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7/25/2006 01:00:00 PM Who should start for Team USA?
Team USA's roster for the World Championships in Japan has been finalized. But who will take the floor for the opening tip of the tournament is still anyone's guess. With chemistry the stated order of the day, SI.com's Marty Burns suggests that the starting five should consist of Kirk Hinrich at point guard, LeBron James at shooting guard, Shane Battier at small forward, Elton Brand at power forward and Brad Miller at center. But what's your opinion? Is Dwyane Wade a no-brainer to start? Is leaving Gilbert Arenas on the bench a fatal mistake? Give us your starting five and at least a comment or two on why. posted by sidotcom | View comments |165 Comments:
talk about a no brainer:
arenas, wade, james, brand, and amare if healthy, otherwise millerI'd start Chris Paul, Lebron James, Bruce Bowen, Chris Bosh and at centre Elton Brand.... the scoring ability allows you to play bruce bowen to shut anyone down brand and bosh can both score inside, outside and are good rebounders, everyone can run the floor chris paul is one of the best distributors in the nba and i don't even have to say anything about lebron james.Point Guard: Dwanye Wade
Shooting Guard: Lebron James
Small Forward:Antawn Jamison
Power Forward: Elton Brand
Center: Dwight Howard
Shift in position for wade, wade plus lebron equals total disaster for the other teams.Captain Kirk, D-Wade, LeBron, Brand and Miller. D-Wade proved that he can score from the outside and LeBron has been known to hit some shots from the outside as well. The only thing I worry about is getting too many slashers and no space on the floor with LeBron and D-Wade out there at the same time. I really like Arenas, Paul coming off of the bench. Arenas could be a great 2 guard to come off the bench and shoot the three without having to worry about running the plays for the team. This team is going to walk all over people if they will play together instead of for themselves. It is all about the basics on the international level.Paul
Wade
James
Brand
StoudemireWhile your comments about skill sets are right on the mark, you forget the intangibles that are so important when dealing with players of this calibre. Dwyane Wade, coming off an NBA championship with the Heat, knows how to win and step up as he did in that series. He averaged just about 40 ppg. over the four in a row the Heat won. This is all after they were in a 2 games to none hole. At this point, good leaders, which Wade is, and clutch performance matters more than skill sets.Arenas, Wade, James, Brand, Millerpg: chris paul, apperantly he has wowed the coaching staff, he is the best "pure" pg, very smart and good shot
Sg: d-wade [arguably the best player on team, arguably]
sf: lebron...can anyone match his size and speed at the same time?
pf: brand the most solid player on the team
C: bosh, just b/c i think amare shud give the bench a boost, and wen he comes in for brand thewn bosh will slide back to the 4. + i dont see bradmiller as a center[so he shud be used occasionaly in a certain gameplans]
then gilbert and melo` can be a scoring boost of the bench, with shanebieng subbed in to gaurd the best perimeter player on the opposing teamChemistry, not flash...reports from Vegas make the lineup Hinrich, Bowen, Anthony, Howard, and Stoudemire. Speed, transition defense, the spread of the international game, and, of course, the early claim to best on-court chemistry.Bowen needs to be out there for defense. Scoring will not be a problem for this team, but defense will...and Bowen is the best defender in the NBApaul
wade
james
bosh
brand
6th man - ArenasArenas
Wade
James
Brand
StoudemireWade
James
Brand
Anthony
JamisonI pretty much agree with Hinrich, Lebron, Shane, Elton, and Miller
but i could also see bowen in place of shane
and Bosh in place of millerPG - Chris Paul
apparently has wowed coach K and is probably the best passer on the team not named Lebron
SG - D-Wade
You have to start the finals MVP, everyone seems to forget that D-Wade can pass the hell out of the ball too, 7+apg in the season, and he seems to like to shoot it from about the international 3
SF - Lebron
Absolute Nightmare for other teams to guard, will dominate thoroughly
PF - Elton Brand
Super Solid PF, will push people around and get some nice buckets and rebounds
C - Brad Miller
Need some experience on this team, and Miller has it, hes a solid passer and all around player, I would want stoudamire, but he isnt healthy and I dont trust a team that is so young so you cant start howard though i bet he will be a nice guy off the bench.it should be
pg-chris paul
sg-joe johnson
sf-carmelo anthony
pf-chris bosh
c-dwight howard1-paul
2-wade
3-lebron
4-brand
5-howardPaul
Wade
James
Stoudmire (Brand when Amare is not healthly)
BoshDwanye Wade
Lebron James (controls the momentom of the game)
Bruce Bowen ( there is no other deffensive player )
Elton Brand
Amare StoudemireI think Bowen needs to be in the starting five if you're looking for the best option for defense/three point shooter/hustle player. I would start Hinrich, Bowen, James, Brand and Howard. Howard gets the nod because of his rebounding abilities. I think this could be his coming out party since he hasn't had too much exposure to the general public in Orlando.Pg: Paul
sg: Wade
SF: Bowen
PF: Brand
C: HowardArenas- I think he's so underrated. Plus, he seems willing to do anything for this team.
Wade- With Arenas there, its a quick and dangerous backcourt
James- duh
Brand- easy choice
Stoudemire- Bada-bingBosh,Howard,Anthony,James,Wade. You get ballhandlers size and athleticism that the rest of the world can't compete with then you bring Arenas, Miller and Amare off the bench and other teams will have to forfeit to save face.C - Brand
PF - Stoudamire or Bosh (depending on Amare's health)
SF - Bron
2G - D-Wade
PG - Arenas
That'd be bananas. The only thing I may change, depending on who you're playing, if they have some kind of super star I would start Bowen over Wade just to set the tone.PG - Wade
SG - Johnson
SF - Lebron
PF - Brand
C - MillerI think they need to start the game by going for the kill. With an athletic force that can punish the opposition by forcing turnovers and playing a beautiful up-tempo style basketball, USA will send a message to opposing teams. The team should therefore start out with a lineup of:
PG - Paul
SG - Wade
SF - James
PF - Stoudemire
C - Brand
If this is unsuccessful due to a lack of pure shooters on the floor, Coach K can later send in some of our many shooters making the trip.Burns, you sound like a pure hater. It is ashame that a person can't receive credit when its due. D Wade has demonstrated his skills above and beyond. However, you still find it in your fictional mindset to throw stones. The starting lineup does not include D Wade. It's good you are a writer and not a coach because you would be fired.
PG- Chris Paul
SG- Dewayne Wade
SF- Lebron James
PF- Elton Brand
C- Brad Miller (Amare for a quick substitution if Miller is not performing)
Burns, keep in mind that the bench players are still allowed to play in these games. Stop your hatin' and be realistic.It would be unfair to Stoudemire, not to mention Phoenix fans who probably have only about two great years left from Steve Nash, to make Amare start this summer. At the Olympics no doubt he and Howard will tear it up, but for now Miller is a good choice, even if his rebounding is a little soft. Brand is a no-brainer, and complements Miller well.
Battier is overrated because he's a nice guy, doesn't hog the ball, and hustles. He'll be great coming in off the bench when the coaches want to slow the game down. But I'd start James at SF, Bowen at SG, and Wade at PG. Why do you need a true point guard when you have James, Wade, and Miller on the floor? Not to be harsh, but Bowen will probably be too slow by the time the Olympics roll around, and he fills the need for defense and 3-point shooting, so he might as well get some playing time now.
Hinrich should be happy just to have been invited to try out for the team. There's no way superstars are going to accept sitting on the bench while watching him start ahead of Wade and Paul.To A.E.
arenas doesn't play defense, and is a shoot-first guard. He's not good in the international game, period.
