Kidd has been the catalyst
Please look no further than Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups and Deron Williams if you are trying to find some reasons why the USA is treating the Vegas tournament like they are playing high school kids. I wrote an article last year complaining about lack of perimeter shooting, but more importantly about Coach K being forced to allow the three youngsters – LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade – to dominate the ball and force the other players to stand and watch them play.
The USA needed some players that would not be afraid to take the ball out of their hands and would not hesitate to get in their face if they became selfish – but most importantly players that those three respected.
Last year, Chris Paul and Kirk Hinrich were intimidated by the trio and could not run the offense because they did not have the ball. The key to any All-Star team is point guard play and the USA has three extremely unselfish players that are making the game easy and giving the plethora of scorers high-percentage shots consistently.
Jason Kidd has attempted three shots in four games while dishing out a total of 14 assists. Kidd once boasted that he could dominate a game without attempting a shot. Well, I think he along with Billups and Williams have given the USA the key to winning in China next year.
I continue to be extremely impressed with Carmelo. He has played third fiddle to Wade and LeBron, but before it’s all said and done Anthony might become the better player of the three. He undoubtedly will be the most prolific scorer of the bunch.
Mike Miller and Michael Redd were great additions and I want to see a few more catch-and-shoot guys like Joe Johnson and maybe Kevin Durant on the roster in China.
Kobe Bryant, whom I have not mentioned, has probably been the glue to it all. Bryant understands what it takes to win and his defense on players like Leandro Barbosa and anyone else the USA faces will definitely make the difference.
Kobe is the best player on this team, but yet he too has allowed LeBron and Anthony to be the focal points. That is all fine and dandy, but understand Coach K knows the ball will be in Kobe’s hands come crunch time and every player on that team knows it too.
It really will not matter because as long as Jason Kidd has the ball, Kobe can rest assured he will touch it first when it comes to winning time and that’s why we will bring the gold back to the USA in 2008.
JHSU Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 10:51 am
amen
artie g Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 11:18 am
The most telling thing for me about last night’s game is what Barbosa said afterwards about Kobe: “He doesn’t play D like that in the NBA.” All of these guys are stars on their NBA teams and relied upon for scoring, so when they know they can count on other players to score, it becomes possible to make defending the other team’s best guy the number one focus.
I was also amazed by the amount of quick long passes down the floor after a Brazil score– as if every inbounds were a fast break chance.
This team is definitely more of a true team. Redd and Mike Miller may not be better all around than a Vince carter or an Iverson, but they are better outside shooters and fill their roles to perfection– something every great team needs.
dj hott Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 11:19 am
kidd plays d and lnows with all the other guys why does he have to shoot. kobe is real aggressive, lebron is the perfect star teammate, and carmelo
shines at the 4 because he is strong, and his shot selection has been good also, unstoppable, and the star michael redd, is taking advantage of the 3 pt line real good, howard and stoudemire are ok,
and now that prince is hurt-they should get k.durant, and instead of mike miller, they should get boozer, billups is good, and d.williams is ok also
i do not see them loosing a game, matter of fact, when they play spain or argentina, if they are ever loosing, i expect kobe, to force a few shots, but hit em to let the world know he is the best player, but carmelo is playing like a man possesed, and not even playing 20mpg,
this team was nicely made up, if anything, prince,miller, and chandler
could be replaced by, v.carter,k.durant, &boozer or shaq, who ever wants a gold medal
dj hott Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 11:25 am
could team usa beat a team of all the best players in nba not on the team
other team
g-b.davis g-g.arenas f-b.bowens
g.v.carter g-joe johnson f-c.bosh(not injuried)
f.t.mcgrady f-p.pierce
f.k.garnett f-s.marion
c.s.oneal c-c.boozer
that would be fun to watch, matter of fact, they should do a donaghy , and bet on that game, lol
dj hott Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 11:34 am
kobe doesnt play d like that in the nba, but is a all nba 1st team defender.
he should play like that all the time if he really wants to win, then his teammates would step up, but really they need to get him some help
and barbosa was a dissappointment, i wanted to see him score 30 or something, hes making usa look like the old dream team, i dont see why they dont beat spain, and argentina by 35 plus, out of anger, and respect for usa
and did anyone see the alley-oop lebron threw amare, and he was standing flatfoot, and just jumped, caught it and threw it down,
the foreign players are real aggresive, and play stronger defense, and the beginning of games, then the usa just takes over, amare and dwight, get fouled whether its called or not, on every play,
go usa
watchamacallit Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 11:59 am
the forgotten guys
the matrix ……. probably one of the best all around guy in the nba can play multiple position
the big fundamental….got A game on defence and offence
ray allen…….one of the most deadliest pure shooter of course his defence is a subject
agent zero…deadly from the outside and inside play very good defence
Donovan Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Hi,
I’m really impressed by USA playing but still there are a couple of things to fix to improve the adaptation to the FIBA basketball (without saying the fact that USA doesn’t know how to attack a good zone). The first thing it is that is unnatural to shoot the same amount of shoots from the 3 and 2. I know that the line is near and you are shooting well but if you play against a good defense and you have a bad day you won’t find the way to basket. About the other thing, is not a big issue is just the fact that everybody is playing the same and is a good way to don’t bother the stars, but at the end is counterproductive because you break (or don’t create) automatisms.
Enjoy at Las Vegas!
king velez Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
man j-kidd is my boi my team is nj man they is monsters but usa needs to add d-wade and vc back in terre
Airsegu Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
Eddie,
You definitely make a point by spotting out the fact that team play is the key for success of USABasketball.
Still, do not forget one or two points before making fast conclusions:
1 - The teams that USA Basketball has faced and will face until the end of this contest are not top world teams (even Argentina is a not as its best without major contributors). More over, very few of those teams know how to play with tempo control which is the key factor to beat the US.
2 - Assuming the team in Bejin will be the same as this one seems rather optimistic if we have a look at the past where all the best american players found a way to have an excuse for missing the major contests out of the United states.
3 - If the US does not prepare by playing more games against other top national teams before the contest, they may get surprised again (”FIBA Sucks”, remember…)
Anyway, as a great fan of the Game I expect the competion to be at the higher level possible.
Even not being An american, I would like to see Team USA re-gain the title as I feel it belongs to the best players. But for a change, lets hope those best players can play the best Basketball. As you said, in the close past, the team has been led by players that are not yet “finished”. They can play but lack experience and game knowledge in order to produce the best game in the hardest moments. It has been a pleasure to see them stuck against teams such as Greece which plays basketball in the most unexiting way but with mental and technical dominance. Ok, Papaloukas is probably weaker than your Grandmother but this guy understands…Had he been physically giften as Lebron is, we would have a new MJ. But that is a nother story..
Good luck anyway to team USA.Show us how basketball should be played, because otherwise seing “world champions” on the NBA finals caps will always give me second thoughts.
Fatty from Arizona Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
I’ve noticed the refs are giving the opposition “Pity” fouls. The are feeling sorry for Team USA opponents and giving them a few breaks on the calls. That’s fine with me as long as we continue to dominate because it keeps the game flowing.
Our point guards are keeping the team focused and Kobe is making the team play hard. All of this has lead to others like James, Melo, Redd, Miller, etc….. to be able to showcase their talents. Almost no double teams and many times, opposing players are off balance when Melo et al begin their move leading to easy shots and reach fouls.
I could say a lot more, but I’m enjoying watching this team grow and get better every game.
greenwing Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
Kidd is great, I’ll give you that. But I think Billups is overrated and Williams isn’t really necessary except for insurance. Hinrich should be on Team USA over Billups and Williams because he’s more international experience than both players and he’s a much better outside shooter - which is extremely important in international basketball. However, does it really matter who the point guard for Team USA is? No, not really. As long as they have a decent guy at the point who’s capable of dishing out assists and making the occasional outside shot, the USA will dominate this tournament regardless.
Dre Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
The reason Kobe doesn’t play defense like that in the NBA is because the rules are different. He would foul out in five minutes playing D like that in the NBA where they don’t allow handchecking. Plus he is in better shape since the end of last season.
Anonymousjeet Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Artie G, don’t single out VC for not doing his role perfectly. He is 18-0 in international competition, and he shoots a great percentage as well. In 2003 he shot 64% from the field in 10 games and 45%+ from three, and he shot over 51% in 2000 as well as 41% from beyond the arc. Leading scorer in 2000 and tied for 3rd in 2003. He did his role perfectly. And Vince is a great three point shooter I wouldn’t bet against him. As for AI , I could see what you mean because he needs the ball in his hands a whole lot.
Frame Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
I have been impressed with USA’s play thus far. The team seems to enjoy playing together and individual players seem to enjoy not having to dominate the game as they do on their respective teams. I would like to see a back to the basket player added for half-court offense purposes. I don’t think that USA will be able to get away with all out fast break basketball in the Olympics. There will be times when it will be necessary to actually run a half-court set. I think that both Lebron and Carmelo could play with their backs to the basket but another big man would be beneficial. I think every 12 man roster should have 4 post players. This team only has 3. Overall, I’m very happy with the team’s play and enthusiasm. I look forward to tougher competition.
Chad Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Kobe is the best defender and scorer on this team. With Kidd, Anthony, James , and Redd Team Usa are a shoe in for the Olympics. There should never be any comparision of Kobe to any other player. I’m glad he is here instead of Wade. Barbosa held to four. Only thing i wish is that Nash had played so he could really prove that he can make teams better. Canada wouldnt qualify even if nash was here. I guess this season is all we can look forward to.
J DOGG Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
You guys are Morons! Kobe is the best defensive player in b-ball when he wants to be. There is only one problem, he must score 33plus points a game to keep his team close and facilitate everything on the offensive end thus making it hard to exert much energy of defense. Support him with competent offensive players and he can and is a lock down defender.
