[UncledrewParticipant]

Still over 6 months away from any olympic activity there’s still alot of anticipation for the up and coming Olympic Team. With the talent pool as high as its ever been I think this team has a chance to dwarf the 2008 team led by kobe wade Melo and lebron as well as the redeem team of 2012 led but the same guys plus Durant. If I were picking a team today here’s how it would look with there respective roles:

Starting 5

1. Stephen Curry- Easy decision for me at point guard being the best available in the world. Coincidentally he had a sub par fiba world cup in 2014 but I expect him to shoot better than 40% this summer…ALOT better.

2. Russell Westbrook- Can play 2 easily in international play. Look for him to bully opposing guards on both sides of the ball and have frequent scoring binches. He’s another catalyst for early blowout games.

3. Lebron James- Will play alot of point forward for this team and set up alot of scoring oppurtunities for his teamates. Will be the undisputed leader of this olympic team in what may be his final go round.

4. Kevin Durant- Will play the stretch four perfectly for this team. No one can guard him now and no one will guard him then either. Expect him to fill it up from deep.

5. Anthony Davis- Despite slow start to the nba season hes the perfect big man for this team. Athletic, skilled offensively but won’t demand touches, and will protect the rim.

Reserves:

Paul George- With him bouncing back so well from injury his guaranteed spot now looks not only deserving but like a lock. Coming off the bench will direct his focus strait to scoring. Playing against 2nd units will help inflate it to the point where he could lead the team much like wade did in 2008.

Kwahi leonard- Will serve as the perimeter defensive stopper on this team in case anyone gets hot on another team. Unlike someone like Tony allen though, he can score too.

James Harden- Best iso scorer on the team. Will have games where he gets hot and goes for 20 plus others where he can’t get it going. Mostly because someone else is hot.

Andre Drummond- At 7 foot will serve as the garbage man on this team. Will look to rebound everything and dunk everything within 5 feet of hoop.

Blake Griffin- Will score in the post and shoot an occasional jumper from time to time but will mostly serve as a rebounder and a highlight dunk on this team.

Demarcus Cousins-  Offensively the most talented big available and although he may not get the minutes or touches on this team he still deserves a roster spot.

Kyrie Irving- Fiba world cup mvp will come off the bench on a team as deep as this one. With curry and westbrook on the team the need for point guards is very low but kyrie will handle the ball, limit turnovers, and quietly take over offensively at times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 Good list.  I think kawhi should possibly start.  I think he’s the ultimate team guy who just plays hard and goes about his business without any woofing, trash talking or making a big deal about his skills.  I love him as a defensive guy who can lock down the best player on any team.  With the USA team, he wouldn’t have to worry too much about his offense with all the other talent around him but just playing lock down D.  Of course kawhi most likely isn’t starting over durant or Landon, I just like the guy on this team and his fit.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 Good list.  I think kawhi should possibly start.  I think he’s the ultimate team guy who just plays hard and goes about his business without any woofing, trash talking or making a big deal about his skills.  I love him as a defensive guy who can lock down the best player on any team.  With the USA team, he wouldn’t have to worry too much about his offense with all the other talent around him but just playing lock down D.  Of course kawhi most likely isn’t starting over durant or Landon, I just like the guy on this team and his fit.

[ChewyParticipant]

 Having Davis, Drummond, Cousins and Griffin is one too many bigs for me. Both Kawaii and Lebron can guard international 4s if need be.

I still take Melo if he wants to play. Lillard and Wall would also be in the mix for that last spot as well. Or do you still go Love to have the rebounding AND the shooting, but lose the athletcism?

 

 

 

[UncledrewParticipant]

 KWAHI and Lebron can guard 4’s but I’m sure they prefer not too especially not to strain there bodys during the summer especially after they both could potentially just finished playing in june. Melo is a good inclusion but which big do you take off Drummond, Cousins or Griff? Love can’t make it even though he provides floor spacing besides that all the bigs are better in every other area of the game.