To Nels, Hinrich should be happy just to be invited? You should be happy you're not Coach K.pg-Hinrich
sg-Wade
sf-James
pf-Brand
c-Amare if healthy if not Bosh
James and Hinrich can shoot the ball. Opens the floor up for Wade to slash and this team also can run the ball and they are all unselfish players. I dont know who started saying Wade cant play defense as far as I can see he is one of the best defensive players on the team. you dont win championships by not playing defense. You got this one wrong Marty otherwise good job.PG-ARENAS
SG-D-WADE
SF-BRON
PF-BRAND
C-AMARE
EASY AS D-WADE HITS J'S.PG: Chris Paul: Give the experience to someone who is going to be amazing in 2008.
SG: Dwyane Wade: Has turned up performance in playoffs two straight years now.
SF: Lebron James: No comment here necessary.
PF: Chris Bosh: Will have the most "international" experience by 2008.
C: Amare Stoudamire: This is under the belief he will be 100% by the worlds. If he is anything less than 100%, use Brand and shift Bosh up to C.
6th Man: Brand for big, Melo for small.
The USA has the talent to play Phoenix-style, Steve Nash style, and don't have to worry about D if they run. That is the reasoning behind many of the choices.Coach K opened up training camp by stating, that he wanted his players to dominate every quarter of the tournament. As a believer that US Basketball still should dominate the sport, I love this mentality and feel the best way to realize this is to open up each game by going for the kill. We need to have an athletic team on the floor, one that will play a beautiful up-tempo style offense and capitalize on turnovers created from a smothering defense. The starting lineup should therefore be:
PG - Paul
In order to run an offense like the Suns, they need someone to get the ball up the court like Nash. Paul, the true point-guard that he is, will be the best at this.
SG - Wade
SF - James
Not only can both run the floor better than anyone else on the team and play smothering defense with their unbelievable athleticism, but they'll be super motivated from the Olympic failure.
PF - Stoudemire
C - Brand
If he's healthy, you can't leave off a Stoudemire from an up-tempo style offense and Brand will team up with him well as the team's best low-post player.Dwyane doesn't run the point, but if wants to start he'll make the transition and if anyone has actually followed the tryouts Carmelo has been the stand out player.
Point Guard : Dwyane Wade
Shooting Guard : Lebron James
Small Forward : Carmelo Anthony
Power Forward : Elton Brand
Center : Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudamire if he is healthyChris Paul, Wade, Lebron, Brand and Amare, a no brainer!I really like the idea of James starting at the 2. You have enough talent to fill the 3-5 slots, and Lebron can play whatever position you tell him to. How many other teams will have a counter to a 6-8 SG that can toy with anyone in the NBA?
For the rest of the team, I like Paul as the PG, although Hinrich won't lead the team wrong either. Bowen should be the SF, playing against whoever the best perimeter man is. Brand definately has to play PF, he can do anything down low he wants and is a great team player. For Center I have to go with Amare if he can/will play it. Bosh if he can't.
The idea of leaving Wade, Melo, and Howard on the bench is a killer move. Lebron will finally be able to rest when he needs it with them waiting to replace him, and what team is going to be able to fight with lebron for 30 minutes only to fight D Wade for 20 more?pg - chris paul
sg - d wade
sf - lebron
pf - bosh
c - howardpoint gaurd: chris paul
shooting gaurd: lebron james
small forward: bruce bowen
power forward: amare stoudemire
center: Brad miller
center: Elton brand( only if u want an agressive center )
so basically the team is based around lebron and amare scoring most of the points. of u think about it it makes sense. inside scoring and outside scoring. now to break it down even further u have chris paul, your past first point gaurd. this will increase amare and lebron's points. now u have ur defender in bruce bowen and now u have a passing center that can score from about 18 ft so u stretch the floor a little bit
em i correct?Chris Paul
D-Wade
King James
CB4
StoudemairePG: Chris Paul, he is a pure PG and can do some amazing things.
SG: Has to be D-Wade. The guy is unbelievable, how can u not start him.
SF: Lebron. I mean come on.
PF: I would go with Brand here. He is a great low post player, and can get u some rebounds too.
C: This one is hard, but I have to go with Howard. He is a good defender and can get any rebound he wants, USA is gonna need that.
I would love to start Melo cause he is so underrated, but with Wade and Lebron being the obvious starters, and Wade will most likely to start SG, and Lebron is going to start at PF, there is no where to put him, but he will be a good 6th man along with Arenas.D Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James,
Ron Artest and Ben Wallce.
Well, we have 2-5 of the NBA's best players.
That should be good for another 3rd place finish.PG - ARENAS (with Redd and Billups not there, they need an outside threat)
SG - JAMES
SF - BOWEN
PF- BRAND
C - HOWARD
Slash and Melo coming off the bench is sick.Point-Arenas
Shooting-Wade
SFoward-James
PFoward-Brand
Center-Stoudemire
anything else and we're not putting our best foot foward!PG- Hinrich
SG- Wade
SF- James
PF- Battier
C- Brand
International teams are not going to try and outmuscle the US, they will try to beat the US using speed and shooting. Thus a true center is not needed, Brand is more than enough. Also, Battier's ability to stretch the floor allows Wade and James to penetrate without constant double-teams. Hinrch's scrappy play and pass-first mentality is perfect for this team.Arenas
Wade
Jamison
Brand
Miller
I think everyone will be surprised how the international game will reveal the deficiencies of Amare and, in particular, LeBron. Amare is great one-on-one and on the break, but the internatiional game's zone defenses will limit him and his lack of an outside shot. LeBron travels all the time and won't shoot as well as you might think. His turnovers will be a liability for the team, so much so that he shouldn't start.Burns, get real! Here is the list of reasoning...at least for this summer
PG Paul - best penetrator and decent 3-pt shooter. Hinrich only made the team b/c Billup is having a kid and Ridnour has no D
SG Wade - how can he be on the bench? Burns, have you seen the final? Plus, Wade is totally capable of playing better D than Battier. Battier just seems to be a better defender b/c he has no offense to show
SF LB - duh!
PF Brand - Burns, good choice here. experience, poise, and best post-up game. Our go-to guy in the post.
C Miller - another good choice. great passer and can knock some shots. we don't need two big guys who can score with backs to the basket.
Arenas and Carmelo come off the bench to score some points.
Stoudamire and Dwight come off the bench to rebound, play defense, and Stoudamire can be our go-to guy in the post when Brand takes a break.
Bowen and Battier come off the bench to play some perimeter D.
Hinrich comes in to so that paul can rest a bit.
For 2008...if everybody stays healthy...
PG Wade - can play the point, besides we don't need a traditional point when you have Wade, Kobe, and LB
SG Kobe - the best player in the league has to start! with good players around him, he can finally be a "team" player. remember, 3 rings!
SF LB - again, duh!
PF Dwight - he'll be ready by then to dominate the rebounds and defense!
C Stoudamire - if those knees hold up, the best big man!pg-Paul
sg-Wade
sf-James
pf-Stoudamire
c-Howard
I think everyone forgets how devastating Stoudamire's jumper was before he was injured. Add Howard for size, rebounding, and an intimidating force who doesn't require the ball. The others don't need an explanationPaul- Best pure point guard
Wade- Will be a great side kick to Lebron
James- Best player on team and world
Brand- exprience
Bosh- MOre adept to foreign gameBelieve it or not, I don't think LeBron should start. He still has a developing game and travels too much in the NBA. I'd actually prefer 'Melo at the 3, so that our lineup would look like this:
Paul (a bit better than Arenas as a passer)
Wade
Anthony
Brand
Millerlets go in logical order:
Brad miller must be the center. His past first game, tenacious defense, and big range for a center make him ideal for international play.
lebron james, as the focal point of this team also must start. Slotting him in at sf opens up doors for some other players
While miller is good, his rebounding isnt great for a center. The united states needs an unselfish power foward who can grab rebounds, play tough defense, and set picks. Elton Brand knows the ins and outs of rebounding positioning like none other, and also provides some muscle down low, along with some solid tenacious d.
This lineup so far does not have great shooting. Kirk Heinrich at the pg position is a perfect fit for this team, because he provides the long ball threat, as well as the tenacious defence he learned under scott skiles.