Kobe is so good he doesn’t even need to shoot the rock in international play because everyone knows who the man is in crunch time when team USA needs a big bucket.
Undoubtedly unequivocally the best offensive player ever, and if u watched the game last night you know he can lock up any player at anytime cuz he is that damn good.
Leaving Iverson , Vince and Wade off the roster is a blessing considering none of those guys have games as dynamic as KB24.
For all the idiots out there who call Kobe a ball hog..watch the games and realize he doesn’t care to shoot and the primary reason that team USA in exponentially better this year
Dj Quest Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
What has struck me the most throughout this tournament has been the media coverage. When the US was losing, Men’s basketball was on the front page of every newspaper/magazine/internet site/ etc. Suddenly now that they are winning by large margins and Kobe has been nothing less than sensational, there is suddenly little to no media coverage. The bias is clear and unjustified. When it’s time to tear down an athlete we can count on the Mike Ventures and Mike Celzics of the world to have their stones ready to throw. When it’s time to give credit no one is able to come forward and speak.
I love America with all my heart but sometimes this country really lets me down….
Quest
moudy Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
The key to U.S.’s success is the fact that Chris Bosh isn’t on the team.
Rashidi Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 4:13 pm
The competition in this tournament is incredibly weak compared to 2002. These are teams fighting for a spot in the olympics, other than the US there are no contenders participating.
Rashidi Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
The US similarly went undefeated in 2003.
Then when the olympics came around everyone was either
A. Injured
B. Getting Married
C. Scared of terrorism
D. Unavailable
E. All of the above
Stephon Marbury and Richard Jefferson were STARTERS in 2004, that’s how many people dropped out. Four players on the team had a year or less of experience and were just happy to be there (Lebron/Wade/Melo/Okafor), that was a third of the team!
statusmvp Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
if tim duncan and hakeem olajuwon can play for team usa…i wanna see steve nash, tony parker, ginobili, yao ming, dirk etc. play for us also…i dont really know the rules, but if ur an american citizen u should be able to play for team usa
mariaton Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
Hi there… First comment ever
First, I am from Europe.
Second, I am definitely not the fan of US team (no matter why).
Third, I was happy to see US losing last three big competitions (particularly because of the reasons I do not like US team - no matter what :-)).
Fourth, as I thought that all of those losses (well, maybe with the exception of Indianapolis World Championship in 2002) were a combination of luck/shame, great shape of other teams (just several of them - Yugoslavia, then Lithuania, Argentina, Spain, Greece etc.) and the result of FIBA rules, I REALLY had thought that in Peking (or Beijing as it is English, I think), there could be a chance to beat US very equitably and fairly, at least Spain is able to do that (core of the team in best years, playing together and great mental attitude - still better than US, folks.., much more better, trust me (I am not from Spain)), maybe Argentine (though they used to be better, particularly when Yougoslavie had ruled) and with just luck also some other teams (as Greece had done). But…
FIFTH…
I think, that US WILL win Olympics next years. And one of the crucial points is really point guard position and Kidd is… well better than best. The structure of the team is much better than other times (and I still think it could be better without Anthony and maybe even James - well, perhaps not) and this is another crucial fact…
Well, I will not wish you a luck, you really do not need it, at least you have great coach finally… But I think this squad is really good, perhaps the closest to First Dream Team (yeah, really better than Atlanta Dream Team)…
Sorry, this should no have been any analysis, I am to lazy to support the arguments I provide… Well, I could, but maybe the view of very biased person trusting in success of US could be good to you. (And there are arguments, yes, they are)
ps - My country is among 10 worst countries of Europe in the terms of basketball (male), so I am just very little biased :-))
mariaton Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
But I still think many of you are too conceited… After what had happened in China, Greece and US last five years… So no compliments to you lucky citizens
(just smile)
Eddie Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
J Dogg you took the words right out of my mouth.
t emanuel Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
guys let’s be real we must admit team usa looks good i’m so proud to see this team playing so good with all the stars they really don’t need anymore players added to win the goal.
Steven Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
In regards to the comment “The key to U.S.’s success is the fact that Chris Bosh isn’t on the team.”
That’s a pretty weak statement dude. He’s a young/athletic/long bodied/ rebounding & shot blocking fiend. He gets better every year thanks to both an outstanding attitude and excellent work ethic. He checks his ego at the door and does what it takes to win…
If you ask me thats exactly the type of player the USA needs on their roster. Not just because of his skills, but for the wonderful example he sets.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
Oh God… Here we go again with the Kobe overloving.
In the game last night, Kobe played very solid defense, and had one big defensive play on Leandro Barbosa. He dove for the ball. Very nice. I love it. I love that style. Getting on the ground and roughing it is everything… or really nice to see a vet doing.
But, why is that one play making everyone go crazy? Who else played great defense? LeBron. Even Melo bent his knees a little on the defensive end. So, Kobe’s the standout because of the dive on the floor? Right?
J Dogg and Eddie - You think Kobe is the best offensive player ever (joke), right? And, when he wants to be (another joke), he’s the best defensive player in the league? If you do, then answer the following questions:
- Why will the Lakers only win 39 games in 2007-08?
- Why will the Lakers NOT make the Playoffs?
- Why doesn’t Kobe play hard 100% of the time?
Jordan did. He led the league in scoring AND won Defensive Player Of The Year.
Why will, after this season, LeBron James be the consensus best player in the league? Because in this off-season, he improved his shot (no comments on this I noticed - Eddie) and his defense.
Take the blinders off and realize that Kobe is great, but no where near the best offensive player ever. Realize LeBron is the best player in the league. Realize that the Bulls will win the Finals. And, realize that, in no way, not in a million years, will Carmelo Anthony ever be better than LeBron.
Eddie - Sometimes I think you write stuff like that just to piss me off.
Dre Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 9:23 pm
^WTF is this dude talking about?^
Miles Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
Michael Bennett, you are an IDIOT. Yes, Lebron is good, but even you admitted that a lot of your over-glorifying him had to do with a man crush(I forgot who you said Eddie had a crush on). He is top 5 player easily but Kobe and Kidd are the reason this team is doing so good. These two guys have been on multiple first team all defensive. Lebron= 0. He’s gotten slightly better on D, and his J looks good so far but let’s wait until he faces some upper tier talent. I wonder how well he can hit the J with some good defense on him or how well he guards improved talent; most teams in the FIBA qualifying tournament don’t even have their best players. The only time that we can assess if he has gotten better is when other teams come fully prepared. Also it’s Kobe who’s guarding the opposing teams best player not Lebron.
Oh yeah on a sidenote, when do you plan to have a video on youtube admitting your failed Finals prediction( you admitted so boldly that the Cavs would win, now you’ve got to admit you were wrong, instead of laying low for your wrong prediction for several months) . Post one eating crow, humble pie (whatever you like to call it) and then & only then your words will be worth something.
Bush of Fire: Go Michael Bennett, you now have a new mission to attend to.
Bennett(in a high pitch voice): Yes sir, I will make sure to atone for pushiness on all forums, and will leave the prophesizing of basketball events to gods rather than a little puny human like myself.
Billy B Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 9:49 pm
I’m not a personal fan of Kobe– I don’t root for him or the Lakers, but Michael Bennett’s take on him is so out of proportion that I had to laugh. If Kobe walked on water, Bennett’s blog post would start: Kobe can’t swim! He’s afraid of water!
Lighten up, Mike.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 9:56 pm
It’s funny that you remember everything I’ve written on here and I don’t even recognize your name. Way to make a lasting impression…
Jax Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 10:26 pm
this is the best USA team created next to the original dream team with Jordan, Pippen, Bird and Magic in there… team USA has a good shot at winning in Beijing in 2008.
i agree that Kobe is the best player on this team… and Kidd is the difference maker!
lols Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
yeah right the lebron dude…. ” we are all witnesses = we are winless”
kobe is a good 1 on 1 defensive guy well i dont know with his team defence but i dont think he is better defensively than bowen or shawn marion
david Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
for Mariaton, I am a big fan of Europe and have lived there as well as visited over 50 times.
Your article really made me sick. The US has opened up this sport especially to Europe, rewarding YOUR players wih big contracts and treating them with respect.
My team is the championship Spurs, the most international team in the NBA. Yeah, you’re biased and also an idiot.
T’es vraiment un petit con…vaut mieux que tu restes la bas au lieu de nous faire chier avec tes conneries. Et oui les USA vont battre qui que ce soit, surtout toi et les tiens. Sophisticated enough for ya’?
