Team USA Is Small; Will It Be Enough To Win Gold

by TWSSO on Jul 28, 2008 8:45 AM MDT

The NBA is sending some it's best stars over seas to compete in the upcoming Beijing Olympics that get under way on 08-08-08. There's one problem, Team USA is small; very small. Jerry Colangelo and Coach K have built this team around athleticism, defense, and lights out shooting. The only true center this team has on its roster is Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Should Howard go down or get into foul trouble Team USA could be in trouble. Defending the perimeter will be the least of Team USA's worries with Wade, Bryant, Redd, James, Williams, and Paul making it tough for shooters to get open for uncontested shots. Team USA is also counting on ball control and guard play to help take them to the Gold. Limiting turn overs will be a big key the teams success this year. In an exhibition game against Canada, Team USA had 19 turnovers; but were able to pull away from the Canucks with impressive defense and lights out shooting. Canada held it close through the first quarter and a few minutes but it was the youthful play of Paul and Williams that helped propel Team USA to a 120-65 victory. Competition will only get stronger as the Americans advance. So the question today is going to be whether or not the size of Team USA will be an issue and if the concept of team first will be executed by Team USA. With the mix of experience and youth, Team USA should be in good shape regardless; but only time will tell. Can Team USA reclaim it's glory and swagger by winning Gold this year? Will size be an issue? Would you consider it a failure should Team USA not win gold? SoundOFF!!!

All comments are the opinion of the commenter and not necessarily that of SLC Dunk or SB Nation.

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Comments

Barring injuries, the team is fine

If team USA gets by without any injuries to their big guys (Howard, Bosh, and Boozer), then their size won’t be a problem. That is a decently small if too. Boozer has had injuries, but has been healthy for two years now and regardless of his sternal problems, Howard has shown little signs of slowing down. They should win the gold and it will be a big disappointment if they don’t. No excuses this time.

The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.

by clarkpojo on Jul 28, 2008 11:27 AM MDT reply actions

Howard, Bosh, Boozer

Bron and Melo are 6’9”, Prince is 6’10”. Really.. undersized? Kobe is 6’8” The team doesn’t have big stiffs to clog up the paint, but when they’ve got so many slashers, that would be a hindrance, not an aid.
Oh yeah, and everyone on the team can dunk the ball like a baptizing priest. Heck, Boozer is the least athletic “big” and to call him unathletic would be… stupid.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Jul 28, 2008 2:56 PM MDT reply actions

Yeah they're small...

but they’re hungry and want to win. That, more than anything, is what Team USA has lacked in recent years. It’s like they’ve been treating international games as All-Star games. But this year seems different, and I will be shocked if we don’t take home the gold.

by neff on Jul 28, 2008 7:13 PM MDT reply actions

Rebounding

The only concern is rebounding as a small team. We will score more than any team we play as long as we do a reasonable job on the defensive boards. Foul trouble aside, we’ll do fine as long as LeBron and Melo do their part and don’t just take off for the races on every opposition shot. Remember also that Kidd is a rebounding guard, and if they keep playing CP3 and Deron together, watch for Deron (who admires Kidd) to go after some rebounds himself, especially on the offensive end when CP can get back on D. Team USA will be fine – as long as they stay out of foul trouble and get LeBron and Melo to do their share. Maybe that’s a good reason to be nervous… Honestly, I don’t think there will be a single game closer than 15 points.

My team is on the floor.
-Norman Dale

by MTN on Jul 29, 2008 12:08 AM MDT reply actions