Finally, for a little bit more kick on the offense side, we need another threat to take it to the hoop, and dwayne wade is the unquestioned best in the world at providing this. He can also stroke the midrange jumper like none other. With brad miller passing out of the post, he shoudl get plenty of looks.
so to recap
pg:heinrich
sg:wade
sf:lebron
pf:brand
c:miller
this lineup gives you on the offensive end:
a)shooting (wade/heinrich)
b)rebounding (brand/lebron)
c)driving ability (wade/bron)
d)scoring from the post (brand)
on the defensive end, you have hinrich and miller, who are tenacious defenders, brand who has plenty of muscle to throw around in the post,
wade, who is one of the most underrated defenders in the league, and bron who's no slouch.
In the event that a star player is torching the us, they could bring in bowen for wade for some defensive presence, and gilbert for hinrich to replace wades scoring bunch.
carmelo can come off the bench to provide machine-like scoring in the 4rth quarter as the "closer". gilbert can fill the same sort of role too.
stoudemire can come in for short bursts as his knee recover, providing intensity and explosiveness. bosh and howard can spell brand and provide some fresh, tenacious play on both sides.
with this scheme, usa basketball can't lose.PG- PAUL
SG- WADE
SF- JAMES
PF- BRAND
C- MILLER
D-WADE & JAMES are unbeleivable, u got to have those two in the starting five!PG: Kirk Hinrich
Note: Can play defense, shoot, pass and penetrate. Pass first point guard. Will make the open 3-pointers and feed Brand in the post consistently.
SG: Joe Johnson
Note: Can play defense, shoot, pass and penetrate. Very unselfish. Shooting guard with point guard skills. Won't miss open 3-pointers, spreads the floor for Brand and James.
SF: LeBron James
Note: Can penetrate at will, excellent passer at his position, good help defender, good rebounder and shot blocker. Can do everything except shoot the 3 consistently. That's why Hinrich and Johnson are on the floor.
PF: Elton Brand
Note: Excellent post player (Beast down low), excellent rebounder (especially offensive), intimidating shot blocker.
C: Brad Miller
Note: Excellent 15-20 ft shooter, best passer at his position, physical defender, very unselfish. Can't leave him to double someone else. Will consistently knock down the open shot. Can shoot the 3-pointer if open (39% during regular season and 35% for his career).I'm gonna have to go with:
PG- Hinrich (is a pass first PG, and can hit the deep ball consistently)
SG- Lebron (his dominance is unquestionable and should dominate smaller guards)
SF- Bowen (great defender and shoots a high percentage from 3)
PF- Brand (the most consistent and experienced scorer at this position)
C- Miller (His passing ability will open things up in the middle)Paullllll, Wade, James, Howard, AmareWhy not make this a starting line-up that features the 2003 Draft Class:
PG: Hinrich
SG: Wade
SF: James
SF: Anthony
C: Bosh
Is it a coincidence that the NBA has this draft class in the team? I think not!I don't know what Marty Burns was thinking!
There is no way to cut D Wade from starting line up. First af all, he's the proven winner. second, he's arguably the best player in the team. He can make play, penetrate & get other guys involved. Therefore, I'd pick a sharp 3 point shooter on the point guard position;it could be either Gilbert Arenas or Kirk Hinrich(plays better deffense)
How could you pick Brad Miller over Dwight Howard?? Who's the better defender & shot blocker?
My starting five:
Point guard : Kirk Hinrich
Shooting guard : Dwayne Wade
Small Forward : Lebron James
Power Forward : Elton Brand
Center : Dwight HowardYou all seem to forget something. The International Basketball isn't living from points, team basketball and good defense is everything. The USA tried it the last few times with offense and what happened? Total desaster. So think first and then make youre team. I'm from Europe, so I know what I'm talking about.World Championships:
pg-paul
sg-wade
sf-lebron
pf-brand
c- Miller
but come '08 Olympics:
pg-Paul
sg-Kobe
sf-LeBron
pf-Howard
c-StoudemireFirst 5:
Hinrich, Johnson, Lebron, Brand, Amare/Miller (Depending on Amare's health)
Second 5:
Paul, Wade, Melo, Bosh, Howard
Hinrich and Lebron for playmaking and penetration. Johnson and Hinrich as zone busters. Brand's inside outside game, shotblocking, and rebounding make him solid at PF. Miller will provide the steady rebounding and defense around the rim to ignite Lebron's deadly fast break, and his touch from out to 18 ft. will allow for better spacing for penetration.
The second unit is one of the fastest units on paper and are perfect for D'antoni's high octane offense. Paul, Wade, and Melo will run the opposition to the ground while Bosh and Howard will rebound like demons both offensively and defensively.
Much respect to Battier & Bowen but defensive stopper's aren't as critical in international play where focus is more on team play than isolation one on ones. Sorry Arenas but it was you or Wade.I had to stop reading I saw way too many posts with Wade coming off the bench. Right now, he is the best player in the NBA because of talent, athleticism, leadership and more intangibles then anyone since Jordan. Wade beat 2 teams that would beat any international teams this past playoffs. If this USA team truly wants to dominate with victories of over 30 points you must make room for the MVP. James, Anthony, and Brand should all play second fiddle to a guy who did something they couldn't.I agree with Marty Burns. Remember the last World Championships? They were all all-stars right on the starting lineup right?? But there was no balance on the team. The stating lineup with Hinrich and Miller provides balance both in offence and defence. Miller vs Howard. Experience always plays a big part in basketball. Wade vs Hinrich. Hinrich is a much more team player. LeBron is an intangible. Brand gives muscle underneath the basket. Battier/Bowen are hard-nosed all-around players. It a good balance. Let the starting line exhaust the oppenent and after that let the subs do more damage.pg: arenas - only because his range is better than cp's and shooting is a premium in int.'l ball
sg: dwade - who else is in our current roster is better at the 2G spot
sf: lbj - i think he's gonna be a monster this time around
pf: elton b - solid, tough, dependable, and smart
c: probably brad miller because of his touch, passing, and adequate D. if amare is 100% and improves his range, then he should get the nod. dwight is powerful and athletic, but still too raw
GO USA !!!Pg: Dwayne Wade
He has the slashing, defense passing and determination this team needs.
Sg: Joe Johnson
He has the outside shooting and speed.
Sf: Lebron James
All around skills and i believe he would defer to the right teamate in a given situation.
Pf: shane battier
Defensive stalwart and helps open up the floor
C: Elton Brand
All around great player defense rebounding shotblocking will do the dirty work and defer to the other big names.
This is a small line up and may need to be adjusted if say Yao ming is the competition but for the most part I feel this starting lineup would allow a great second unit and a great start. At the end of the game I would like to see Wade,Lebron,Anthony,Brand, and Miller on the floor.This are my starting five:
PG --- Hinrich
SG --- Wade
SF --- James
PF --- Brand
C ----- MillerPG-Chris Paul
Arenas is still a shoot-first PG, and Paul is just flat-out better than Hinrich
SG-Dwyane Wade
An argument for anyone to start over Wade and Lebron on the wing is just stupid. Joe Johnson provides extra depth and can even play some point.
SF-Lebron
Bowen and Battier would come off the bench to provide extra defense, but Lebron is the most talented player on the team.
PF-Dwight Howard
This team doesn't need any more scorers, so a tough rebounder would be very nice. Bosh and Brand would be great coming off the bench.
C-Brad Miller
If Amare was 100% i'd go with him, but he's definitely not. I might not even take him to the Asian Championships to give him some extra rehab time, and you don't need a 70% Amare on the team. If another team has a small, quick lineup, I'd move Howard to C and try Bosh, Carmelo, or brand at PF. Miller is a arguably the best back-to-the-basket scorer on the team(maybe not Brand), and he's definitely the best passing big man.
think about what the U.S. could put together if everyone wanted to play.