Rashidi Said,
August 27, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
“What has struck me the most throughout this tournament has been the media coverage. When the US was losing, Men’s basketball was on the front page of every newspaper/magazine/internet site/ etc. Suddenly now that they are winning by large margins and Kobe has been nothing less than sensational, there is suddenly little to no media coverage. ”
The best players by far losing: News
The best players by far dominating: Not News
dj hott Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 12:08 am
wow finally a room that sees how good kobe really is, and now u see that a team with stars he will pass the ball, just like iverson, not totally ballhogs, just not scared to shoot, and I dont think there is a such thing as a bad shot with kobe, kind of like jordan,
and carmelo can play the 4 and be an allstar in the nba
he will make denver alot better
but hey kobe’s my favorite player
but jdogg, or eddie
did u like the crossover and 3 pointer and the foul on kobe by mexicos star
in tonites game? lol
usa kinda rested this game, waiting to play argentina
and yea i think doug gottlieb could even be the point on this squad
arenas is not on the team, because he is a ballhog, pierce and b.davis because they hogged the ball when usa lost a few years ago,
and will they please show the vince carter dunk over the 7′3 guy again
please
and sorry i forgot his name, but the point or combo guard that averages 22 pts for mexico, seems like he is better than smush parker, so he should get some looks by the nba
dj hott Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 12:24 am
michael bennett, yea that floor dive did get alot of attention
but kobe is more aggressive in fiba, i think hes trying to improbe his ratings even higher
so the lakers can get some trade value out of him
but on a none haters perspective, kobes offensive game is very like jordans, but kobe has more handles, and look what kobe can do on the best defenders, in r.bell, and b.bowen. he had 81 points in a game,
he averaged 35 in a season, and kobe and a team made up of ucla college players, could make the playoffs, kobe would average 42 pts a game like wilt if he had to just to make the playoffs, but no he would be the 2nd ever or no worst than 4th, and thats the only thing stopping him from being the ultimate king, is he doesnt play 100 percent all the time on d, like he doesnt want to be on the opposing end of a highlight play, or something, or he has ashmtha and thinks he would be to tired on offense to score 32, but maybe if he had eva longaria he would play better, like tony parker, lol
I hear kobe is mad at vanessa, and with him also mad at the lakers, lets hope he doent take another trip to colorado,
m.vick is already almost gone from football, we dont need to loose kobe,
laker fix this shit!!!!!!!
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 1:30 am
Michael
face facts. Kobe is the best player in the league and the one you should be worried about taking thunder from Lebron is Carmelo. He is fast becoming the best of the three—–Wade, Lebron—–this year i believe he will overtake both.
J DOGG Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 2:39 am
First off Michael Bennet is an idiot and clearly has no idea what he’s saying.
To answer your three questions of Kobe;
why will kobe only win 39 games? That’s funny. First off Kobe will win more games than that in a Loaded western conference with arguably the worst supporting cast in basketball. Not only do they lack a third scoring option but they ranked near the bootm of the league in defense with walton with no athleticism playing the 3 and smush giving up more dibble penetration than anyone in history.Not to mention ZERO bench. Even with the worst starting PG in the league they were 33-14 to start last season in the 4-5th seed which is the best conceivable seed the Lakers could ever hope for considering their talent and the other top three teams out west in SA-DAll-PHOE. They were clearly hit with the injury bug with three starters missing a combined 140 plus games in KWame, Lamar and Luke and still finished as a 7th seed cuz of Kobe’s brilliance.
He does Play 100 percent but is only human and acoring 33 plus a game which he did after the break takes it’s toll.
The fact that you even mention guys like wade and lebron in the same sentence is ludacris. You obviously don’t watch west coast basketball much and are too busy watching lebron playing squeak out wins against teams like the Bobcats,Hawks,Knicks s and finish one loss from finishing in the 5th seed to lose to the heat.
For the record… Kobe is by far the most dynamic scorer in b-ball history.. unlimited range and can create and get any shot anytime he wants. Jordan lacked kobe’s ability to stretch the D and thats why Kobe has shattered everyone of his indiviual game scoring records.
Go watch utube son and see for yourself. 62 in 3qt against a finals team and do i even need to mention the 81 points in only 41 min. gnite son. Keep blowing overrated and over hyped lebron like ESPN day in and day out.
frank Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 4:27 am
there are two glaring reasons why “kobe doesn’t play D like that in the nba”:
1. if kobe was a lock down defender every night in the nba, there would be noone else on the lakers to carry the scoring load or even initiate any type of offense. which would pretty much spell the end to any lakers season from the start.
2. kobe doesn’t need to work nearly as hard on the offensive end on this team. only on a few occasions has kobe worked off an iso, with most of his points coming off catch and shoot 3’s, fast breaks, and the luxury of playing with 2 of the 3 best passers in the nba in kidd and lebron (nash is the other if anyone really wants to know). this lets him focus everything on the defensive end, which will be a luxury come the olympics.
i think one key component that everyone is forgetting to mention is that with kidd, lebron, kobe, and melo, we have 4 guys that can either force a steal or grab the rebound, then initiate the fast break. even coming off makes, our transition from defense to offense is the key reason we’re winning and why we’re overlooking our sometimes out of sync, half court offense.
but eddie, to say that deron and chauncey have had any impact on these games tells me that you haven’t been watching any of these games. every time jason kidd comes off, the offense becomes stagnant, and we run more iso’s because of it. our half court set get’s thrown off and we’re more liable to force bad shots. and due to our mere athletic prowess, we’re still able to get second hand points.this may work in a diluted tournament like this, but it will not work in the olympics.
chauncey and deron just aren’t in the same mold as kidd. this will be solved by the next olympics, because i do believe that neither will be traveling to beijing. they will be replaced by wade and cp3. cp3 will give us another jason kidd type pg and wade has the unselfishness and ability to be another lock down defender for us just like kobe has become. and with bosh replacing tyson chandler, we will in no doubt win the gold.
and to statusmvp:
are you, and i mean this in the nicest way, an idiot. duncan and olajuwon did play for the us beacuse they are us citizens. hakeem however couldn’t play for the original dream team because he wasn’t a us citizen at the time. which is the same reason why every player you mentioned can’t play for the us. they aren’t citizens. just because they play here does not mean that they are citizens. that is the most ignorant thing i’ve ever heard. you see in this great country of ours, we allow non citizens to work here without earning their citizenship. we call this working on a visa. i think if you asked dirk or nash or parker to come play for the us and not their homeland, it would be like spitting on their flag. you should think before typing next time.
ic Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 7:27 am
this is a qualifying tournament. The US is doing what its supposed to. no surprises…they will still lose. Lets get focused, come on. They cant play with europe.
Eric Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 8:08 am
Yo Eddie your not one of those kobe lovers who think kobe is better than Jordan r u?? Hope not, cause if u do u lose a lotta credilibilty. I think Melo shines in Fiba competition cause he’s got probably the most developed mid range jumper on the USA team. When he shoots that mid range jumper its non stop swishing, damn if lebron had that he’d be invincible.
lols Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 8:32 am
dj hott where’s your brain dude it is inside your ass? gilbert arenas a ball hog c’mon dude then whos gonna shoot for them
kobe not a ball hog is that a joke or not coz if it is its not funny dude!.
fiba = more physical play , no cry babies looking for fouls , five guys after the offensive guy that has the ball
AdrianDantley3245 Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 8:36 am
EDDIE I respect you greatly but I think the Key for USA basketball is Jason Kidd Kobe Bryant and Michael Redd. Carmelo is fantastic period but the world truly understands Kobe’s exploits and Carmelo isn’t given the respect he deserves looking at the way he is guarded. Steve Nash was in the right place at the right time, I would have loved to see JKidd with Amare, Marion and a host of shooter while running the mad scientist D’Antonio’s offense. JKidd is the best I seen since Magic.
Noone has spoken of Dwight Howards being grown up and being fed and producing(that goes back to JKidd). Eddie you mentioned Billups, sorry not sold on him the game slows down it seems with him in there, it’s not as crisp. Derron Williams keeps the tempo closer to where JKidd leaves off. Watching team USA against Nolan Richardson reminded me a win is a win whether it’s by 59 points or 8 pts. Team USA better stay focused on winning and not how much they can beat a team by because trust me these teams will not lay down and give them the gold. Mexico mad some very strong runs with much lesser players in the tournament which maybe attributed to Nolan Richardson…..Be careful TEAM USA!!!!!
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:12 am
i was not comparing the three guards to each other. i was simply saying they commanded respect from Lebron and Anthony thus keeping them from dominating the ball.
STOP TRYING TO CREATE A DIFFERENT ARGUMENT—THIS IS MY BLOG.
Bennett you are becoming very good at getting guys worked up. Lebron is not in Kobes class yet and these championships show it.
Kobe is better than Jordan in a number of areas. ball handling and defense come to mind.
Europe has no chance in Bejing—it is over if thew usa has this team.
Airsegu Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:27 am
Just a little remark.
I am tired of seeing Kobe and Michael Jordan put in the same bag.
This is just not being objective. I can certainly agree that Kobe is the best player in the NBA, Individually. That he has the best coordination and in the traffic motion in the league, not to say in history. But than again, we are talking individuality. He certainly also has an anger to win games (if he can star in them) that is impressive.
In my mind, the major reason Kobe and MJ are not in the same league is that:
- Mickael would not have gotten ridd of his best chance to win just to satisfy his Ego. In my mind Shaq, who was just physicaly dominant but not as a complete athlete as Kobe, was the perfect fit to show the world how good Kobe was.
- Mickael had the ability to make his teamates get to a higher level which Kobe doesn’t (Nobody will assess that BJ Amstrong is better All-star material than Lamar Odom)
So the main diffrence in this case is not the Game but the Brain. Kobe has always shown childish attitude and this is all the more obvious with his recent “Stay or not stay in LA” mooves that are particularly unelegant for a player of his Caliber.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Kobe is better than Jordan at defense?!? Michael Jordan was on the NBA All-Defense First Team 9 Times!!! Kobe = 5. He won the Defensive Player of the Year in 87-88 (Kobe=0 DPOY)… oh, yeah AND he scored 35.0 ppg the same year, leading the league. And, the Bulls won 50 games that year… with Sam Vincent and Charles Oakley. There’s no question in my mind, or anyone else who’s an NBA expert, that Michael Jordan is/was better at defense than Kobe Bryant.
As for ball handling, that might be an even worse argument. Kobe’s not even that good at ball handling. If he was, he and his team would thrive more in the triangle offense.
So far, on this FIBA team, LeBron James has been the best player on both ends of the floor. He’s 1st in steals on the team and second in assists. He’s shooting an unbelievable 74% FG (Kobe went 5-13 last night against Mexico - Yeah! Way to go!). He’s the player who fit into a role that was asked of him. He’s the best player in the world.