[UncledrewParticipant]

 KWAHI and Lebron can guard 4’s but I’m sure they prefer not too especially not to strain there bodys during the summer especially after they both could potentially just finished playing in june. Melo is a good inclusion but which big do you take off Drummond, Cousins or Griff? Love can’t make it even though he provides floor spacing besides that all the bigs are better in every other area of the game.

[ChewyParticipant]

 Having Davis, Drummond, Cousins and Griffin is one too many bigs for me. Both Kawaii and Lebron can guard international 4s if need be.

I still take Melo if he wants to play. Lillard and Wall would also be in the mix for that last spot as well. Or do you still go Love to have the rebounding AND the shooting, but lose the athletcism?

 

 

 

[giddyup123Participant]

I like what you’ve got but I agree that you have 1 too many bigs listed. My only switch would be Klay Thompson for whichever big you value the least: Drummond, Griffin, Cousins. Likely: Drummond, despite the fact he’s a great 2nd rim protecter, he can’t make foul shots and isn’t the passer the other two guys are. As for Klay, while maybe not more talented than anyone on this list.. he’s probably the 2nd best shooter (with a super high/quick release point making it an ideal international stroke) in the world and a strong defender. He doesn’t miss open shots and can easily function as a high-level role player, making him an ideal fit on this roster.

Guys like LBJ, KD, PG-13, Kawhi, and even Melo (if included) can, without a problem, play the 4 internationally making bigs not too necessary. Offensively this creates a huge mismatch, exploiting our athleticsm and shooting. and defensively it allows for length and speed to make up for the mismatch in size.. Enevitable question:

-If CPS and, unfortunately, Kobe want in? I say you tell them politely behind-the-scenes that they are not what the team is looking for.. Maybe even to Carmelo as well

[giddyup123Participant]

I like what you’ve got but I agree that you have 1 too many bigs listed. My only switch would be Klay Thompson for whichever big you value the least: Drummond, Griffin, Cousins. Likely: Drummond, despite the fact he’s a great 2nd rim protecter, he can’t make foul shots and isn’t the passer the other two guys are. As for Klay, while maybe not more talented than anyone on this list.. he’s probably the 2nd best shooter (with a super high/quick release point making it an ideal international stroke) in the world and a strong defender. He doesn’t miss open shots and can easily function as a high-level role player, making him an ideal fit on this roster.

Guys like LBJ, KD, PG-13, Kawhi, and even Melo (if included) can, without a problem, play the 4 internationally making bigs not too necessary. Offensively this creates a huge mismatch, exploiting our athleticsm and shooting. and defensively it allows for length and speed to make up for the mismatch in size.. Enevitable question:

-If CPS and, unfortunately, Kobe want in? I say you tell them politely behind-the-scenes that they are not what the team is looking for.. Maybe even to Carmelo as well

[cp5Participant]

 I would add another shooter instead of Drummond, maybe Melo. I would switch Harden and Westbrook.

Westbrooks energy off the bench could open up a lot of games.

[cp5Participant]

 I would add another shooter instead of Drummond, maybe Melo. I would switch Harden and Westbrook.

Westbrooks energy off the bench could open up a lot of games.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

It’s so tough to pick right now… Players who drop out due to injury, rest, contract issues, etc make picking the team easier. 

How do you leave off two two-time olympic gold medalists in Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, who are still in their primes? How do you leave off Klay Thompson, one of the best shooters in the world? Thompson played better than Stephen Curry in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and is honestly a better fit for this style of play. 

Here are my locks: 

F: LeBron James – Lock 

F: Kevin Durant – Lock 

G: Stephen Curry – He’s a lock, but he didn’t play well in the 2010 FIBA World Championship or the 2014 FIBA World Cup. 

G: Russell Westbrook – Lock 

G/F: James Harden – Lock. He led the 2014 FIBA World Cup team in scoring.

C: Anthony Davis – Lock. He averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He’s the perfect center for FIBA play.  

F: Paul George – He was promised a spot, plus he’s playing out of his mind this season, so he’s a lock. 