PG-Jason Kidd
SG-Dwyane Wade
SF-LeBron
PF-Amare if he was healthy, but i guess Dwight Howard
C-Shaq
that would be a great PF away from another dream team
1 CP3
2 D-Wade
3 LBJ
4 Melo
5 Howardmjp
the permanent staring five should be
p.g. dwayne wade
s.g. kobe bryant
s.f. lebron james
p.f. amare stoudemaire
c. elton brand1.chris Paul
2.Lebron James
3.Elton Brand
4.Chris Bosh
5.Dwight HowardI will go with this line-up
PG: D Wade: He shown he can run a team also he can rebound well for a guard also much stronger then tradtional point guard inernationally.
Shooting Guard: Lebron James
He's the King he can score pass and rebound. The offense should be set up by him the most
Small Forward: Bruce Bowen I pick him because he would be put the other teams best wing player. James, Wade, Melo would have to guard these guys.
Forward: Carmelo Anthony He has been the by far best player in the camp. Players and coaches have said it. Melo is so strong so fast and playing out of this world now he will kill other team bigger forward trying to guard him. This also give US Four shooters on the floor. Bowen was once the NBA leader in three point%
Center: Dwight Howard this kid is a rebound machine also clean the glass very well,put backs, tip in etcs.I think the toughest decision will be at the point -- Arenas is awesome, but if he can't learn to shoot less, I guess it should go to the somewhat less explosive Paul. Heinrich would work, but he's not as quick as the other two.
I'm disappointed about the lack of great centers available. Hopefully Oden will be as good as predicted; otherwise we've got a bunch of power forwards and Miller, who is slow and doesn't really play Defense. Even if Shaq were available, he'd be too slow and fat by 2008.1. Hinrich
2. D. Wade
3. LeBron
4. Elton
5. B. Miller
Only flaw is 3 pt. shooting. Would like to change D. Wade with Kobe, when available, or maybe even gilbert arenas, since da 3-ball will be so big in international ball.PG: Gilbert Arenas
SG: Dwayne Wade
SF: Lebron James
PF: Elton Brand
C: Dwight Howard
The combination of this starting five could be a threat for years to come. TEAM USA could have a goldmine here.Arenas
Wade
Johnson
James
BrandOk, i dont disagree totally with the choices but i would make minor changes....
PG: Kirk Hinrich....he can shoot, defend, and is a true pass-first point guard
SG: D Wade...how can the Finals MVP not be in the starting 5???? If the best ballplayers in the world cant contain him, no way the rest of the world can....Come on, this is easy....Flash is the way to go here, no question
SF: King James.....as has been mentioned, he's a no-brainer here
PF: E. Brand....does all the dirty work, rebounding, post-up, etc....the best complete PF on the team, undoubtedly
C: Brad Miller...best center available....play him like 15-18 mins a game, and let Amare / D Howard / CB4 alternate the 4 and 5 poitions with Brand and Miller throughout the game
BENCH :
PG - Chris Paul
SG - Gilbert Arenas
SF - Melo
PF - Bosh
C - Amare / D Howard
I would suggest just subbing by whole groups.....starting 5, then bring in 5 new guys off the bench...and alternate accordinglyChris Paul is the best PG for the Phoenix Suns style offense the team will run.
Wade is not just a "sublime scorer". He does it all. His lack of ego would allow him to come off the bench, but you don't sit the Finals MVP. Period. Not after that performance, anyway. When Kobe returns to the team, he comes in at SG, Wade moves to PG, and CP comes off the bench.
LeBron starts at SF. Anthony may have played the best in Vegas, but there's no way you start him in front of James.
After that, start whoever you want at PF and C, but the above three are locks.PG:Chris Paul
SG:Wade
SF:Lebron
PF:Brand
C:Howard
Never put Melo into game the most overrated player on the roster dont know why he is even thereC - Brad Miller
PF - Brand
Backups: Amare the main backup at both spots. If his knees aren't holding up, D. Howard steps up. Bosh adds depth.
SF - Lebron
Backups: Carmelo is the main scoring threat off the bench. Battier can add the '3' and some defense in spots.
SG - Joe Johnson (can shoot, play D, and play some point if needed.)
Backup - Wade
PG - Paul
Backup: Hinrich beats out Arenas since he's more of a pass first guy. Get the feeling he'd be more willing to be a role player.Backcourt: Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade
Forwards/Center: LeBron James, Elton Brand, Dwight Howardsthis TEAM USA should not be about the best player of the NBA. it should be a group of individuals willing to work for a team. we can all say that d-wade is the best, and so lebron but the thing is we can count ten other who we can all the "best". so why waste time identifying who is the best and just create a team who knows how to play like one...
here is my team:
PG: Hinrich
SG: James
SF: Bowen
PF: Brand
C: Miller
It may not be the "powerhouse" but power is only mustered when it is use the right way. And these persons knows how...pg = wade
sg =james
sf = brand
pf = bosh
c = howardpg wade
sg james
sf brand
pf bosh
c howardI'd start Bowen and it wouldn't matter who the other 4 guys are. Bruce can stop anyone and his defensive intensity will set the tone.pg: paul
sg: johnson
sf: lebron
pf: brand
c: amare
bench: hinrich, wade, battier, bowen, bosh, howard and millerAll this talk about putting a true "team" is nonsense. Did the 92,96,2000 not feature a all star starting 5? You mean to tell me that a lineup of Magic, MJ, Bird, Malone, and Ewing wouldn't do well in this era because they are all superstars? What USA basketball really needed was more time to play together because its not that they're playing poorly, but that the world has gotten a lot better over the past decade. Hinrich over Wade is just stupid. The Asia 5 should be Paul, Wade, Lebron, and whichever big man dual you want. When Olympics comes, You must feature Kobe, Wade, and Lebron together because they are the heart and soul of the team.1 - Hinrich
Great point guard skills and is a better defender than either Arenas or Paul
2 - Lebron
His defense would be a concern
3 - Bowen
Great defender
4 - Brand
no reason needed
5 - Miller
Good defender, passer and understands the international game
International play you must be able to defend the 3 therefore we have to put our best defensive team on the floor.
My other concerns is that Stern-Induced ticky-tac fouls won't be called so our players may have trouble adjusting to international officiating.Hinrich, Wade, Lebron, Brand, Howard.
I don't know how Jamison made the team with the matador defense he plays.In the international game..you need guys who can attack from the outside and able to slice in into the middle. Hinrich is not the man that can do either of them as well as Wade, Arenas, and Paul. Also, James is more comfortable in the SF position than the SG position since James has played in the SF position all of last season. So the roaster I would choose is this:
PG: Paul
SG: Wade or Arenas
SF: James
PF: Brand
C: Stoudimire (if healthy) not: MillerPG: Chris Paul
SG: D-Wade
SF: LeBron James
PF: Elton Brand
C: Chris Bosh1- Arenas
2- Wade
3- James
4- Amare (if healthy) otherwise Brand
5- Millerpg- hinrich
sg- wade
sf- james
pf- brand
c- millerpg-hinrich
sg-wade
sf-james
pf-brand
c-millerthe starting 5 issue would mean nothing in the course of the game. whoever coach k starts can give the team the usual initial scoring kick that would later on disappear after opponents lose their awe. U.S.A. should be more concerned in fielding correct combinations at any period of the game to sustain the team's play and intensity on both ends, particularly during homestretch period where they got clobbered usually, judging from their past losses.I think that if you wanted to go with a fantasy lineup, I'd have Arenas running point, Wade at shooting guard, Lebron at Small, Howard at Power, and Brand at Center. I also think the idea of Lebron and Amare starting with a few role players would be sick and explosive. But this is my lineup.
PG - Hinrich
SG - Wade
SF - Lebron
PF - Brand
C - Miller
I put Wade in there, only because I think that he can accept his role as a "step-back-and-watch-'Bron-dominate" kind of player. Wade is just as good a defender as Battier, and steps up his game in the subtle areas (passing, rebounding, defense, as well as the three point shot) when necessary. Hustle-plays are a given.PG: Paul
>> as what have been said a million times, he's the best PURE point guard in the team..
