all these haters wrong…people act like he killed their pet or something.

[DolanCareParticipant]

 I think it revolves around attitude. In the end, the USA will wipe the floor with international compeition. I know Spain has some serious studs, but the US roster is simply too deep and talented to be matched.

As much as I love Boogie, I could see Coach K’s hesitation of bringing on a player w/ an attitude that will be coming off the bench. Call it a PR move, either way I think the US brings back the Gold. If Spain somehow beats us, then Coach K deserves to be killed for the Boogie snub. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 I think it revolves around attitude. In the end, the USA will wipe the floor with international compeition. I know Spain has some serious studs, but the US roster is simply too deep and talented to be matched.

As much as I love Boogie, I could see Coach K’s hesitation of bringing on a player w/ an attitude that will be coming off the bench. Call it a PR move, either way I think the US brings back the Gold. If Spain somehow beats us, then Coach K deserves to be killed for the Boogie snub. 

[marcusfizer21Participant]

 That’s all I can say ’bout this.. smh

[marcusfizer21Participant]

 That’s all I can say ’bout this.. smh

[The8thDeadlySinParticipant]

 When you are dealing with the best players in the world, talent isnt an issue.  However, being coachable is.  Knowing that Plumlee is going to do exactly what is asked at all times, because of the Duke thing, make all the difference. 

[The8thDeadlySinParticipant]

 When you are dealing with the best players in the world, talent isnt an issue.  However, being coachable is.  Knowing that Plumlee is going to do exactly what is asked at all times, because of the Duke thing, make all the difference. 

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 The US has a big talent pool to choose from.  No reason to pick an occasional headcase like Cousins.  The Plumlee decision is a little more confusing but hes an improving player who plays very well within a system and looks to set up teammates.

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

 The US has a big talent pool to choose from.  No reason to pick an occasional headcase like Cousins.  The Plumlee decision is a little more confusing but hes an improving player who plays very well within a system and looks to set up teammates.

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 The end of the bench should be players who are a good fit.  Plumlee is there for blocking shots, and is someone who has shown they can play the role of coming off the bench for defense and isn’t someone who needs the ball.  The team already has enough scorers.

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 The end of the bench should be players who are a good fit.  Plumlee is there for blocking shots, and is someone who has shown they can play the role of coming off the bench for defense and isn’t someone who needs the ball.  The team already has enough scorers.

 

 

[KayjayParticipant]

 

• Focused on the negatives of the other non-Davis bigs, I was talking myself into Plumlee having at shot at the final roster. But a couple of things on Wednesday gave me a reality check. First, Plumlee struggled offensively in the scrimmage, missing two free throws and committing two turnovers (an illegal screen and a traveling violation). Second, in talking about the bigs, Krzyzewski said that Plumlee “is going to be in the scrimmage on Friday.” Reading between the lines (which may be a bad idea), it sounds like Plumlee probably won’t be with the team beyond that.

 

[KayjayParticipant]

 

• Focused on the negatives of the other non-Davis bigs, I was talking myself into Plumlee having at shot at the final roster. But a couple of things on Wednesday gave me a reality check. First, Plumlee struggled offensively in the scrimmage, missing two free throws and committing two turnovers (an illegal screen and a traveling violation). Second, in talking about the bigs, Krzyzewski said that Plumlee “is going to be in the scrimmage on Friday.” Reading between the lines (which may be a bad idea), it sounds like Plumlee probably won’t be with the team beyond that.

 

[Jester87Participant]

I guess Team USA has been trying to put a lot of emphasis on character even sacrificing some talent, if need be, after those meltdowns in the early 2000s, with selections loaded with talent but at the same times with many selfish players.

Still, I don’t like it for Team USA, mostly because at this stage of his career Plumlee hasn’t much to offer except for energy and running the floor. He can’t score in the low post, he doesn’t have any range, he’s a so so rebounder and he doesn’t provide much rim protection (though his athleticism and size might cover a little bit his lack of length against lesser athletes in international games). He’s mostly a finisher in pick and roll and drive and dish situations or on fast break opportunities, but there isn’t really much room for those things in FIBA ball, at least not as much as in the NBA. I don’t know honestly what he’s supposed to bring, Chandler at least was an elite rim protector and a very good rebounder. Cousins has thousands of question marks surrounding him, but he’s a talented low post scorer, can pass the ball and rebound. Team USA hasn’t had a dominant center in most of his recent campaigns, while it doesn’t prevent them from winning with a good margin over almost any team (except from Spain), they had to rely a lot on perimeter shooting, since opponents were packing the paint to take drives out of their game. They shot the lights out during 2012 Olympics, but this team is not even close in talent and you might argue those percentages are tough to match. A low post scorer could’ve been useful.