 

Not locks, but damn near: 

F: Carmelo Anthony – He’s a two time olympic Gold Medalist. I can’t see them leaving him off considering his resume and experience. He’s a great four man in FIBA. 

G: Chris Paul – Same as Anthony

G/F: Klay Thompson – He was second on the team in scoring averaging 13 during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He’s one of the best shooters in the world, can play without the ball and has the kind of size that’ll benefit him well in FIBA at both ends.  

G: Kyrie Irving – He was the 2014 FIBA World Cup MVP, plus he’s Coach K’s guy. As long as he’s healthy, I see him being on the team. 

 

That leaves one spot and I believe it’ll go to a big. There’s a big list to choose from and I’m not sure who they’d pick:

F/C: Kenneth Faried – He was *GREAT* in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. His energy is contagious and you never have to call a play for him. 

C: DeMarcus Cousins – He played well in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, but has had an interesting relationship with USA Basketball. 

F/C: Blake Griffin – A great NBA player, but no FIBA experience.

F/C: LaMarcus Aldridge – A great NBA player who can play 4/5, which would benefit him in FIBA, but no FIBA experience. 

F/C: Draymond Green – A great NBA role player and glue type of guy. Great small ball 5. No FIBA experience. 

F/C: Kevin Love – A two time gold medalist (2010 FIBA World Championship and 2012 Olympics). Stretch 4 and great rebounder. 

C: Andre Drummond – Having a monster season, but not a great defender and weak free-throw shooter. Didn’t play a lot in 2014 FIBA World Cup, but he’s clearly grown as a player and is just a monster rebounder. 

C: DeAndre Jordan – Similar to Andre Drummond, except a better defender. No FIBA experience. 

C: Dwight Howard – A two time Gold Medalist (2007 FIBA Americas Championship and 2008 Olympics). Has a lot of experience, but his reputation just seems down around the league. 

If I had to make a choice, I’d probably go with Drummond as of right now. 

 

Toughest cut: 

F: Kawhi Leonard – It seems absurd, especially considering he’d be a great fit, but there are only 12 spots.  

 

G: Curry, Paul, Irving 

G: Westbrook, Harden and Thompson

F: James and George

F: Durant and Anthony 

C: Davis and Drummond

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[UncledrewParticipant]

I agree with your 7 locks kwahi is also a lock and if hes not he should be, making 8 locks(not including kyrie who Imo is a lock too). Kwahi can play 2guard as can PG, and harden can bring the ball up at the 1 if kyrie doesn’t for some reason…That’s essentially 4 guards off the bench which is plenty they all just happen to go 6’5 6’7 6’9 with the exception of kyrie at 6’3. That leaves griffin, Cousins and drummond. So you want to sub melo for griffin… Melo affects the game when he has the basketball, not ideal for a team with limited basketballs. Blake can be a easier target at the rim for Lob passers like Lebron, Curry or Harden. Plus he’s more physical under the basket at this point in their respective careers. You’d take Chris Paul over demarcus Cousins. Id prefer Cousins 6’11 package over pauls at 6 ft. Paul would excel as a disher with all the finishes but everything he does other than passing can be done by kyrie who has a bigger frame at 6’3. That leaves 1 spot left. Klay vs drummond: I like klay he’s 6’7 athletic can shoot it. I just substituted your extra shooting with the 7 foot rebounding machine. Someone has to clean up the misses when they rarely occur so why not get all of them with the best young rebounder I’m the league not to mention biggest specimen (7’0 280).Sure he can’t shoot freethrows but he won’t be in the game late in the 2nd half when the hacking usually begins.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I have a hard time seeing Jerry Colangelo and Coach K telling a heathy Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul that they won’t be going to Rio. It’s just hard to imagine those two being cut and not given the chance to play in their last olympics when they’ve meant so much to the program.

I’m also interested to see how many true bigs they’ll carry. They carried three in 2008, 2010 and 2012. They carried 4 in 2014. They usually carry one true center and two other bigs who are versatile enough to play the 4/5.