SG: Wade
>> c'mon people!..those of you who said he can't shoot probably wasn't able to watch the '06 NBA Finals..DW is just great...he's a team-player, a leader, attracts D, and a provens scorer..one who definitely has poise under extreme pressure!
SF: James
>> who else?
PF: Brand
>> locked!
C: Howard
>> he has proven to have matured and improved well...he's a monster in the paint..a beast in rebounding..and can handle best those tip-ins..vvery important since under international rules, anyone can touch the ball even if it is on the rim..
PS: even if Kobe is back, don't be deceived by his overrated appeal..Wade runs the Heat like a pg and that was good enought to win the nba title. I like paul and Hinrich but Wade is leaps and bounds beyond them.
pg- Wade (the best player on the team)
sg- Joe Johnson (killer with the 3 pointer)
sf- Lebron (second best player)
pf- Brand (solid)
c- Bosh (speed and height)pg kirk hinrich, better shooter than paul but still looking for other players before himself, good defense
sg dwyane wade, good defense, ability to create, 7 apg
sf lebron, no comment
pf elton brand, ability to score inside
c dwight howard, good defense, powerful
backup pg cp
backup sg jj
backup sf bb
backup pf as
backup c asIf Coach K wants to go big in his backcourt and athleticism in front, i'll pick:
PG: Johnson
SG: Wade
SF: James
PF: Brand
C : Stoudemire/Miller
I choose JJ over Paul,Arenas,Hinrich because of his shooting skills plus he's done PG stuffs while playing for Phoenix. His long ball will definitely spread out the defense of other teams and unclog the middle paving the way for Bron and DWade to operate. Plus a waiting-in-the-paint tandem of brand (a very good PF with his offense and tenacious defense and rebounding) and stoudemire (if healthy, that's why i also put miller there at center as insurance).
Offense should dictate early and Bowen can be inserted when playing against teams with go-to-players like Argentina and Serbia.PG: Joe Johnson
SG: Dwayne Wade
SF: Lebron James
PF: Elton Brand
C: Amare Stoudemire
JJ,DW,LJ all have good ball handling skills so PG duties are no problem. EB and AS are both active on the boards and defense.
Offense should be emphasized first in the attack to build leads. With this group, running game, outside shooting, slashing, rebounding and defense (athleticism is no question) is well emphasized.
Bruce Bowen will only be inserted to deactive go-to-guys of opposing teams. No offense to those who voted for Bowen over DWade but DWade is also a better defender. TEAM DEFENSE should be their motto and not individual defenses.Bowen should not even be on the team. And to say he plays better defense than Areans. Bowen can't guard anyone on the team but battier... :) he definiely won't be around for 08 olympics. Would've been better off with Larry Hughes.PG: Chris Paul
SG: LeBron James
SF: Shane Battier
PF: Elton Brand
C: Brad Miller
chris paul can lead this high scoring, AND defensively sound group while distributing the ball unselfishly, playing excellent defense and knocking down threes. LeBron: nuff said. Shane Battier has the ability to shut down the best of the competition. Elton Brand can score with the best of them, and Miller is an excellent passer and scorer with good size.You are talking about playing a Suns type offense...they arent even the best team in the NBA, let alone the world...
The strength of the team is DEPTH not just better athletic ability. We had that with AI and you seen where that got us...If athleticism was the key we would just send the AND-1 mix tape tour team.
Lineup...
PG: Paul/Arenas/James
(depending on who starts at SF for both teams)
SG: HAVE to start D Wade
(he finds a way to win)
SF: Lebron/Bruce Bowen
(depending on offensive skills of opponent)
PF: Brand
(He is an amazing numbers monster, ability to get good position for rebounds not just tip dunks..DUKIE)
C: Bosh/Miller/Howard
(Flip a three sided coin or pull a name out of a hat...they have to be able to defend the paint (not block shots) as well as get into good position for rebounds, once again, not tip dunk)
we do not have a TRUE SHOOTER like RAY ALLEN, and we have to admit that AMARE will not be 100%. Amare can get better coming off the bench and not having to play defense vs. their starter the majority of the time.
Gilbert is the best defending PG
Lebron and Wade can play D
Bowen is a lock down defender and without Marion you need that at times...I believe your best defender is not suppose to come off the bench, leave that for the guys who only play Offense... I know this is a Coach K team but lets not start looking at Shane Battier as a starter on a USA team when he is not even the best player at his position...Use the matchups, and set the guys up for success...get a better shooting PG with your slashers on the court...and use Lebron as a passer (for once he has someone to pass to)...most overrated player on the team is Carmelo Anthony, he scores in Denver because he gets to the line and that because he has the ball in his hands ALL THE TIME...on this team I would rather have a 75% shawn Marion or a full Rashard Lewis than Carmelo Anthony.First of all, starting Kirk Hinrich over Chris Paul or Dwayne Wade does not make any logical sense...even using the arguments that I've heard. The numbers dont add up! They say Kirk is a team first point guard? Well Kirk averaged 6.3 assist last season, while Wade averaged 6.7 assist and Paul averaged 7.8 assist a game! Kirk is 3rd. They say Kirk is a better defender? Paul averaged 2.24 steals a game and Wade averged 1.95 steals a game. Kirk averaged 1.35 stls. 3rd again. Rebounds? Wade averaged a whopping 5.7 rebounds a game and Paul 5.1 boards! Kirk you say? 3.6 rebounds a game...a distant third once more. And while its true that Kirk's 3point percentage was higher, Wade didn't shoot hardly any threes in the season but was on point in the playoffs. And Kirk FG% was awful for the season....418! Compare that to Wade's .495 or even Pauls .430. So they shot better over all. The starting lineup should be...
PG - Chris Paul (passing/steals)
SG - Dwayne Wade (scoring/defense)
SF - Lebron James (passing/boards)
PF - Elton Brand (post/defense)
C - Brad Miller (shooting/passing)
Even though Miller is a weak rebounder for a center(only 7.8 a game) I'll start him for spacing purposes because of his shooting and passing.
Bench
PG-Hinrich,SG-Arenas,SF-Anthony,PF-Battier,C-Howard (Bowen = old, Amare = Hurt)PG: Chris Paul-great defense, passing ability, shooting
SG: LeBron James- enough said
SF: Shane Battier- shut-down defender
PF: Elton Brand- excellent scorer with defensive capabilities
C: Brad Miller- very good passer will provide size and scoringpaul
wade
james
brand
howardPg. James
Sg. Wade
Sf. Battier
Pf. Brand
C. BoshI think its a mistake not to start Arenas. He certainly has the best set-shot on this team, if not the entire NBA. If wade and LeBron are your designated "slashing" players, Arenas wouldn't have to drive to the basket as much as he does for the Wizards. As the PG, he shouldn't be doing it so much anyway.Pg. -James........"second coming
of Magic"
Sg. -Wade.........Best 2 guard/and
plays defense
Sf. -Battier......Defensive
3-point
specialist
Pf. -Brand........Best power fwd/
also a pretty
good defensive
player
Ct. -Bosh.........adds a second
post player and
gives u a more
athletic centerpaul
wade
hames
anthony
howardI did not read all the comments... but anyone putting bowen or battier above joe johnson is severely flawed in their analysis.
joe shoots better than both of them, he can play just as good of D (bowen might have him a little in this area, but joe is such a better all-around player), he can play 4 positions, he is unselfish, but can also lead a team.