EVERYONE - Stop making excuses for Kobe. Stop talking about the million and one hypotheticals of “if he had a third scoring option” and “if he played defense all the time” and “blah, blah, blah”. Start talking about reality. In reality, he’s a great player on a bad team who will never see a Finals ever again… unless he’s traded. But, being a “Laker for life” makes it difficult to be traded. I now live in Los Angeles, so he’s my home team. But, I have this sneaking suspicion, that my other home team (Clippers) will be in the same spot as the Lakers at the end of the season… and that’s Hawaii in May!!! Ha!
TG Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:40 am
I vehemently disagree with EJ. I don’t think Chris Paul or Kirk Hinrich were intimidated by Wade, James and Anthony — in fact, Paul and Hinrich both did quite well at last year’s Worlds, combining for an assist to turnover ratio of better than 3:1, while Hinrich was the 2nd best 3-point shooter on the team at better than 46%. WAY too much blame has been heaped on those two for the USA failing to win the gold last year. Far more blame should have been laid at the feet of the coaching staff, who seemingly had no clue how to defend the pick and roll or attack a zone defense. Not to mention on the interior players, who were badly outplayed and outmuscled in the loss to Greece.
Kidd has been terrific at this FIBA Qualifying tournament, but I don’t think Billups and Williams have been any better than Paul and Hinrich were last summer. The biggest difference in this year’s team — well, the two biggest differences, has been the play of Kobe Bryant and the renewed emphasis on defense. Still, Mexico ran the pick and roll effectively last night, showing some chinks in the armor. If Mexico, which isn’t one of the better international teams in the world, can dent the USA defense, what do you think Spain, Greece or a full-strength Argentina club could do to it?
If I were Paul or Hinrich, I’d be very bitter about being made the scapegoat for the team “only” winning the bronze medal last summer. I wonder who will be made the scapegoat if they fail to bring home gold at next year’s Olympics — a definite possibility, in my mind.
TG Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Oh, and as for the addition of Mike Miller — he has stunk so far in this tournament. It’s interesting, because he is usually a pretty consistent shooter and he’s a good overall player as far as passing and rebounding. But he can’t make a shot to save his life right now and he is one of the weakest defenders on the club. I don’t see him being on next year’s team.
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:52 am
did you forget Jordan had two all defensive team players behind him every night. Pippen and Rodman.
Kobe has showed in these games how great a defender he would be if he had help behind him Bennett.
i am laughing at your ball handling comment–are you kidding me. Kobe, Lebron, Nash,Joe Johnson are better ball handlers than Jordan.
Now ask me who was better overall? I will say Jordan–he had intangibles that Kobe has not mastered, but my friend they are very close-very close.
Airsegu Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:54 am
Obviously Michael, you do not know basketball but I like your contradictory style!!!
Even though I agree with you that comparing KB and MJ is nonsense, I think that your Love for LeBron blinds you a little.
The Kid is not even yet a BBall player. He dominates physically and is getting better and better mentally, but by putting him so high already, you are denying his enormous potential…
This is the drawback of the NBA that puts the ball in the hands of their stars even when they have a poor evening, in order to provide good Stats and make the fans happy to have bought their ticket. We have to remain fair: Lebron lacks maturity as well as assets in his game and needs time to get to a level where he can truly dominate mentally.
LeBron still has a long way to go, you have to face it
Michael Bennett Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 11:27 am
Eddie - Nash is a better ball handler than Jordan, yeah. He’s a PG - He better be. Joe Johnson is a hybrid, so he’s in the same category. And, LeBron is as close to a point forward as it gets… But, Kobe, in no way, is a better ball handler than Jordan. To prove this, you can go watch the Ultimate Jordan DVD - Top Ten Best Plays section. It showcases what the man did with handles. I’ll watch whatever youtube video you need me to, and we’ll compare.
And, it’s not close. Not at all. There are tiers of the greats. And, here they are:
TIER #1 (THE BEST PLAYERS EVER)
- Michael Jordan
- Bill Russell
- Magic Johnson
- Larry Bird
- Wilt Chamberlain
TIER #2 (NBA GREATS THAT WERE BETTER THAN EVERYONE, EXCEPT TIER #1)
- Oscar Robertson
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Tim Duncan
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Jerry West
TIER #3 (GREATS INCLUDING SOME CURRENT PLAYERS THAT MIGHT BE IN THE BEST SOON, MAYBE NOT THOUGH)
- LeBron James
- Charles Barkley
- Karl Malone
- Kobe Bryant
SPECIAL TIER (GREAT PLAYERS TURNED COMMENTATORS THAT WOW US WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHT)
- Bill Walton
- Eddie Johnson
I obviously didn’t name everyone in every tier, but Kobe is in the same tier as LeBron. They don’t come close to the guys who have retired with a body of work that’s near perfect. Maybe, in time, they will eclipse those players. But, for right now, they’re not in the elite ever.
KevinG Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Eddie, I agree with your basic premis, that the main difference with this team is that the point guards are doing a great job of running the team and distributing the ball to the open man. Kidd has been fantastic, Williams good, and Billups ok ( I think he should pass more and shoot less).
I also think that it has been helpful that everyone for the most part has been playing like a team and passing the ball. Even Kobe has been playing team ball. However, last night against Mexico Kobe showed signs of reverting back to selfish Kobe, when he forced a few shots that he should of passed. Kobe is the most athletic and skilled player in the league, and if this league were a one on one league he would win. Unfortunately, his team play and decision making is one of the worst in the league.
Lebron and Anthony have been great, as well as Kobe, for the most part. However, having great shooters in Miller and Redd have helped.
I think this team will win the gold, but the team still needs a great post up player like Boozer.
Go USA.
KevinG Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 11:38 am
By the way Kobe’s defense has been amazing, and if plays like this during the NBA season he will be the defensive player of the year.
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 11:48 am
you are officially out of control LOL
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 11:53 am
TG did they lose last year? don’t disagree so harshly my friend. the difference between me and u is i understand the intangible process. they were intimidated because they would not take the ball from them. i did not say they couldn’t play. please read the freaking article. some of you guys never take the time to try and understand my angle. get with it.
GMAhater Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
hey eddie stop bragging about your usa team coz they still gonna loose it anyway and it show how stubborn thier defence on thier game on mexico it would be intresting how spain or greece and other european time would kick thier ass
Michael Bennett Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
I’ve been officially out of control since ‘79.
Miles Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
Michael, you thought what I wrote is funny, I find it hilarious that you are a pushy hypocrite. “Oh look at me, Lebron is greatest, though I was wrong plenty to the run towards the Championship, belittling everyone, I can never admit when I’m wrong.” Dork, your list is a croc, you have Larry Bird so high, while dominant, he had Robert Parish, Kevin Mchale to help him, Dennis Johnson at one point, and Walton at another(who helped in the final title).
Kobe below Lebron!? Please, he hasn’t won a title, he’s offensive arsenal consists of a shaky J, charging into the lane like a bull, and a shaky three. Kobe has better D, handles, and well rounded offensive repertoire. You always brag about Lebron doing it all on his own, no one does that now. Don’t bring up MJ either. Jordan had Pippen, and Horace Grant(who by the way was an All-star talent and multi-second team all defensive) first run. Second run he had Pippen again who was nearly an MVP when Jordan was gone, Pippen was that good(everyone forgets his sublime 22, 8, 5 season due to the Kukoc incident), and Rodman who deserves HOF. Why do you continue to crown him when Lebron has 0 MVPs, 0 titles, and when he has yet to develop himself into a player who’s willing to play both Offense and Defense.
You also bring up the argument that Lebron is the best defender on FIBA team(due to steals), please, defense is just more than stats. If you compare Kidd and Iverson’s defense due to steal, people would think they are equal defenders when the reality is Iverson is just good playing the passing lanes, and is nowhere near the physical defender that Kidd is. Also, I reiterate this, who has guarded the opposing teams best player? KOBE!!!
Michael Bennet(in his usual high pitch voice): “Wow guys, I’m terribly sorry for being a jerk, maybe I should quit offering my blind/biased opinion on basketball, and get to some real sports like table tennis or horseshoe tossing.” Michael packs his bags, rolls up his slobbery Lebron poster (due to the fact he always has to kiss it on his off time when he’s not here), and walks away.
Case closed, I’m through with you Michael. Ciao!