We’ll have to bump this thread back up when the time comes to see how accurate we were lol.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I have a hard time seeing Jerry Colangelo and Coach K telling a heathy Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul that they won’t be going to Rio. It’s just hard to imagine those two being cut and not given the chance to play in their last olympics when they’ve meant so much to the program.

I’m also interested to see how many true bigs they’ll carry. They carried three in 2008, 2010 and 2012. They carried 4 in 2014. They usually carry one true center and two other bigs who are versatile enough to play the 4/5.

We’ll have to bump this thread back up when the time comes to see how accurate we were lol.

[UncledrewParticipant]

I agree with your 7 locks kwahi is also a lock and if hes not he should be, making 8 locks(not including kyrie who Imo is a lock too). Kwahi can play 2guard as can PG, and harden can bring the ball up at the 1 if kyrie doesn’t for some reason…That’s essentially 4 guards off the bench which is plenty they all just happen to go 6’5 6’7 6’9 with the exception of kyrie at 6’3. That leaves griffin, Cousins and drummond. So you want to sub melo for griffin… Melo affects the game when he has the basketball, not ideal for a team with limited basketballs. Blake can be a easier target at the rim for Lob passers like Lebron, Curry or Harden. Plus he’s more physical under the basket at this point in their respective careers. You’d take Chris Paul over demarcus Cousins. Id prefer Cousins 6’11 package over pauls at 6 ft. Paul would excel as a disher with all the finishes but everything he does other than passing can be done by kyrie who has a bigger frame at 6’3. That leaves 1 spot left. Klay vs drummond: I like klay he’s 6’7 athletic can shoot it. I just substituted your extra shooting with the 7 foot rebounding machine. Someone has to clean up the misses when they rarely occur so why not get all of them with the best young rebounder I’m the league not to mention biggest specimen (7’0 280).Sure he can’t shoot freethrows but he won’t be in the game late in the 2nd half when the hacking usually begins.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

It’s so tough to pick right now… Players who drop out due to injury, rest, contract issues, etc make picking the team easier. 

How do you leave off two two-time olympic gold medalists in Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, who are still in their primes? How do you leave off Klay Thompson, one of the best shooters in the world? Thompson played better than Stephen Curry in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and is honestly a better fit for this style of play. 

Here are my locks: 

F: LeBron James – Lock 

F: Kevin Durant – Lock 

G: Stephen Curry – He’s a lock, but he didn’t play well in the 2010 FIBA World Championship or the 2014 FIBA World Cup. 

G: Russell Westbrook – Lock 

G/F: James Harden – Lock. He led the 2014 FIBA World Cup team in scoring.

C: Anthony Davis – Lock. He averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He’s the perfect center for FIBA play.  

F: Paul George – He was promised a spot, plus he’s playing out of his mind this season, so he’s a lock. 

 

Not locks, but damn near: 

F: Carmelo Anthony – He’s a two time olympic Gold Medalist. I can’t see them leaving him off considering his resume and experience. He’s a great four man in FIBA. 

G: Chris Paul – Same as Anthony

G/F: Klay Thompson – He was second on the team in scoring averaging 13 during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He’s one of the best shooters in the world, can play without the ball and has the kind of size that’ll benefit him well in FIBA at both ends.  

G: Kyrie Irving – He was the 2014 FIBA World Cup MVP, plus he’s Coach K’s guy. As long as he’s healthy, I see him being on the team. 

 

That leaves one spot and I believe it’ll go to a big. There’s a big list to choose from and I’m not sure who they’d pick:

F/C: Kenneth Faried – He was *GREAT* in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. His energy is contagious and you never have to call a play for him. 

C: DeMarcus Cousins – He played well in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, but has had an interesting relationship with USA Basketball. 

F/C: Blake Griffin – A great NBA player, but no FIBA experience.

F/C: LaMarcus Aldridge – A great NBA player who can play 4/5, which would benefit him in FIBA, but no FIBA experience. 

F/C: Draymond Green – A great NBA role player and glue type of guy. Great small ball 5. No FIBA experience. 

F/C: Kevin Love – A two time gold medalist (2010 FIBA World Championship and 2012 Olympics). Stretch 4 and great rebounder. 