if you need an unselfish "glue" guy... joe johnson is your man
my line-up:
pg- paul
sg- wade
sf- james
pf- brand or bosh
c- amare or howard depending on injury
3 other important players - anthony, arenas, joe johnsonchris paul, Lebron james, bruce bowen, elton brand, and amare stoudemire. With Paul as the floor general and LBJ as the two-guard, you have two dynamic playmakers that can penetrate and kick it back out(if need be) to a shooter like bowen who can nail the trey. For a change of pace, you can dump the ball to unstoppable post players brand and stoudemire that can score in the paint and be a force. So you have two penetrators, a defensive stopper and shooter, and two stalwarts in post.paul
james
bowen
brand
stoudemirego big and smash them all
lebron at point
wade at sg
mellow at sf
brand at pf
stat at center
domination!!!Marty Burns starting 5 is the way to go, but remember it's not about who starts the game, it's about who's on the floor at the end of the close games... As long as there are 2 legitimate 3 point shooters on the floor who can defend their positions as well for most of the game, this version of the US team should be in great shape heading into the Olympics when EVERYONE on the roster will be 100% healthy, more experienced this next few years should get the US basketball program back on top of the world....As long as this team has no serious injury problems, they should be the favourite to win this tournament hands down....Personally, I say to the rest of the teams in this tournament, GOOD LUCK beating this team IF the US plays unselfish, hard D, and hit outside shots....The simple answer would be everyone but for me personally, it would be: paul
wade
lebron
melo
stoudamireWhy would putting in a couple of role players make the team have more chemistry? Chemistry is created when a group of players are put together and have time to develop. Trust me, there are no ego's on this team. Each individual has one thing in mind and that's to bring the gold back. Its not like USA hasn't won with a bunch of superstars.If the US sent the best possible it would look like this:
pg: Iverson. WANTS TO PLAY!!!! 'Nuff said
sg: Kobe. Best guard in the league. And people forget he is a do-it-all.
sf: Vince. 2000 Olys and '03 pelims he was the best guy on the court. Period. For some reason he thrives in the international setting
pf: Garnett. Best player in the league.
c:Duncan. Best pure low-post player in the leagueI was reading some of the blogs and it seems some people think Bowen is old... People, most jumpers Bowen forces shooters are all fade-aways and for shooters to square-up and shoot over him are close to none. Old? A hand on the face and a pair of legs that work (probably better than a 20 yr. old) makes a mean defense and a tough guy. Hard work pays off, Bowen is without arguement a starter.D-Wade not a starter, and LeBron is the starting SG? This Marty Burns must be working for the LeBron-Hype. Firstly LeBron is not an SG, especially not in the international game. And D-Wade is the best player in the world.Let's be real about this...
PG...Paul (gives you just what you need from a point)
SG...Wade (2nd greatest player playing today, has to be on the floor)
SF...Bowen (no one can play D like he can, let's not forget he can hit from the outside)
PF...Brand (no brainer, he's just solid)
C...Bosh (Miller is too slow and Stoudemire should even be there he's not ready)PG Chris Paul
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Lebron James
PF Elton Brand
C Chris Bosh
all are above average defenders, more then enough scoring in this starting lineup. Besides bosh, all of these players can distribute the ball at a high efficiency. The international 3 should make it a bit easier for wade, bosh and lebron to sink the 3....plenty of rebounding in this starting 5...the three point shot will be important so the lineup should be:
pg: hinrich (good decision maker)
sg: arenas (been working on international three a lot)
sf: james (better to play at natural position)
pf: brand
c: millerWell Coach K seems to wants guys who will play some D, be content with being a role player for this squad and shooters. With that in mind, this is my lineup
Pg: Arenas/Paul...Arenas is the better shooter and was quoted as saying he now shoots the international three like it is a free throw. Also he is WILLING to relinquish his scoring capabilities for the betterment of this team.
sg:Wade...Although not that great a shooter, just too good of a talent not to start and log in significant minutes.
sf: James...A decent shooter, albeit an inconsistent one. Very versitile so he can basically be one of the three of this linup who can bring the ball up.
pf: Brand (although you could argue Jamison with his rebounding and solid outside shooting)
c: Howard...a workhorse who will be a great defensive presence down on the blocks as well as a good rebounderPaul
James
Melo
Brand
Bosh
Can you find a better team-first players than these? All these guys want to win and are willing to put the flag before themselves. You can't find a better TEAM than this.pg - Gilbert Arenas
sg - D. Wade
sf - Lebron James
pf - E. Brand
c - Dwight Howard
Arenas has the experience edge over other two pg's. Wade & James on the wing would be unstoppable. Brand gives you low post scoring. Dwight Howard is a beast giving you boards and blocks without demanding the ball on offense.
TJ - Ft MyersI think, US Basketball will try to assimilate to European basketball, which basically means lots of ball movement by very courtvisionary players. That is why my First Team would be:
(1) Kirk Hinrich
(2) Dwayne Wade
(3) Lebron James
(4) Elton Brand
(5) Brad Miller
The rest of the guys will nevertheless see much playing time, that's why an actual starting place is just something for the ego ;-)Paul (Arenas backup)
Wade
LBJ
Brand
Howard (Would start Amare if he was 100%)Johnson = great perimeter shooting. Remeber what he did with good players around him in Phoenix.
Paul
Johnson
Battier
Brand
HowardLebron at the 1 spot. He can run the show- passing, scoring, defending...
D Wade at the 2. Can go to the hole at will, shoot the international length three, as well as take over games in the late minutes. Plays good defense and makes good decisions with the ball.
Melo at the 3. Apparently he has been unstoppable at the tryouts. He has great offfensive skills and can run the floor.
Brand at the 4. He is solid in all aspects and very fundamentally sound.
Howard at the 5 (until Stoudamire is healthy). Able to rebound and run the floor.
This would be a big, fast lineup that few, if any, countries could match up with.
The bench players would add nuances and position changes that will add flow during different points in each game.While it would be fun to see 5 super stars on the court at the same time, I would much rather watch 5 players that can provide actual match up problems against the specific team we are playing. Let's not forget we finished pretty piss poor in recent past!
This isn't fantasy basketball people, this is worldwide basketball here and the USA does have something to prove.paul
wade
james
brand
howard
wade would be the go-to guy, none of the rest are selfish. all play pretty good defensepg - wade
sg - james
sf - anthony
pf - brand,stoudemire (if at 100 percent),bosh,howard
c - miller,brand,stoudemire (if at 100 percent),bosh,howard
If you start these guys you'll end up out scoring the other team then you're bench players would be stopers and nasty scorers off the bench .I think the best line up for the US is as listed:
PG-Captain Kirk, best combo of pg/sg, can play D, and is totally unselfish.
SG-D-Wade, most athletic player on the team next to Lebron. Very unselfish as well, and is unstopable going to the rack.
SF-Lebron(which is a no brainer), LBJ can bring back the gold to the US. He can shoot, pass, and drive. He only needs to show the world he can sit down and play D.
PF-Brand, he is the most physical player on the US. His tough low post game combined with his tenacious rebounding will be a great asset to this team. He just needs to get quality touches.
C-Miller, he is one of the best passing/shooting big men in the league. He has a very high basketball IQ. He already plays like most international big men. We will need him to pull the oppositions big men away from the basket.
With strong bench play from Arenas, Melo, D-Howard, Battier/Bowen Combo, Paul, and Amare, this US team could bring the Gold back to where it belongs.Internationals will not play us man. They're players are not atheletic enough. Therefore, when playing a zone one must have as many shooters on the floor as possible. I kept this in mind when i made these line ups.
This team is essentially built around Wade and Lebrons ability to drive with shooters around them and crazy D to create transition oppertunities.
Pg - Kirk Hinrich (if healthy enough)
C. Paul can not shoot the three well and his mid range game is not that consistent either, therefore I do not believe he will be very effective in the half court since he depends on driving to the hoop so much and I would rather have Wade or Lebron driving. Hinrich plays better D, has a better J from anywhere, and has proven he can lead a team with many good players (Bulls who nearly beat the 2006 NBA champions).
Sg - Dwayne Wade
This was a tough desicion between wade and lebron. They can probably be mixed and matched depending on the situation. I took wade though, because he may not be able to shoot the nba three as well as Lebron, but from about 20 feet (which is nearly international range)he is automatic unlike Lebron. I also took wade because he proved last year against the Pistons that he could play against a Zone quite effectively and he plays better D than lebron.
Sf- Bruce Bowen
deadly corner three point shooter, hustles, and plays crazy D.