Miles Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Oh, yeah, Michael, your right on me being unknown, this is an alias. You come off as the type of person who’d stalk someone in real life over an argument. Well, ta ta, Mr. Bennett, enjoy your Lebron Poster.
frank Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
eddie,
so here’s a fair comparison: mj was defensive player of the year three years into the league. kobe has been in it for ten. where’s his trophy? he had shaq five years in, having at the time a decent shotblocker behind him. where was his lock down d then?
kobe was not a better defender than mj either one on one or from a team aspect. your argument of mj having rodman and pippen is a weak one. first off, he only played with rodman for the final three years of the bulls era. second, his best defensive season was in 87-88, which was scottie’s rookie year. so eddie, you’re tellling me scottie had an overwhelming impact on the defensive end as a rookie, much less an impact at all. think about that again.
and to use the argument of having help behind him in this tourney is also far off. here’s an example: in the ‘92 olympics, chuck daly asked barkley to guard oscar schmidt of brazil, who was undoubtedly the best player not playing in the nba. charles shut him down.
did he show that he would be an all world defender if he had the help behind him — maybe.
did he show that he was a better defender than mj — hell no.
did he show that, with a group of talent he had around him and knowing that the offense would be fine if he ran himself ragged on defense, they would win anyways — yes.
that’s what kobe is doing. he’s the best defender on a team full of offensive options, so his offense can become secondary to him. and he can play withing the flow of the game, unlike with the lakers, when the flow runs through him.
to play great defense, you need to have the audacity to make the other guy not want the ball back. mj and kobe have that. it’s their competitive spirit that makes them want that. mj just did it on a more consistent level in the league, and to say that kobe, whose doing it against lesser talent (not counting barbosa), is better based on the fiba assessment alone is not fair. so i’m going with mj.
now as for ball handling. they’re about even. kobe has small hands compared to mj. and anyone whose ever dribbled a ball knows that helps. and on top of that, i’m sure mj could’ve wowed us with more crossovers and behind the back dribbles, but he already knew it didn’t take much for him to get past someone. kobe is the same way but i think he just does it to break down the oppositions confidence and to lull them to sleep. so i think they’re about even on this one.
and michael bennett –
i think your tier system is stupid. to not have kareem and oscar in that first tier is ridiculous. kareem is the best all around center to ever play basketball, and i’m talking offensively and defensively. and oscar robertson was the best all around basketball player not named michael jordan. and truthfully the only thing mj did better was jump. every other facet of basketball you can argue in either’s favor.
lebron is far from that any of those lists. so far all he’s proven to me is that he’s a better version of dominique wilkins. he’s got to play d and develop a consistent outside shot before he can even be mentioned as one of the best ever.
and by mentioning the triangle when it comes to ball handling shows you know nothing about basketball. the triangle is about spacing, passing, and cutting. you can get through an entire triangle set without dribbling the ball. there is the occasional pick and roll, but that really doesn’t take much dribbling prowess for a pro now does it.
your mention of it only shows that you like to throw basketball terms out there without knowing anything about them. you’re like the retarded kid who likes to look up a word in the dictionary, then you try to use it to prove how smart you are, not realizing you make yourself look stupid by doing so.
i’m sorry, comparing you to retarded people is definitely an insult…. for retarded people.
Hammond Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
Team USA looks good, but let’s remember the current level of competition. Argentina is also undefeated and they’re missing 4 of their best players. Last year’s Florida or Ohio St. teams could’ve competed with many of this tournament’s teams. Barbosa is arguably the best guy in the tournament not on Team USA and he doesn’t even start in the nba. They look great, but let’s not buy the gold polish just yet. Who would’ve guessed that the Warriors would’ve beaten the Mavs, or that the old rickecty Spurs would’ve swept (hey mike bennett- how are things?) the, ahem, fresh-legged unguardable Lebron and his cavs?
I agree with Eddie that Melo is sometimes the forgotten one of the big three (the others being D Wade & Lebron) and that he is as good and possibly better than those guys. Melo has consistently throughout his career stepped up in big situations– high school state championship, ncaa championship, and twice now on team USA while surrounded by other superstars. That’s my main marker for greatness. Dirk is unquestionably a very good player, but two years in a row now has been seriously hampered by defenders that give up 4″ to him– Posey in the finals two years ago, and Stephen Jackson last season. Also, both of those guys are small forwards defending a power forward. LeBron was at a disadvantage this year in the finals facing a superior team, but his lack of a reliable jump shot was pretty clearly exposed. He is clearly a talented player, but after only four years in the league I don’t think it’s fair to rank him as the equal of Malone or Sir Charles and I would definitely rank him below the unmentioned Hakeem. Again, I’m not saying he isn’t amazing, but some people are disregarding some obvious shortcomings in his game– poor free throw shooter, poor 3 pt shooter, and not yet a first rate lock down defender.
Hammond Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
bennett– all the arguments you use in saying Jordan was better than Kobe defensively also work in the Kobe vs LeBron debate. Lebron has been named to all nba defensive team zero times in his career, and last year did not receive a single vote from any nba coach for his defense– not one vote! Kobe was put on the first team. I guess you’re seeing something that every single nba coach is missing, right?
Norman Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Keep in mind that LeBron is still only 22 and still developing. Just mind-boggling where he is already. LeBron doesn’t have the defensive help that Jordan (Pippen, Rodman, Grant, even Cartwright) nor Kobe (O’Neal, Ron Harper) had. I do agree Kobe’s defensive performance has dropped compared to the championship years and that does conclude Shaq’s help had alot to do with it. But to compare LeBron, Kobe and Jordan is difficult..apples to oranges in my opinion. Systems vary, personel varies, and coaches are different.
Now, looking at Kobe’s performance in the FIBA tourney has been undeniably excellent. But the opponents are not Vince Carter nor Ray Allen. He also has help, as stated above, where he is not the offensive focal point. This has been a good argument but difficult to prove. Everyone has a good point for each player.
TG Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
Eddie, you and I seem to be watching different games. I see a Team USA that looks great, unselfishly sharing the ball whenever Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant is on the court. But whenever Kidd is on the bench, the ball movement becomes much more stagnant. So how does that support your theory that Billups and Williams are doing a great job? I would argue that they haven’t proven any more effective than Paul and Hinrich were last year. I haven’t see any great leadership from Billups or Williams — just from Kidd and Bryant.
Meanwhile, whenever Bryant is on the bench, the defense becomes much easier to attack. You don’t find it at all worrisome that Bryant — NOT any of the point guards — has been assigned to defend the other team’s best perimeter player in every game thus far? And you say Mike Miller has been a great addition to the team, but I see a guy who is probably the weakest defender on the squad who has been unable to hit an open shot (he’s shooting well under 40% in this tournament). That’s surprising to me, since Miller is usually a good shooter, but he has struggled mightily in this tournament.
I know I’m being overly negative/pessimistic here, but I am also looking at the level of competition Team USA is facing in this tournament. It is FAR inferior than the competition at last year’s Worlds. And, if you remember, the 2003 Team USA squad roared through the FIBA Americas qualifying tourney about as asily as this year’s team is doing — but that didn’t stop them from losing at the Olmpics in 2004. So I’d be careful about overconfidence. Greece, Spain and (when at full strength) Argentina are way way way better than any of the teams Team USA has to face in this qualifying tournament.
Abdul-toronto Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
Mr. Bennett is tripping out. In fact Chris Bosh is better than Lebron, Melo and wade.
dj hott Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
LOLS, G.ARENAS SHOT LIKE 38% FROM THE FIELD AND BARELY AVERAGED 6 ASSIST AS A PG, WITH 2 OTHER ALLSTARS ON HIS TEAM, THE ONLY POINT U CAN MAKE FOR HIM IS HE SCORED 60 PLUS IN A GAME VS KOBE, BECAUSE KOBES IS TOO TIRED TOO GUARD THE TRIGGERMAN 48 MINS AND THEN PLAY OFFENSE WITH NOBODY ELSE THAT CAN SCORE.
THE FACT REMAINS BEST PLAYERS EVER
1.M.JORDAN
2.W.CHAMBERLAIN
3.K.BRYANT
4.MAGIC
5.LARRY BIRD
6.B.RUSSELL
7.S.ONEAL
8.O.ROBERTSON
9.J.ERVING
10.K.ABDUR-JABBAR
11.YINKA DARE
dj hott Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
CHRIS BOSH IS BETTER AT FAKING INJURIES SO NOT GETTING CUT
JUST LIKE ARENAS, EGO TO BIG SINCE HE KNEW HE WAS GOING TO GET CUT, AND WITHDREW HIS NAME, SCRUB
Chad Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
I understand Jordan is the man, but his supporting cast would be all stars on Kobe’s team. Also how many real superstars did Jordan go against not including Pippen in practice. Kobe goes up against Wade, then Lebron, then T-mac, then Carter,then arenas, then iverson, then carmelo, ray allen the list goes on. He guards the best perimeter player on the opposite team every night then is expected to score fifty. I pray for odom to score just 17, Pippen could score 30 any given night. As for Kwame if he could jus get like 9 points and 7 reb id be happy its a hell of I night if Kwame gets 10 , Rodman 13 to 15 reb any given night. Face it Jordan started winning rings after all the real stars got old( Bird, Magic, Detroit Teams.,he was in the east and didnt have to play nearly as much talent as Kobe and please dont bring up reggie or the knicks,because phoenix, dallas, san antonio are way better. Everyone loves Jordan and wants to be him but, because he was the first just too great and amazing anyone trying to surpass him is just waisting their time chasing Jordan’s perfection in our minds.
Trevor Jefferson Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
Ej .. Melo is “undoubtedly the best scorer of the three (Melo, Lebron and Wade, added)” … are you kidding me?
Lebron could drop 40 a game if he decided to Kobe on the Cavs and be a “scorer” first and foremost. However, LBJ is more of a Magic Johnson type player with Michael Jordan type skills and enjoys invloving his teammates and the like. Still, if Boobie, Larry, Drew and Z aren’t hitting their shots, King James can still go for 40-50 easily. How easily people forget Lebron averaged 31+ just 2 years ago.
Wade is a guy who could also easily average 30-35 a game if he wanted to, even though the Heat would suffer as a team for it. He isn’t the pure scorer that LBJ is as he can’t shott the 3 ball and doesn’t finish as strong, but the kid can flat out score.
Melo is a rich man’s Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson in that he has a multi faceted offensive game with little else to offer. I could see melo averaging 30-35 a game as well if he was the sole “scorer” on his team, however with Allen Iverson on his team, I doubt he’ll ever aveage 30 a game.
To even suggest that Melo might become the best basketball player of the 3 is insanity. Melo may go down as a better player then Wade (though I doubt it) as he is younger and has less injury issues, however neither Wade, nor Melo are anywhere near Lebron’s level as a “basketball player”. It’s like comparing Clyde Drexler and Charles Barkley to MJ!
Trevor Jefferson Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
Oden and Durant need to be added to this team for the 08′ O(lympics.