C: Andre Drummond – Having a monster season, but not a great defender and weak free-throw shooter. Didn’t play a lot in 2014 FIBA World Cup, but he’s clearly grown as a player and is just a monster rebounder. 

C: DeAndre Jordan – Similar to Andre Drummond, except a better defender. No FIBA experience. 

C: Dwight Howard – A two time Gold Medalist (2007 FIBA Americas Championship and 2008 Olympics). Has a lot of experience, but his reputation just seems down around the league. 

If I had to make a choice, I’d probably go with Drummond as of right now. 

 

Toughest cut: 

F: Kawhi Leonard – It seems absurd, especially considering he’d be a great fit, but there are only 12 spots.  

 

G: Curry, Paul, Irving 

G: Westbrook, Harden and Thompson

F: James and George

F: Durant and Anthony 

C: Davis and Drummond

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Popovich is starting Kawhi. Kawhi is like his son/prized pony lol

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Popovich is starting Kawhi. Kawhi is like his son/prized pony lol

[EspressoParticipant]

whatever Indiana said.

[EspressoParticipant]

whatever Indiana said.

[YungmUNyParticipant]

I’m surprised that there is only one mention of Draymond Green in this thread. I know some folks on this forum over-hype him, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’d still be the perfect weapon off the bench for Team USA going forward against some of these teams in Rio. Small ball has dominated the Olympics in recent history. Carmelo Anthony, for example, has never looked better than in international competition, playing the four. In terms of building an NBA team, I’d take Andre Drummond over Draymond Green, 8 times out of 10, but if I’ve got someone like Boogie to already play that role, and somone like Anthony Davis also anchoring my post, I’d rather have Draymond off the bench to give me flexibility.

 

 

 

[YungmUNyParticipant]

I’m surprised that there is only one mention of Draymond Green in this thread. I know some folks on this forum over-hype him, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’d still be the perfect weapon off the bench for Team USA going forward against some of these teams in Rio. Small ball has dominated the Olympics in recent history. Carmelo Anthony, for example, has never looked better than in international competition, playing the four. In terms of building an NBA team, I’d take Andre Drummond over Draymond Green, 8 times out of 10, but if I’ve got someone like Boogie to already play that role, and somone like Anthony Davis also anchoring my post, I’d rather have Draymond off the bench to give me flexibility.

 

 

 

[BigChamp12Participant]

I can’t see the team without CP3 and Melo. For that reason I think Kawhi is out. I think Wall and Lillard don’t have a chance. Russ and Steph are locks. Lebron, Klay(IMO), George, Durant, and Harden are locks. The toughest part are the bigs. Cousins played good 2012 and has become a too 3 big. I think he makes it. Along with AD. The last spot will come down to Drummond, a developing player and also was on the 2012 team, Kevin Love who Is a perfect fit for the Olympics, Blake Griffin who I think would play a great role, or Dwight Howard who has won Olympic Gold and would’ve played 2012 if he wasn’t injured. 

 

 

 

 

[BigChamp12Participant]

I can’t see the team without CP3 and Melo. For that reason I think Kawhi is out. I think Wall and Lillard don’t have a chance. Russ and Steph are locks. Lebron, Klay(IMO), George, Durant, and Harden are locks. The toughest part are the bigs. Cousins played good 2012 and has become a too 3 big. I think he makes it. Along with AD. The last spot will come down to Drummond, a developing player and also was on the 2012 team, Kevin Love who Is a perfect fit for the Olympics, Blake Griffin who I think would play a great role, or Dwight Howard who has won Olympic Gold and would’ve played 2012 if he wasn’t injured. 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

I hate to say it…but a few US losses would actually increase interest in international basketball.

It’s like watching the Harlem Globetrotters vs the Washington Generals.

Except Sweet Lou Dunbar isn’t there to take oversized panties off women in the crowd. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

I hate to say it…but a few US losses would actually increase interest in international basketball.

It’s like watching the Harlem Globetrotters vs the Washington Generals.