[Jester87Participant]

I guess Team USA has been trying to put a lot of emphasis on character even sacrificing some talent, if need be, after those meltdowns in the early 2000s, with selections loaded with talent but at the same times with many selfish players.

Still, I don’t like it for Team USA, mostly because at this stage of his career Plumlee hasn’t much to offer except for energy and running the floor. He can’t score in the low post, he doesn’t have any range, he’s a so so rebounder and he doesn’t provide much rim protection (though his athleticism and size might cover a little bit his lack of length against lesser athletes in international games). He’s mostly a finisher in pick and roll and drive and dish situations or on fast break opportunities, but there isn’t really much room for those things in FIBA ball, at least not as much as in the NBA. I don’t know honestly what he’s supposed to bring, Chandler at least was an elite rim protector and a very good rebounder. Cousins has thousands of question marks surrounding him, but he’s a talented low post scorer, can pass the ball and rebound. Team USA hasn’t had a dominant center in most of his recent campaigns, while it doesn’t prevent them from winning with a good margin over almost any team (except from Spain), they had to rely a lot on perimeter shooting, since opponents were packing the paint to take drives out of their game. They shot the lights out during 2012 Olympics, but this team is not even close in talent and you might argue those percentages are tough to match. A low post scorer could’ve been useful.

[MadDogParticipant]

 This is just a shameless Duke bias if this actually happens. ‘Good attitude’ doesn’t excuse the fact that there is no valid excuse to put him on the team, even if they don’t want Cousins on the team at least choose someone like Drummond to replace him who is actually a standout and not a role player! Obviously this won’t happen, but I’d want Coah K fired from the US coaching staff for this decision, it would be classless and a sleight towards the more talented guys who actually deserve the spot.

[MadDogParticipant]

 This is just a shameless Duke bias if this actually happens. ‘Good attitude’ doesn’t excuse the fact that there is no valid excuse to put him on the team, even if they don’t want Cousins on the team at least choose someone like Drummond to replace him who is actually a standout and not a role player! Obviously this won’t happen, but I’d want Coah K fired from the US coaching staff for this decision, it would be classless and a sleight towards the more talented guys who actually deserve the spot.

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

 I think, besides the whole Duke thing, its because Miles Plumlee is flat out more athletic and better defensively than Cousins. Not too big a deal IMO, they have more than enough scoring on that team already.

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

 I think, besides the whole Duke thing, its because Miles Plumlee is flat out more athletic and better defensively than Cousins. Not too big a deal IMO, they have more than enough scoring on that team already.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Unless I missed someone, only one user in this thread questioned this rumor. I’ve seen nothing that’s suggested Mason Plumlee has made it over DeMarcus Cousins. I’ve only read that Cousins has played extremely well, besides one day he suffered a thigh bruise. I’ve also read that besides a few nice plays here and there, Plumlee hasn’t played that well. 

Both of the Plumlees are solid big men, but it’d be an exteme disrespect to Cousins if either of them made it over him. I can understand the concerns with Cousins, but this is his second time participating in the Team USA camp and there have been zero concerns about his attitude or coachability. 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Unless I missed someone, only one user in this thread questioned this rumor. I’ve seen nothing that’s suggested Mason Plumlee has made it over DeMarcus Cousins. I’ve only read that Cousins has played extremely well, besides one day he suffered a thigh bruise. I’ve also read that besides a few nice plays here and there, Plumlee hasn’t played that well. 

Both of the Plumlees are solid big men, but it’d be an exteme disrespect to Cousins if either of them made it over him. I can understand the concerns with Cousins, but this is his second time participating in the Team USA camp and there have been zero concerns about his attitude or coachability. 

[tuck243Participant]

Outside of KD, everyone should have to prove themselves…  I’m not sure what’s behind this, but IF (because I don’t know, no one here does really) Mason outplayed Boogie, I have no issue with it…  It’s fair if he actually outplayed him and Cousins low post game doesn’t fit with what they’re trying to do…  Why are people mad at this if it happened?   

[tuck243Participant]

Outside of KD, everyone should have to prove themselves…  I’m not sure what’s behind this, but IF (because I don’t know, no one here does really) Mason outplayed Boogie, I have no issue with it…  It’s fair if he actually outplayed him and Cousins low post game doesn’t fit with what they’re trying to do…  Why are people mad at this if it happened?   

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