Final 12 man roster:
PG: Kidd-Williams (better then Billups)
SG: Kobe-Wade
SF: Lebron-Durant
PF: Melo-Howard
C: Oden-Amare
11th: Michael Redd
12th: Joe Johnson
Trevor Jefferson Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
The above lineup should bring home the gold medal but nobody should get confused and think this is the best “team” the United States can put together because it is not.
Here is the best team we could have:
PG: Kidd-Wade
SG: Kobe-Vince
SF: Lebron-Melo
PF: Garnett-Amare
C: Duncan-Howard
11th: Tracy McGrady
12th: Paul Pierce
Coach: Phil Jackson
Trevor Jefferson Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 7:55 pm
dj hott … your list is ridiculous. Yinka Dare at #11 … come on! Check this out buddy:
1. CHAMBERLAIN
2 KAREEM ABDUL-JABAAR
3. JORDAN
4 .SHAQ
5. MAGIC
6. DUNCAN
8. OLAJUWON
9. OSCAR ROBERTSON
10. KOBE
11. ISAIAH THOMAS
12. LARRY BIRD
13. FENNIS DEMBO (Greatest name ever!)
Note:I expect Duncan and Kobe to reach #4-5 before it’s all said and done. Also, the ONLY current NBA player I see making this list is Lebron James, although a guy like Greg Oden could easily do so if everything goes right.
Bosanac Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
lol
the only reason Kobe is playing D now, is first of all they don’t need his scoring, and SECOND he wants to show that he’s not selfish when he has good players around him…he’s always being labeled a ball hog, or someone that doesn’t trust his teamates, so now this is his chance to show the naysayers wrong…plus maybe send a message to the Lakers…BY THE WAY, KOBE IDOLIZES AND COPIES JORDAN TO THE MAX (everything from sticking out the tongue, to the patented fadeaway J, and even the way he talks…HAHAHA) Its funny bc you only see little kids on the playground copy Jordan or other NBA stars and take it that far
AND Kobe is the best player in the world right now, and I don’t care what anyone says, I’m pretty sure he’s better than Jordan at his prime…If both players played each other 1 on 1 in their prime, i think Kobe would win more games
I don’t know if everyone remembers or knows, but when Jordan first started out and even when he came back after the foot injury, he was looked at as a player that was talented but could not win because he was selfish…And he had no J…but as his team got better, and they implemented the triangle, and he worked on his shot, the critics forgot all about what they were saying for the first 3 years of his career…Jordan is the greatest to every play basketball, and Kobe might take over but it’s not fair to say anything until he retires…so until Kobe is done, Jordan is the greatest
Phil Jackson is a woman, he gets way too much credit for something that Tex Winter came up with ( THE TRIANGLE OFFENCE ) lol
Bosanac Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
*ever play basketball (correction above)
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:10 pm
Frank
your argument lost validity when you failed to mention the best defender on the team and that was Scotty Pippen. Jordan never guarded the best offensive player until the fourth quarter. Scotty guarded him.
Eddie Said,
August 28, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
TG
its over. This team will destroy any team they plaY next year. Book it.
Jascoinum Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 12:46 am
Bulls win Championship……Peace to you all.
Vince Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 2:38 am
All right !!!!
An why note playing aganinst real teams ?
I mean Argentina, Spain, even France ….
Would it be the same ? Would you have + 50 at the end of the game ?
I mean Canada, Brazil, or lost ilslands, why not but even the national team of Belgium coulb even the score !!!!
It doesn’t mean Kidd and Williams are not the engine you talk about, they are in the place. True and thanks for the show !!!
But don’t tell that captain kirk ot Chris Paul were impressed by mister advertissement, i mean lebron”the nba mistake”James.
Those 2 yooung PG are amazing, and were part of the national team, they deserve to be considered. This is the futur, true game,altruism,team spirit. This is what we want to see in our game, not a false super hero from cleveland who will never a Kobe and wich only interest is his jersey number.
C’mon for 08, the world want to see USA back on 1st track !!!
J DOGG Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 3:51 am
Miles is one of the few intelligent knowledgeable basketball fans on this board. I concur with everything he said in his most recent post. Long live Miles.
Kobe….. Greateast offensive repertoire in NBA history. Runs circles around the rest.
Eric Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 7:40 am
KObe a better defender than Jordan??? That’s the first time I heard that argument. Say Eddie you should try get that on Tv or something and, Dunno what the reaction will be. Man did Mj like personally diss you or something???Or did he like pump in 50 points on you and ran the score up??? Anyway Kidd is the man, the moment he said I had never lost in a international competitiob before and I’m not about to start, he brought leadership and confidence to this team. His creativity on the fast break is off the charts, dunno how effective he’ll be when the tempo slows down though, his half court play isnt as effective, but he is definitely the best point guard USA can get, he’s a living LEGEND!!!! BTW how come TD always get in foul trouble in FIBA??? He always dominates and fouls out in 20 minutes, yet you can make the argument that FIBA basketball is more physical???Weird??NO??
Eric Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 7:44 am
To those who say that Jordan is overrated and only domiated “old” superstars and that the east is weak……Yo charles barkley,reggie,clyde,hakeem,shaq,ewing…….they were old when Jordan was at his prime????? And the east use to be stronger than the west you fools, those days werent like tday where the best record in the east can only get 4th or 5th seed in west. Stop making up stuff to diss jordan.
Eric Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 7:48 am
And eddie, why does your article title say Kidd has been the catalyst, then barely devote a paragraph to him, then you spend the last 2 or 3 paragraphs talking bout kobe.Damn there’s enough kobe threads already, I want a jason Kidd thread, I want a whole article without kobe in it. I’ll take any thread over kobe right now. Please write a article dedicated to Melo, Kidd, or redd. Man I’ll take a mike miller article over kobe, everyone knows about kobe already, go into detail about other players.
jigs Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 8:04 am
statusmvp dude the reason why duncan and olajuwon played for team usa was they are naturalized usa citizens, and according to FIBA rule book a team can parade one naturalize player on its roster… know your basketball dude….
Dan M Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 10:09 am
Jason Kidd is just the point guard the U.S. needed to run the show especially with high scorers like Bryant, James, and Anthony. Kidd is the nba’s best all around point guard and a definite top 10 nba player. Yes Nash is canadian and might be equally impressive offensively with a better shot but his defense is pitiful which makes Kidd the most important nba point guard. He nearly averaged a triple double last season with 14 points 8 rebounds and 10 assists and he’s getting up there in age, yet his play continues to amaze. I know he has been critized for his shooting, which has improved but really is his only “weakness.” I know this that there are 30 general managers in the nba that would love for him to be running their team, you can’t say that about any other player. I’d say he’s been through the years one of the most underated and underappreciated talents this game has seen in quite some time. He has been successful everywhere he’s played, Dallas , Phoenix, New Jersey. He can single handedly improve a team’s wins by 20 games a year no doubt. Mad props to JKidd.
Hammond Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 10:15 am
Eddie– I like this ‘Kobe’s a better defendr than MJ” stuff– not because I agree with it, but because I’m not even sure if you truly believe it. My theory is you’re saying it to drive Bennett insane, and chances are it’s working! I bet if we hooked up a a blood pressure armband on him now, he’d register about 250/150! Just for the record though, I think MJ’s the better defender…
frank Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
eddie,
i totally agree with you that scottie was the best defender on that team and i never said he wasn’t. furthermore, i think scottie is one of the top 3 perimeter defenders ever. i just plainly stated that jordan proved he was the best defender of that season while scottie was a rookie. after realizing what a luxury it was to have someone like scottie(it helps when you have to guard jordan in practice for so long) on the other wing, who was able to guard the best player on any team, mj tuned down his defense and was able to focus primarily on offense. this isn’t a luxury that kobe has, but you can’t use that as an argument against mj. that’s an argument against kupchak, jerry buss, and the lakers organization.
and by saying that mj guarded the best player during the 4th quarter kinda helps my argument.
here’s the thing. i believe the true measure of greatness is that you make everything that has come before you obsolete. gm’s are taught from day one — you build your dynasties around a dominant big man. then michael jeffrey jordan came along and brushed that ideology aside.
Hammond Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Trevor– you don’t think Bill Russell cracks the top ten for all time nba greats? 11 rings in the league in 13 seasons to go along with 2 ncaa championships and an olympic gold medal… also, mvp 5 times. There’s no way guys like Isiah and Bird are ahead of Russell.
Eddie Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Trevor
let me explain to you what i meant by best scorer. it did not mean who averages the most points, its how potent they are. case in point Iverson led the league in scoring a number of years but shot 40 percent.
yes Lebron could average alot, but he would have a poor percentage in doing it. If Lebron averaged 40 it would take him 28-30 shots a game to do it, because he can’t shoot.
Carmelo has the total scoring package–inside, outside, off the dribble and once he gets a passing point guard he will shoot near 50 every year.
look at him now–he and Lebron are playing similiar minutes and he gets 20 in 18 minutes. their it is Trevor.
Eddie Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
Eric
i said what i neede too about Jason. i did not need to write a story. well i suggest you stop reading my stuff because if Kobe is around i will write about him. thats what they did about Jordan. Kobe is Jordan in todays game.
Hammond Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
two nba teams that must be happy watching this FIBA tounament are the Rockets & the Spurs: Houston’s new acquisition Luis Scola is playing great and has led Argentina to an undefeated record so far. The Spurs’ draft pick from this year, Tiago Splitter, is outscoring and outrebounding his Brazilian teammate Nene. He’ll play this season in Europe and probably join the Spurs next year.
