22 Players Chosen for Preliminary Roster for Team USA

[KiNgMyC]

link... http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2349009

Yes B-Rad is one !

 

[VF21]

Here's the list:

Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Gilbert Arenas, Washington
Shane Battier, Memphis
Chauncey Billups, Detroit
Chris Bosh, Toronto
Bruce Bowen, San Antonio
Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
Dwight Howard, Orlando
Josh Howard, Dallas
LeBron James, Cleveland
Antawn Jamison, Washington
Joe Johnson, Atlanta
Rashard Lewis, Seattle
Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Brad Miller, Sacramento
Chris Paul, NO/Okla. City
Paul Pierce, Boston
Michael Redd, Milwaukee
Luke Ridnour, Seattle
Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix
Dwyane Wade, Miami

 

[bozzwell]

Wow. Great mix of stars and role players/specialists. I can make up 3 teams from that group that could each contend in WC and Olympics. Possibly go 1-2-3 even.

The party is over. Team USA is getting serious - again.

 

[SacTownKid]

I re-posted this on the main forum, because not too many people were looking at it here. I like the new forums but they can be confusing, too many places to have to hunt for stuff.

 

[KiNgMyC]

Wow. Great mix of stars and role players/specialists. I can make up 3 teams from that group that could each contend in WC and Olympics. Possibly go 1-2-3 even.

The party is over. Team USA is getting serious - again.

Yup, a lot of role players this time around instead of me-first stars. With this mix of players, I'm sure they will gel much better then the past few teams.

 

[Kings113]

I'm really digging that list, nice!

Obviously could of been better, but some guys didn't want to go, and understandably so for them.

 

[BLNINJA #81]

I predict the following will make the team:

- Starters -
C - Brad Miller, Sacramento
PF - Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
SF - LeBron James, Cleveland
SG - Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
PG - Chauncey Billups, Detroit

- Bench -
C - Dwight Howard, Orlando
PF - Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix
SF - Carmelo Anthony, Denver
SG - Dwyane Wade, Miami
PG - Gilbert Arenas, Washington

- Scrubs - (well not really )
PF - Chris Bosh, Toronto
PG - Chris Paul, NO/Okla. City


Those who wont..:

- Close, but no cigar -
SF - Paul Pierce, Boston
SF - Shawn Marion, Phoenix
SG - Michael Redd, Milwaukee
SG - Joe Johnson, Atlanta
PF - Rashard Lewis, Seattle

- Early Cuts -
PG - Luke Ridnour, Seattle
PF - Antawn Jamison, Washington
SF - Shane Battier, Memphis
SF - Bruce Bowen, San Antonio
SG - Josh Howard, Dallas

 

[twocents]

that list does not strike me as one of dreadfully powerful and clear-cut favorites to win it all. france, if tony parker plays like a true pg instead of getting too full of himself, lithuania and a few others can clearly challenge this team.

 

[Variant]

On paper, easily the best team. At least in terms of talent. But as usual it will come down to how well this team gels and gets accustomed to international play. I like how there's not just a bunch of random big "names" on there that don't necessarily fit together. And hate him or not, it's hard to imagine a team with Kobe Bryant on it failing.

 

[Warhawk]

On paper, easily the best team. At least in terms of talent. But as usual it will come down to how well this team gels and gets accustomed to international play. I like how there's not just a bunch of random big "names" on there that don't necessarily fit together.

Hence the reason they aren't doing what they have in years past, where they throw a team together last minute. These guys have a 3-year commitment to play in the worlds and Olympics and practices in between. They are finally taking it as seriously as most of the rest of the world does.

 

[LoungeLizard]

Don't forget that Shaq has an open invitation and is still considering playing. Can you imagine Kobe and Shaq playing together again? Let the drama begin part 2.

I would love it if Shaq said I will play if you cut Kobe. That would be hilarious.

 

[Folsom Al]

Here's an FYI ...

Of those players listed ... 3 of them were on the 2005 NBA All-Defensive Team ... (Shaq is on the All NBA List, but not the list above)

.... the 3-players: Bowen, Bryant and Marion

 

[Purple Reign]

I am kind of disappointed that Allen Iverson is not on this list. In my opinion he did nothing to exclude himself with his performance in the 2004 Olympics. I may be wrong but he was one of the few that played hard and conducted himself properly throughout the whole experience. Am I missing something here?

 

[Kings113]

I see at least one of Bowen/Battier making it, you need role-players like them on a team. Both being two of the best. Really think Marion makes it.

 

[Warhawk]

Webber wanted to be on the team:

Chris Webber says he wishes he had been approached about being a part of the USA Basketball senior national team that will be introduced Sunday on national television. "I wanted to play," the 76ers forward said. Webber will not be one of the 22 NBA players named. -- Philadelphia Inquirer

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/scorecard/03/01/truth.rumors.nba/index.html

 

[Kings113]

His passing/jumper would of been a great possible addition.

 

[Milles]

Interesting read from the Sports Guy on the players.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons

 

[KiNgMyC]

Simmons usually gets the right idea...although he's rarely taken seriously.