Except Sweet Lou Dunbar isn’t there to take oversized panties off women in the crowd. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I have Draymond Green on this team in another thread.

I would go with a mix of young guys and veterans.

Locks: Russ, Steph, LeBron, Durant, Paul George (IF that promise is true, too), gonna go with Kawhi Leonard, Harden without a doubt, and Anthony Davis.

LOADED at small forward.  Harden at the 2.  Two AWESOME point guards with Russ also able to play the 2.

AD is a great spot at the bigs spots.  

Kyrie Irving is not a lock in my book.  He is also injured and even though he is coming back soon, he has had a rough time with injuries over the past year or two.  

I would go with Klay Thompson EXCEPT he is up and down this year.  You also already have 3 great guards here.  You can also probably use PG at the 2.

I WILL go with Draymond Green again. AWESOME intangibles guy, can play on BOTH sides of the ball, an IDEAL small ball center, a WINNER, and also a guy who can play the 4 in big lineups.

Gonna go with ONE obligatory old-school rebounding/shot blocking/dunking center in Andre Drummond. Hard to pass up 16 and 17 a night, even if he can’t shoot free throws.  Let him rebound, dunk, run the floor, and just leave him off the court in crunch time.

Blake Griffin is just too good to leave off.  Great athlete.  Legit 4.  I take him over Kevin Love because Blake is a better athlete, and even though Love is a better 3 point shooter, he is not a KNOCK DOWN 3 point shooter.

I am going to go with one more point guard: Chris Paul.  The obligatory veteran.  If Russ is a 2, then that makes CP3 your backup point guard.  And, on a loaded team, you need a guy who doesn’t have to play tons of minutes.  He has already done his thing and could be ok with limited minutes.  

At the other spot I am gonna go with another grizzled veteran.  Gimme a guy who also doesn’t need a ton of minutes but can still score, shoot, pass, rebound, and defend from BOTH big man spots.  Yep, I am putting Tim Duncan on this team.  Can play the 5 OR the 4.  Doesn’t need a ton of minutes either…  hey, what if the Spurs win it all this year?  Then TD gets a gold medal and goes out on top.  Best way to do it.

Starters:

G Steph

G Russ

F  Durant

F  LeBron

C  Anthony Davis

Bench

G Chris Paul

G James Harden

F  Kawhi Leonard

F  Blake Griffin

C  Andre Drummond

Reserves

SF Paul George

PF/C Tim Duncan

Alternate: Klay Thompson.  If Harden or Russ gets hurt, then you need another guard, preferably a shooting guard.  With this roster, the team is loaded at the 4 and 5 spots no matter what and is already carrying 3 point guards.  Only real lack of depth at the backup 2 guard spot.  Klay is also a guy who will be looked at for the 2020 and 2024 teams.  Sleeper alternate pick: If you want to give a college guy a shot, go with Buddy Hield here.  Best shooting guard in college, and possibly the best player in college this season.  I would go with this guy especially if Klay is banged up, and wants some rest after a pressure-cooker season.

Next 15: Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, Carmelo Anthony, D Wade, Paul Milsap, Damian Lillard, Eric Bledsoe, and Kyle Korver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I have Draymond Green on this team in another thread.

I would go with a mix of young guys and veterans.

Locks: Russ, Steph, LeBron, Durant, Paul George (IF that promise is true, too), gonna go with Kawhi Leonard, Harden without a doubt, and Anthony Davis.

LOADED at small forward.  Harden at the 2.  Two AWESOME point guards with Russ also able to play the 2.

AD is a great spot at the bigs spots.  

Kyrie Irving is not a lock in my book.  He is also injured and even though he is coming back soon, he has had a rough time with injuries over the past year or two.  

I would go with Klay Thompson EXCEPT he is up and down this year.  You also already have 3 great guards here.  You can also probably use PG at the 2.

I WILL go with Draymond Green again. AWESOME intangibles guy, can play on BOTH sides of the ball, an IDEAL small ball center, a WINNER, and also a guy who can play the 4 in big lineups.