Under the radar news– Celts sign James Posey. Great move– he will be a perfect compliment to their big three. I’ve never loved Ainge, but he has worked a miracle this off-season…
kobesmistress Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
this should be the lineup
pg-lebron pg-kidd g-billups
sg.kobe sg-m.redd g-d.williams
sf-carmelo sf-m.miller
pfamare pf-t.prince
c.d.howard c-t.chandler
kobesmistress Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
looks like reggie was not able to score 10-14 ppg in a comeback
just senior citizens specials at denny’s
and now james posey, thats not too bad
Eddie Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 6:29 pm
Reggie will change his mind again!
lawless Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
before rodman they had a defender by the name of horace grant, (four time all defensive team), look it up, before that, he a had a rugged defender in charles oakley
don’t underestimate the importance of these guys, when plugged into a grand scheme of defensive team ball, jordan was definitely a ball hawk, but these guys made him even better, allowing him to force other players to play faster than they want, if he got beat, he always had a competent defender rotating>>> keyword: competent
lakers don’t have competent players, i think thats part of his frustration, the lakers had guys that ’s been in the league for 3-4 years still making the same mistakes, as if they r not learning from experience
its more of a team thing than individual
J.R. Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
okay, okay….enough is enough!!!!!
Here’s the bottom line….Kobe Bryant, whom is definitely my favorite player of all time, is the SECOND best player in the NBA today (sorry but Tim Duncan, whom I truly can’t stand, is the best player in today’s NBA let’s clear that up) and the best all-around perimeter player in TODAY’s game.
The comparisons of who’s better b/w MJJ and Kobe will never be justified for several reasons:
1. Jordan’s NBA was much more physical on all ends, whereas Kobe’s NBA has players whom are bigger, faster, stronger, and much more athletic.
2. Because Jordan was the first of his kind to elevate the game the way he has, Kobe has been at a disdvantage from day 1 and no matter what happens will always fall second to MJ (despite scoring 81 points in a modern-day NBA game that didnt go into overtime, where we actually got to SEE IT ibecause it was televised instead of hearsay, and not being a physically dominating center)
3. Just like Jordan is the reason Kobe Bryant is who he is…..(a little offtopic but worth it) Kobe Bryant, whom is the first GUARD to jump straight from high school into the NBA after dominating and in the same respect the first guard who made the jump to be voted an all-star starter his second year in the league even though he wasnt even a Laker’s starter (because poor Kobe wasnt blessed enough to get to stay with the subpar team in the Hornets and show just how good he was from the gate because it was expected…but rather put on a perrennial playoff team that already featured three allstars in Shaq, Nick the Quick, and E Jones and he was forced to be a backup and not allowed to have the ball in his hands so that he was used to making decisions with the balll that way when it came time for that game-winning shot against Bryan Russell he would’ve been better prepared for it but no the allstars and the coach hating on the kid so hard so early he had a hard fight from jump) is one of the very reasons why the media started turning the prep school basketball to find the next Kobe Bryant-like story or Kevin Garnett story (and eventually TMAC and Jermaine Oneal but that was later)…hence why Lebron was given so much spotlight for doing what he did…..oh yeah, not sure, but Lebron a first all-american his junior year in high school, because Kobe sure was.
anywho, back on topic…..
Jordan’s team 10 years ago featured what’s equivilent to having Tashawn Prince (Pippen)…Ben Wallace (Dennis Rodman) a left-handed Dirk Nowitski (Toni Kukoc) Todd McCullough (Luc Longley)
J.R. Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Jason Terry (closest comparison to Ron Harper, I think..I can be wrong) and a shorter, less athletic Brent Barry (Steve Kerr)…..of course at this point in his career he’d trust his teammates fully…that’s damnnear a all nba team waiting to happen right there…..kobe had something similar to that in LA as he started to gain some respect from Phil and was allowed more room within the offense to do what he does…..and for the last time just as Shaq made Kobe’s life alot easier Kobe damnsure made Shaq’s life alot easier on the court too….you double kobe…get it to shaq for a dunk…..double shaq…get it to kobe to make something happen….but nobody wanted to give Kobe any respect then because “the only reason he was as good as he was had all to do with Shaq being there to bail him out”…..and that right there almost drove him out of LA to go somewhere that would let him blossom with real talent surrounding him….but Jerry Buss and his play-GM Bitch…ugh I mean Mitch Kupchak, without Kobe knowing or having any sayso in it, decided to trade Shaq….then let Kobe take the heat for it without standing up for him…..and of course the world LOVEEESSSSSSSSSS to hate Kobe Bryant and no matter what he does he will always be loved by some and hated by most…..
With all that being said, the icon Michael Jordan can never be matched again…no matter how hard they try with Lebron….but talent-wise Kobe is the best in HIS time…..we won’t be able to determine honesty until he retires…..but he’s done all he’s done and the odds are STILL against him….meanwhile they’re making up records for Lebron to break….and then banned high school players from jumping ever again so that all his so-called “youngest to ever do whatever” will never be broken….wow that’s funny…..let Bron slip up….and he’ll be in the same boat right along with Kobe…..hated and chastized…..Jordan’s NBA didnt have to deal with that…..Magic Bird and Dr. J paved the way for MJ to utilize the media in good way, and bad press wasnt a way of life at the time….things are different and the arguments will never hold up because nothing will ever stick…two different eras with two different skill levels at certain things that were either necessary or unnecessary for either Kobe or Jordan’s time….give it up and let the boy be Kobe.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 9:51 pm
Eddie - You are so off when it comes to this year’s FIBA tourney. LeBron is showing that not only is he the most consistent of the three (Kobe, Melo, LeBron), he’s shooting better than both and playing great defense.
Why haven’t you mentioned the altered/better form in his shot? Don’t tell me you don’t notice it. He’s jumping straight up (instead of leaning or fading) and his follow through is near perfect. But, no mention of it… Hmm…
That’s why, through 6 games, he’s 10-16 from 3 point land - that’s .625. Kobe AND Melo are shooting under that for FG.
You’ll never admit that LeBron’s the best in the game, the best on the planet, headed for one of the best ever.
Give him some credit with his improved J. Isn’t that what you wanted from your ‘Letter To LeBron”?
Michael Bennett Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 10:50 pm
First Half Stats: 11-11 FG, 23 pts, virtually perfect in every way
Man, Eddie - Your timing is really on. Well done…
You can send me an apology to my email, Eddie.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 11:12 pm
Excuse me, 26 points.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 11:16 pm
Congrats, Hammond - Your new nickname is CAPTAIN OBVIOUS.
Has Melo been a joy to watch, too? What about Kobe? Have they been really exciting to watch?
“The Spurs were good last year”… How about THAT as your next statement. Or, maybe, “Vince Carter’s dunks are cool”.
jay Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 11:29 pm
“Half of the game of basketball is played in the player’s mind” — Albert Ocampo
OVERALL, I think the current team USA is not that much different from the previous (and failed) versions of team USA. The big difference is the way opposing teams see them. Look at the original Dream Team, their opponents are happy just to share the court with them and would rather watch their “idols” perform highlight reels in person than guard them because they know at the back of their mind that they cannot defeat this team even if they tried really hard. Half of the game was already won even before tip off. And upon stepping on the court, Jordan, Bird, Johnson, doesnt even have a doubt on the outcome of the game and there goes another victory and a walk in the park.
Now the first time Carmelo, Le Bron, Wade, Amare, Howard, etc. played for team USA they are so new, players from other country barely know them and thus have almost no respect for their game. This resulted to opposing players playing with much more intensity and confidence against them and with that, the psychological advantage Team USA used to have over their opponents is gone.
Now after years of being in the limelight of NBA basketball, this same players together with household names like Kobe and Jason Kidd have again regained some of that psychological edge: opposing teams now take notice and are intimidated. Just imagine if their other “idols” like Garnett, Duncan, McGrady, and yes even Vince Carter were playing today, they will be more devastating to the psyche of the opponents. The game will turn into an All-Star game where players would rather watch highlights on the court than defend.
Having said that, I think Team USA should continue piling up points on their opponents to let the world know that they are back and come the Beijing Olympics, they wouldn’t have any chance of beating them.
jay Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 11:51 pm
One more thing, this psychological thing is another thing in common between Jordan and Kobe. Both of them knows that when the game is on the line they can, and will win the game. They are not intimidated on whoever is guarding them (the better the guard, the better the show) and as a result both of them are the most devastating and greatest scorer in the history of basketball
This same confidence rubs off to the teammates of Jordan translating to wins and championships (just ask armstrong, buchler, burrell, wennington, longley, etc). Unfortunately the same cannot be said to Kobe whom I think is even hated by some of his teammates. The result: LOSSES and reasons and complaints such as “the team doesnt have a third option”, “he is playing with a bunch of stiffs”, “teammates not defending”, “no bench”, etc.
Basketball is a team game and not just about individual statistics so for that matter Michael Jordan is a better basketball player than Kobe Bryant. Period.
It's like I Said,
August 29, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
Michelle Bennet (French as in “Ben-ay”), you are total idiot. You never fail to wow me with your limitless stupidity. But because of this, (and the image that everyone in this blog has of what you must look like sitting at your computer procrastinating work for school or some dull data entry job as you enter your 10th 1000 word comment in the past 24 hours), you are almost as essential to this blog as the Eddie himself. I like to think that if this blog were an organism: Eddie as the brain and you as the rectum.
So I just think everyone in this blog needs to recognize how important Mme Bennet is to the life of this blog. Eddie knows it, because he’s the brain. He knows that every now and then it’s good to take a dump. And Michelle is always there to play the role. Kudos.
Brad Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 2:14 am
No matter what, this staff for the Olympics has done a hell of a job putting this team together. Ithink it obviously starts with Jerry Colangelo’s plan. Obvious and brilliant but he is one of the few in basketball that has the influence to do it. When they win the Olympics he should be the MVP. By the way gmahater are you a total moron. Do you have one single intelligent thought. Maybe you should go and watch movies on your beta after you get home in your Yugo.