Pf - Shane Battier
This line up does look small with Battier at PF, but remember he played that position alot last year for the grizzlies and did quite admirably. You factor in that against internationals, he will be playing against 6'11" skinny shooters at the PF, not the monstrous bulls that play in the NBA, and it makes alot of sense.
Plus his added three point range will space the floor even more for wade/lebron.
C- Elton Brand (if Amare's 100 percent he has this)
This will ofcourse change if for some reason we play against some 7 foot monster, but remember in international play he will face F.Oberto from argentina, P. Gasol from spain, etc. With his 7'6" wing span and 250 pound frame he will be able to hold his own. You factor in his ability to hit an 18 footer consistently, his ability to run the floor, and his ability to post up and he is the perfect man for the job.
My bench would first consist of lebron. He can fill any position but center. Every one else will come in depending on the situation. If we were getting dominated on the boards, Amare Stoudemire, if healthy enough, or Dwight Howard would come in. If the game was becoming a track race, Chris Paul would come in because he is the best transition point on the team. If they were playing man for some reason, Carmelo Anthony and Antwan Jamison would come in to create mismatches in the paint against smaller players. Gilbert Arenas and Joe Johnson would come in if Wade/lebron were on a complete tear and didnt want to put mediocre shooters coming off the bench at the point and small forward for them.This is not the nba... there are zones so dribble penetration is less valuable... aka Wade and Paul... Ball movement, screen and rolls, shooting and defense are a must... Wade and Paul are horrible outside shots and wont get the fouls for stars as they got in the NBA... aka Hinrich gaurd.. not selfish, make other better and shut down defense... watch.. Hinrich will start.. just ask Wade how much fun he had playing against Kirk!TEAM USA STARTERS
PG - Chris Paul: the best American point guard in the entire NBA (yes, better than Kidd and second only to Nash).
SG - Dwyane Wade: you don't keep the 2006 NBA Finals MVP from starting, esp with Kobe not even on the roster.
SF - Lebron James: this guy's potential eclipses everyone else, and the world stage is where he should shine.
PF - Elton Brand: of all the returning players from 2004, this guy deserves the biggest shot at redemption.
C - Brad Miller: he starts over Amare and Dwight due his experience with the international game.Bruns is CRAZY!!! here's the best starting line-up in the world!!
PG - Arenas
SG - Wade
SF - James
PF - Brand
C - Stoudemire, if he's not healthy, Howard
Burns should return his last paycheck!!Gotta have at least two 3pt threats on the floor for the US at all times. All everyone is talking about is how good the US is offensively..but what they have to worry about is by the 3pt bomb in the international game. If the US scores a dunk and then the other country hits a 3pointer..that's what happened last time. The 3pt line is closer..the 3pt shot is huge!!Alright this isn't that hard to do and as a Duke fan I think I can figure out how Coach K's starting 5 will look like.
PG- Chris Paul-plays like duhon did in college and is a great ditributor. No need for arenas now as you will have LeBron as the scorer.
SG-LeBron James- LeBron is the best player on this team because their is no Shaq. Without Shaq Dwayne wade isn;t half as good. LeBron can spread the court and play a little D, Dwayne will come off the bench.
SF- I really want to say Battier but I will go with another B, Bowen. Bowen can shoot the 3, which all of these coach's love and he might be top 5 defensive players in the world. We already have our scorer in LeBron and our PF and C will also be able to put it in the hoop.
PF- Chris Bosh- Supposivly the coach's are falling in Love with this agile monster. Bosh Can Play Center if yuo want but with this team it will just add some more trouble for opposing teams. He can score and he is very athletic.
C- Amare- I have a feeling the staff might decide on Brad Miller which might be smart because he is also a Duke-Type player but Amare is one of the best big men in the game, he can score, play D and jump out of the roof.
Off the bench
Dwayne Wade
Arenas
Brad Miller
All of the others will get their time, especially Battier who excels in this type of play and Coach K has seen what he can do.Hey Guys I know this match-up will not be the popular choice but it will work wonderfully in international play to break down the often played zone defences.
First: Bruce Bowen (SF) to set the defensive tone (he gets under your skin and shut you down)...can guard multiple positions... can shoot the 3 ball, thus spreading the court for teammates.
Second: Elton Brand (PF) great foot-work in the post, a monster rebounder and can step out and hit the 17 footer with consistency.
Third: Lebron James (SG) simply reason the team need his inside/outside presence. A great slasher and when hot can hit the jumpers.
Fourth: D-Wade (PG) not my traditional point guard but he has something special (the killer instinct... whose knows how to win... and when to deflect (Lebron, Melo, or someone running the lane) and when to take the game over... NB: NBA Finals 2006)
Fifth: Amare (C) if healthy... a monster on the boards and has nice feet work in the post, can intimidate players coming in the lane (clog the lane)... a big man that can run the floor.pg - Hinrich/3pt shooting/pg defender/ft shooting
sg - Wade/inside shooting/passing/pass defender/closer/slasher/rebounder/ leader/ft shooting
sf - James/match up problem/ passer/rebounder/slasher/closer/3ptshooting/inside shooting/ft shooting/leader
pf - Brand/rebounder/defender/ inside shooting/finisher
c - Stoudemire/finisher/rebounder/ quickness/match up problem (if health) or
c - Howard/defender/rebounder/ quickness/insider presentWithout a doubt Arenas, Wade, Lebron, Brand, And Amare if hes healthy... Wade and James are the 2 best players in the world so it is not eve a question that both should be started..I'm sorry it all of those stupid comments from people who dont know what they are talking about like how Dwayne wade can't shoot... He shoots Close to 50%!!!! or how hes nothing without shaq... he only averaged 35 points in the nba finals nearly 40 in the last 4 games while shaq didnt no much at all... and its not like theyre not guarding wade because shaq is there everyone knows wade is the heats number 1 threat!! So enough with your stupid comment Wade should start he is the best player on that team overall and in the NBA.. he prooved it this year..to the kid who posted the stats of the PGs on the team:
Steals doesn't translate to good defense. Remember Larry Hughes sick stl. avg. Well, to be honest, he's not a defender, but a gambler on defense. Did you see what Hinrich did to Wade during the playoffs? I didn't think so, but to let you know, Wade's ppg was the lowest in that series out of any series. I can't really argue about the asst and reb, but defense and ballsharing is a must in the international game, and Hinrich has both. CP4 can start in place of Kirk too, but not Arenas, who plays crap defense just like his teamate AJ7. Whoever said he is best defender must be on some controlled substance.The starters should be:
PG Paul or Hinrich
SG Wade
SF James
PF Brand
C Howard
Run the offense thru Lebron, every one play defense, look for the open man and board and they should be ok (gold)PG:Wade
SG:Joe Johnson
SF:Lebron
PF:Brand
C:Howard
Brand and Howard HAVE to start. They would grab every rebound and block tons of shots. The other team would just give up trying to drive the ball, and would look like the Mavs in the Finals.
Joe Johnson is a good choice to start because he is the ultimate role player: best shooter on the team, and he helps out dishing and defending, too.
The only issue: can Wade defend the point guard position? I say yes, because he did a good job occasionally covering Terry in the Finals.Whoever posts a lineup without Lebron is completely retarded.if you see the lineups of other countries (argentina , france) they have enough talent to compete with the US. You need defensive players to stop the best player of other team (parker, ginobili),team players no one-on-one`s, me fist type) and 3 point shooting (because of the zone defense). That way the starting lineup should be.
pg.Hinrich- defense, 3 point shooting, passing.
sg.Lebron - Just because he is bigger than Wade.(this spot is for Kobe in the olimpycs)
sf.Bowen- best defender of the team, 3 point shooting.
pf.Brand- experience, monster in defense and rebounding and great low post game.
c.Miller- passing, shooting,high post center, the best complement to brand (in the international game)paul- pg
wade- sg
james- sf
brand pf
howard c
hinrich arenas anthony bosh stoudamire 2nd stringNo matter who they play, the US will not win the tournament. Other teams are actually "teams", unlike the US.First of all the only connection to the phoenix suns is the the guy who assemlbled the players we have to chose from. Dont think Suns think DUKE.