Gonna go with ONE obligatory old-school rebounding/shot blocking/dunking center in Andre Drummond. Hard to pass up 16 and 17 a night, even if he can’t shoot free throws.  Let him rebound, dunk, run the floor, and just leave him off the court in crunch time.

Blake Griffin is just too good to leave off.  Great athlete.  Legit 4.  I take him over Kevin Love because Blake is a better athlete, and even though Love is a better 3 point shooter, he is not a KNOCK DOWN 3 point shooter.

I am going to go with one more point guard: Chris Paul.  The obligatory veteran.  If Russ is a 2, then that makes CP3 your backup point guard.  And, on a loaded team, you need a guy who doesn’t have to play tons of minutes.  He has already done his thing and could be ok with limited minutes.  

At the other spot I am gonna go with another grizzled veteran.  Gimme a guy who also doesn’t need a ton of minutes but can still score, shoot, pass, rebound, and defend from BOTH big man spots.  Yep, I am putting Tim Duncan on this team.  Can play the 5 OR the 4.  Doesn’t need a ton of minutes either…  hey, what if the Spurs win it all this year?  Then TD gets a gold medal and goes out on top.  Best way to do it.

Starters:

G Steph

G Russ

F  Durant

F  LeBron

C  Anthony Davis

Bench

G Chris Paul

G James Harden

F  Kawhi Leonard

F  Blake Griffin

C  Andre Drummond

Reserves

SF Paul George

PF/C Tim Duncan

Alternate: Klay Thompson.  If Harden or Russ gets hurt, then you need another guard, preferably a shooting guard.  With this roster, the team is loaded at the 4 and 5 spots no matter what and is already carrying 3 point guards.  Only real lack of depth at the backup 2 guard spot.  Klay is also a guy who will be looked at for the 2020 and 2024 teams.  Sleeper alternate pick: If you want to give a college guy a shot, go with Buddy Hield here.  Best shooting guard in college, and possibly the best player in college this season.  I would go with this guy especially if Klay is banged up, and wants some rest after a pressure-cooker season.

Next 15: Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, Carmelo Anthony, D Wade, Paul Milsap, Damian Lillard, Eric Bledsoe, and Kyle Korver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Tim Duncan hates FIBA lol. After his last stint with Team USA, he said he was done. He said, "FIBA sucks" lol.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Tim Duncan hates FIBA lol. After his last stint with Team USA, he said he was done. He said, "FIBA sucks" lol.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Continued…

I have Buddy Hield as the alternate because I still think the team should have a college player here and there. 

I would even say that they should consider having a maximum 10 NBA guys, then your last two spot would be college guys along with your alternate spot.

So, that team is set (with Hield as the obligatory college guy in the alternate spot).

What I would THEN do is say, that the BEST two players who AREN’T on this team are LOCKS for the 2020 team (barring injury).  So those two guys (Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry?) would replace TD and CP3.  Then those two guys along with another 3 (so a five man unit) would be LOCKS for the 2018 World Cup team.  

That way you mix things up every once in a while, AND your reward guys for doing well in Team USA tryouts (even if they don’t make the Olympic team).

This might also be LeBron’s last time to play for Team USA so you could have at least THREE new members on the 2020 team.  Then I also don’t see veterans like D Wade and Carmelo getting up for the 2018 World Cup team.  I can see Buddy Hield as a sleeper pick for the 2018 World Cup team even if he isn’t a lock (or even a first choice) for the 2020 Olympic team.  

The 2018 World Cup team could be something like Steph, Russ, Harden, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, Jabari Parker, and Andre Drummond.  

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Continued…

I have Buddy Hield as the alternate because I still think the team should have a college player here and there. 

I would even say that they should consider having a maximum 10 NBA guys, then your last two spot would be college guys along with your alternate spot.

So, that team is set (with Hield as the obligatory college guy in the alternate spot).

What I would THEN do is say, that the BEST two players who AREN’T on this team are LOCKS for the 2020 team (barring injury).  So those two guys (Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry?) would replace TD and CP3.  Then those two guys along with another 3 (so a five man unit) would be LOCKS for the 2018 World Cup team.  

