Team USA's fortunes will be made on defensive end

	The Suns hope Steve Nash's haircut portends a brighter future for their point guard than Samson experienced long ago. Jeff Vinnick/NBAE via Getty Images
	MAILBAG Marty Burns will periodically answer questions from SI.com users in his mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

It's been six weeks since Miami celebrated the 2006 NBA championship in Dallas, and it seems like the Heat wave across America hasn't eased since. Then again, David Stern's league never really seems to cool off when it comes to making news.

From Andrea Bargnani becoming the first European player to be drafted No. 1 overall to Ben Wallace leaving Detroit to sign with Chicago, there have been plenty of interesting developments this summer. Heck, Steve Nash even decided to get a haircut (maybe he was trying to keep cool).

Sounds like a good time to rummage through the old mailbag from the last month ...

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James are elite one-on-one offensive basketball players, but lost their jocks on defense in the 2004 Olympics debacle. In your opinion, can the young stars who have learned primarily a one-on-one game in the NBA learn to play the kind of close-knit and intelligently-aggressive team defense that will be necessary to win the upcoming world basketball championship?
 -- Dana Wilde, Troy, Maine

They can, but I don't know if they will. As I wrote in my piece last week about the U.S. roster, it's not a matter of talent. Team USA has more than enough superstars. Rather, it's a matter of developing chemistry and playing as a team.

The international game is different than the NBA's. Zone defenses and the shorter 3-point line enable foes to pack the lane and cut off driving lanes. The U.S. has to accept this and adjust accordingly.

As you point out, the U.S. also has to play cohesive team defense. I think it would be smart  to have a defensive-oriented guy who can also space the floor (like Shane Battier or Bruce Bowen) on the court at all times, even if it means less playing time for a great one-on-one scorer such as Anthony.

I agree completely with your starting lineup for Team USA. My question is this: You imply that Chauncey Billups would be your pick if available. If Kobe Bryant was healthy, would he supplant LeBron? Or push LeBron to the three spot over Battier? LeBron has an edge in rebounding and a greater willingness to set up teammates, but Kobe has an edge as a pure scorer, shooter and defender.
 -- Dave, Moorpark, Calif.

If Billups and Bryant were available, they would be my starting backcourt. Their ability to defend and knock down the 3 and space the floor gives them the edge. They both also have more experience in big game situations. Obviously, LeBron would move over to small forward in place of Battier. But this could all change, depending on the team's needs going into the Olympics.

Right now Team USA is just trying to establish a cohesive group that plays like a team and sets the right tone going forward. That's why I favor a starting lineup with role players such as Kirk Hinrich and Battier over more spectacular talents like Dwyane Wade and Anthony. Many of you disagree, as I learned here.