US Olympic Basketball Team…
Guards: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Michael Redd, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Chris Paul
Forwards: LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Tayshaun Prince, Carlos Boozer
Center: Dwight Howard
Likes: I love the specialist and emphasis on defense. Michael Redd is a sniper from beyond three-land. Simply one of the best shooters in the game. Prince and Boozer both know how to play team ball and D it up.
Concerns: You’re heavy on the point and slim on the size. You’ve got three point guards on this team, Kidd, Paul, and Williams, and will probably never use all three. Paul and Williams are both better than Kidd in every aspect of the game. There is a reason why two of those guys took their teams past the first round of the playoffs. Not to mention Kidd has yet to realize he is a horrible shooter (40% average for his career).
Why the concern with size? American big men are notorious for getting into foul trouble in international play. The traditional low post power game does not translate to the international game. So you need big men with skills not just power.
Who would I replace for Kidd? KG would be my first and foremost pick, but I’ll assume he got the invite and declined. Why else would he not be on the team? If he was never given an invite I would immediately check Jerry Colangelo’s bank account for deposits from Argentina. So my next choices would be Marcus Camby, first, then David West should Camby decline.
Camby? He’s a great defender, can put up good points and boards and is a veteran figure. Can be a bit injury prone, which may hinder his selection.
West? Yes he’s not a huge big man in terms of size, but 7 footers can be some what over rated. You don’t need a true center, just some guys that can play about the trees, and West does that and more. He’s already got chemistry with Chris Paul (the best pg in the league), why not use that tandem for all it’s worth.