That way you mix things up every once in a while, AND your reward guys for doing well in Team USA tryouts (even if they don’t make the Olympic team).

This might also be LeBron’s last time to play for Team USA so you could have at least THREE new members on the 2020 team.  Then I also don’t see veterans like D Wade and Carmelo getting up for the 2018 World Cup team.  I can see Buddy Hield as a sleeper pick for the 2018 World Cup team even if he isn’t a lock (or even a first choice) for the 2020 Olympic team.  

The 2018 World Cup team could be something like Steph, Russ, Harden, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, Jabari Parker, and Andre Drummond.  

 

 

 

 

 

[Roland209Participant]

I’m kidding.  

[Roland209Participant]

I’m kidding.  

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

 I like how we basically all agree with the same 9 or 10. I don’t think Russ should start, in favour of George or Leonard to guard the team’s best guard, and mask Curry on defense. (perfect 6th man with Harden)

I think Paul WILL be selcted because of his experience over someone like Irving. (didn’t say i agree.. still not too sure).. 

3 bigs is definitely enough. Davis is a lock, Griffin is a lock (very close to), and I think the last one should be Cousins. 

 

 

 

 

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

 I like how we basically all agree with the same 9 or 10. I don’t think Russ should start, in favour of George or Leonard to guard the team’s best guard, and mask Curry on defense. (perfect 6th man with Harden)

I think Paul WILL be selcted because of his experience over someone like Irving. (didn’t say i agree.. still not too sure).. 

3 bigs is definitely enough. Davis is a lock, Griffin is a lock (very close to), and I think the last one should be Cousins. 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 ^^^

If Duncan is a no-go then I would roll with Blake Griffin as the backup power forward.

My centers would be Drummond, Draymond, and Anthony Davis with Anthony Davis starting.

I think this team will carry 3 point guards, since Westbrook will spend a lot of time at the 2.  So, I have CP3 as the third point guard.  Kyrie has been really banged up, John Wall is down a bit, and CP3 gives them some veteran leadership (and a guy who won’t need a ton of minutes).  

So, put Blake here too as the last add, since he and CP3 play together.

Hopefully we don’t overthink this.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 ^^^

If Duncan is a no-go then I would roll with Blake Griffin as the backup power forward.

My centers would be Drummond, Draymond, and Anthony Davis with Anthony Davis starting.

I think this team will carry 3 point guards, since Westbrook will spend a lot of time at the 2.  So, I have CP3 as the third point guard.  Kyrie has been really banged up, John Wall is down a bit, and CP3 gives them some veteran leadership (and a guy who won’t need a ton of minutes).  

So, put Blake here too as the last add, since he and CP3 play together.

Hopefully we don’t overthink this.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

 I agree with everything OP said except for Kawai I would put Marcus Fizer on the team.  Dude’s an Iowa St great and gives back to the community

http://www.marcusfizervolunteersatthehumansociety.edu

 

 

 

 

 

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

 I agree with everything OP said except for Kawai I would put Marcus Fizer on the team.  Dude’s an Iowa St great and gives back to the community

http://www.marcusfizervolunteersatthehumansociety.edu

 

 

 

 

 

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

 Curry, PG, Lebron, Durant, Davis

Paul (or kyrie), westbrook, Harden,  leonard, Cousins, Griffin,   with the last spot up for grabs between a ferw veterans (looking at carmelo, fits perfectly, has not been playing to well lately tho)…    will get negs but MAY be Kobe… (you may not agree, but Colangelo is choosing).. 

 

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

 Curry, PG, Lebron, Durant, Davis

Paul (or kyrie), westbrook, Harden,  leonard, Cousins, Griffin,   with the last spot up for grabs between a ferw veterans (looking at carmelo, fits perfectly, has not been playing to well lately tho)…    will get negs but MAY be Kobe… (you may not agree, but Colangelo is choosing).. 

 

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

 or Thompson or Butler (I love Defense).. 

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

 or Thompson or Butler (I love Defense).. 

[Author]

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