PG Hinrich
Neither Paul nor Arenas has any real postseason experience since college. Theres a reason Hinrich has been to three 2 Final fours and led a young bulls team. He shoots passes and defends. And is top 5 in categories that prove this.
SG Wade
Interesting so many picked Johnson. Wade's talent is undeniable and he works is butt off every game
(Only guy I saw stay in front of him the entire playoffs was Hinrich)
SF Melo
Think Syracuse when they won the championship. This will be a Team with role players and experienced winners. He will show he belongs and hit open shots with more consistency then Lebron
PF LeBron
Out of position perhaps? I'd be just fine putting him where I might have otherwise placed Marion. We all know he has the size and strength and talk about a mismatch on both sides, I know I wouldn't want to be the opposing PF
C Oden/Howard
Which ever one of these studs Coach K deems more ready I still feel more comfortable with than Miller. No offense but this was a guy who really was lucky to make the team. He's solid, but how come we could not get (Shaq/Duncan/Wallace/Garnett/etc.)WADE AT SHOOTING GUARD
LEBRON AT POINT GUARD (REMEMBER HE IS MORE LIKE MAGIC THAN ANYONE ELSE, AND THIS IS WHERE HE SHOULD ALWAYS PLAY)
BRAND, STOUDAMIRE AND HOWARD UP FRONT
WE CAN POUND THEM AND RUN THEM, EITHER WAY!!
RANDY (COACH FOXE)
LOCUST VALLEY NYThe Final Verdict!!
PG-Gilbert Arenas
SG-Dwayne Wade
SF-LeBron James
PF-Elton Brand
C-Dwight Howard
This squad can move quick!Everyone is acting as if the guy from their team won't play simply because he isn't in the starting lineup. Get ahold of yourself D-Wade fans. He'll prolly log more minutes than anyone!!
PG- Hinrich (pg should pass... not score 30 points a game)
SG- Bruce Bowen (defense)
SF- Lebron (I'm on the fence about this one. We need James on the floor but maybe he'd be a better 2guard?)
PF- Brand (easily the most effective all aroung talent besides James)
C- Miller (If Amare was 100% I'd put him here)
Wade is the first sub & prolly ends up playing 3 positions.The main competition is at pg. It is between Kirk Gils & CP3. I have to give Gils the edge because his overall game is necessary in the starting lineup. He can shoot LIGHTS OUT from the international 3 point (the last practice he nailed 9 three pointers). He also has been quoted saying that he is willing to give it ALL for this experience. He is definitely the way to go at pg.True center should start one who looks to pass. Brad Miller
Then a banger at PF - Elton Brand
Human Highlight film @ SF. LBJ
Bowen as a lock down man SG
Hinrich PG - set-up man and above average 3 pt shooter to compliment the slashing LBJ(the only one)I am going to be completly different and go with a smaller lineup:
PF-Lebron James (I know...I know...this may be an odd place to put him)
SF-Bruce Bowen (Bowen is perfect for the US in international play...can hit the three and can shut down the opponents' best players)
C-Elton Brand
PG-Gilbert Arenas
G-Dwayne Wade
this lineup gives you solid defense (especially Wade and Bowen on the perimeter), good outside shooters (especially Arenas and Bowen), unbelievably good penetrators (Arenas, James, and Wade), and a good enough inside presence for international ball (Brand)This post has been removed by a blog administrator.This post has been removed by a blog administrator.how can u leave dwayne wade on the bench he has shown everything on the court.he ca pass score defend and rebound.he can carry the team at the last minutes of tight games.they should build the team around him.1-Arenas
2-Wade
3-Lebron
4-Bosh
5-Brand
6th man Bowen
Out score, out strength, out run, and play more physical than any other team in the tournament. After last Olympics I don't Melo should even be on this team. I think everyone can recognize he's dropped to at best the 4th best player in that draft class. I think by the next olympics he'll be watching it on that big screen we all saw on Cribs.in da lou we starting:
pg: g. arenas -lights out quick 27 a game and scores early
sg: l. james -n e other reasons why. i would have d.wade or melo but one's coming off a ring and the other is a major defensive liability
sf: bruce bowen -can take out the other teams best weapon remember kobe's frustration in 03'
pf: e. brand - best power forward in da league right now behind k.garnett
center: dwight howard- get the young guy in there plus brad miller isn't fluid enough for starting with the usa team right now where's ben wallace at for this?Here's the starting lineup:
PG - Chris Paul (From what I understand the coaches see him as THE true point guard on the team. He's a great floor captain and distributor.)
SG - D Wade (Someone stated that Wade can't shoot and that he's nothing without Shaq. Remember, he had the Heat on his shoulders 3 seasons ago while Shaq was watching in awe from his home in LA. Also, he had games where he was shooting 70% for long stretches. He averaged almost 50% for many games, if not for the whole playoffs!)
SF - Lebron James (He is the most dominant player at his position when you take into consideration his size and ability. It will be nothing for him to slide down and play the post up or take these players off the dribble. He is extremely versatile. Unfortunately, he was not utilized well in his last stint in international play - thanks to Larry Brown.)
PF - Elton Brand (Excellent low post presence. Good rebounder and defender. Commands respect down low, thus, freeing up the perimeter.)
C - Dwight Howard (He's big enough and more athletic than most of the competition that he will face.)
6th Man - Bruce Bowen (If we find out D slipping, then have Bowen come off the bench to lock somebody up and frustrate them.)i WOULD HATE TO BE THE COACH RIGHT NOW. PEOPLE ARE MAKING SOME REALLY GOOD POINTS ABOUT HINRICH AND MILLER, BUT LET'S NOT KID OURSELVES HERE. I DON'T THINK ANYONE WOULD ARGUE JAMES AND BRAND'S POSITION SO 3 & 4 ARE LOCKED UP. 5 IS A TOSS-UP BECAUSE AMARE IS STILL NOT 100% AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH I LIKE THE IDEA OF HIM PLAYING ANYWAY. IF ANYONE SHOULD BE MEDICALLY DISQUALIFIED IT'S HIM RIGHT NOW. THE ONLY REASON HE'S GOING IS THE LACK OF BIG MEN AND THEY'RE HOPING HE CAN PROVIDE THEM WITH SOMETHING. I JUST HOPE IT DOESN'T HURT HIM IN THE LONG RUN MILLER GETS 5 OVER BOSH BECAUSE OF HIS SIZE, PHYSICAL PLAY AND HE A LEGITAMITE JUMPSHOOTER FROM THE ELBOW. WADE GETS THE 2 BECAUSE...HOW COULD HE NOT!? I FEEL WADE AND JAMES ON THE COURT TOGETHER IS AN OPPORTUNITY YOU CAN'T PASS UP. WITH THEM AT 2 & 3 THERE IS NOT ANOTHER TEAM IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS THAT CAN MATCH UP WITH THEM...PERIOD. THE 1 IS BY FAR THE HARDEST POSITION TO SELECT. YOU HAVE ARENAS THE DO IT ALL PROTOTYPICAL "BIG PG" (HE'S 6'-4") THAT'S SOMETIMES DOES TOO MUCH BY HIMSELF. THEN YOU'VE GOT CHRIS PAUL THE ROOKIE PHENOM THAT'S JUST A 6'-0" BEAST (16PTS, 8AST, 5REBS 2STLS PER GAME), BUT IS HE HAVE ENOUGH EXPERIENCE? THEN YOU HAVE KIRK HINRICH. DOESN'T REALLY DO ANY ONE THING GREAT, BUT WON'T SCREW ANYTHING UP EITHER. SO I THINK HINRICH GETS THE NOD AT 1. SO WHAT DO YA THINK ABOUT MY SELECTIONS? PRETTY GOOD HUH :-)This post has been removed by a blog administrator.This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
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