Connie Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 3:34 am
jay’s comment, just above, really hits the nail on the head, as far as Michael vs. Kobe goes. The psychological comparison between the two, as jay points out is quite similar. Both are/were guys that would cut your throat, and maybe their own mother’s as well, in order to win. This is not a normal person. And Michael and Kobe are not/were not normal basketball players, they are/were the best, for sure. Obsessive/Compulsive—Sociopathic—they could probably each be diagnosed with more than one pyschological condition that would make them someone you wouldn’t want to live with. But you sure as hell would want them on your team.
jay also rings the bell with his analysis of how Kobe and Michael each affected (I’m giving up on using both present tense and past tense) their teamates. I’ve watched Kobe many times, and he is a spectacular athlete, an incredible basketball player, but I have yet to see him make his teamates better.
I wonder if Scottie Pippen would have been such a perrenial all-star if he wasn’t playing with Jordan? When Rodman came to the Bulls, he was out-of-control, and the ONLY team that he could have played for was the Bulls. Michael was the only dog big enough to keep Rodman under control (well, most of the time, anyway) And as jay mentioned, what about those other “scrubs”? Eddie, I’m sure you remember when Luc Longlye came to the Suns. He had played quite well for the Bulls, solid, if not spectacular. That didn’t happen when he suited up for Phoenix now, did it?
Michael made his teamates better because he was an incredible leader. He had the Heart of the Lion. Kobe is not an incredible leader. Michael’s teamates followed him, they performed for him, they WON for him (remember it was Paxson that hit the dagger against the Suns in the finals) not so much because they loved him, but because they feared him. Man, if I knew that Michael Jordan was going to be glaring at me if I missed the shot, didn’t get the rebound, or made a turnover; even I would make the shot, grab the rebound and make sure I didn’t turn it over. Michael WILLED his teamates, and his team to victory. His belief system didn’t allow for any other outcome. (once they got the hang of it)
That’s how it is with great players. Larry Bird was like that. Do you think that Kevin McHale would have had the success that he had without Bird? Magic was like that. He made EVERYONE around him so much better. Barkley was like that. Would any of us even remember the name Dan Majerle if Charles hadn’t been there to feed Dan the energy that got him to start in the All-Star game?
And Steve Nash is like that. Eddie, you see him play all the time. You know what he does for Amare’ and Shawn and the others. He elevates their game to another level.
These few that I mentioned didn’t all use the same style as Michael. If you blew it as Michael’s teamate, you may as well just pack up your locker before he made it to the locker room. Nash certainly doesn’t use the same style, but a leader and a superstar he is in the fact that he makes everyone around him so much better.
That’s not the case with Kobe, and therein lies the difference. Incredibly talented, yes. The guy whom you start your all time team with? No Way.
.
Connie Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 3:52 am
It’s too bad that some (one) has to come on here and engage in nothing more than pure, unadulterated character assassination. No intelligent
discussion, no point by point critique, just insults and name calling.
But I know, I know, you just wanted to get that post # and that timestamp, didn’t you? Just so clever and cute.
Eddie, I think that you would be well within your rights and responsibility to delete such posts of those that make no contribution whatsoever to the discussion. Those that are interested in nothing more than creating chaos, dissent, and discord.
Remember:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:119&version=31
I thought I’d post another version this time.
I’m not talking about people that post the overuse of the word “Idiot”, although that is bad enough too. Those that disagree could do so without name calling, that would make this blog, and this world, a better place. I encourage everyone to start thinking about that, and if the Spirit moves you, to act more kindly to each other, do so. Hey, we’re all going to have different opinions, that’s for sure. But we don’t have to be beasts about it, now do we?
Eric Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 5:43 am
This is by far the most responded to article anyone on hoopshype has ever written. Anyway I reckon best performer right now is Melo, I dont think that’s gonna change, his game is perfectly suited for Fiba competition. And why on Earth did Argentina leave out 3 of their best players-Oberto,Nocioni,Ginobili??? Oh well they’re still kicking ass though, looks like they seem to be the only team that has a chance of not getting blown out by the USA team.
djhott Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 7:35 am
argentina will get blown by 40 thursday
for not having oberta,ginobuli, and nocioni
carmelo,kobe,and lebron 3 best in fiba
TheOUTLAW Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 8:21 am
The reason that Carmelo is getting more points is because LeBron is facilitating while Melo is shooting. I think yesterdays game kinda proves that LeBron could score more if he so chose, but the team didn’t really need scoring as much as it needed someone to help get the ball to the scorers. So that was the role that LeBron helped to fill. I do think that Carmelo has as more diverse scoring repertroise than LeBron but that by no means makes him a better scorer. You argue that Melo would score more if he had a passing point guard, but can’t the same be said for LeBron? Not to mention the fact that the Cavs are not a running team while Melo gets a number of points due to cherry picking just about every game.
Chris Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 9:02 am
Connie
Im pretty sure Jordan had some to do with it but phil jackson had 90 percent to do with it. Attitudes or not they had all the pieces for a championship team and all the talent at each position.
Oh yeah Nash sucks. Any point gaurd could run his offense with the people running with him.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 9:38 am
Eric - You just wrote that Melo is the “best performer right now” AFTER last night’s game? Did you watch?
It should be unanimous - What LeBron did last night was downright amazing and made him, by far, the best player in the tournament.
Hammond Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 10:09 am
Bennett– I’m not sure which comment you are insulting me over, but as always, you are a class act.
Hammond Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 10:18 am
i guess your nickname will have to be “Captain makes stupid predictions and insults everyone who doesn’t agree although it turns out later they were right and I don’t care, I’m still gonna keep making stupid predictions”….. or at least something like that.
Let’s remember your predictions for the sake of this argument:
‘07- cavs will beat Spurs. Wrong
‘08- Bulls will will NBA championship. Wrong
Your predictions are often not obvious, but they are almost wrong. Lebron went 11-11 against a defender no one has ever heard of and you act like it’s a miracle. Fabricio Oberto went 10-10 last year in an NBA game– is he now one of the greatest centers of all time? As you have admitted yourself, you root with your heart, not with your head. Thanks for the insults, though.
Michael Bennett Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 10:23 am
Oh, please.
I know it’s tough to READ sarcasm, but give me a break. I post on here to have fun with other NBAers. If you’re insulted by my always humorous posts, it says more about you than it does about me.
Tongue-in-cheek. Get over it.
It's like I Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 11:04 am
Connie, do you think Michael cares? Nope. Besides, what’s wrong with being a jerk?
Eddie Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 11:48 am
Michael
i could have put on a uniform and went 11-11 against that team. don’t insult Lebron with that example.
I predict Carmelo will be the better all-around player before its all said and done.
Yes i have seen his shot and it still needs plenty of work.
djhott Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
michael, lets see a player explode for 45 points or something before we say they are the best player in fiba,after one game unless it is kobe or carmelo,
lebron is right up there
but look at the nba teams-carmelo has iverson,nene,and camby-lebron has a z.ilguauskus, gooden, and hughes, kobe has nobody,ok lamar odom
kobe is the best, lebron will be passed up these year, but yes lebron is probably the best finisher, due to size and power, they should have a one on one tournament out of the 3 to decide, in 2 years-or make it a 8 man tournament- featuring 1.kobe2.carmelo3.lebron4.d.wade5.v.carter 6.a.iverson 7.t-mac 8.k.durant- and let tony parker,ray allen,b.davis and paul pierce ref
make it an annual event for money to a good case, and to sports fans an junkiest
djhott Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
hey eddie, if u can suite up and go 11 for 11 on uraguay, why dont u come back instead of reggie miller, lol
we want eddie
we want eddie
we want eddie
Michael Bennett Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
That’s funny, Eddie. LeBron DID go 11-11 against that pathetic team. You COULD go 11-11 against that pathetic team. But, Kobe only went 5-11 against that pathetic team. Way to walk right into that one…
And, when you say “I predict Carmelo will be the better all-around player before its all said and done.” you mean he’s a better shooter. That’s it. You know why you say that? It furthers your cause (shooting video/shooting lessons). But, how could you say that Melo will be a better all-around player? So far, in the four seasons, LeBron does EVERYTHING better than Melo - hits more threes (better 3PT%), better rebounder, better passer (by a million), better defender, better scorer, better finisher, better winner…
But, Melo is the #1 scorer on the USA team in the FIBA tourney and you think he’s better all-around?!? You love hypotheticals so much - IF LeBron played on Denver, they would have won the NBA title the last two years. No doubt.
It’s obvious that you prefer the better shooter in any instance. That’s why you like Melo and Kobe more than LeBron. But, that’s only one part of basketball. But, because of the Jump Shot Club, you are biased. Whereas I’m completely objective. I have no affiliation with a basketball program of any kind, so I see that LeBron is better than Kobe and Melo very easily. What I’m saying is:
If you had a video out called PASSING CLUB by EJ, we’d be in total agreement.
Hammond Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Bennett!
“Whereas I’m completely objective” That is your funniest comment yet.
Eddie Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
i want Lebron in my Jumpshot club. i can’t teach Carmelo and Kobe anything, but if i change Lebrons shot i would be called the shot doctor. that shooting desease he has can only be cured by me (-:
Michael Bennett Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
Fine. If we send LeBron to you (the doctor), let’s send Kobe to the WORK WELL WITH OTHERS Clinic, and we’ll have to send Melo to my man Freddie Roach… Do you remember ‘the fruit punch’ against the Knicks?
Eddie Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
now that is funny! but i bet it will take longer to improve that shaky jumper
Eddie Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
hey guys give me advice on a future column and i want input on who should go on the wall of fame http://www.jumpshotclub.com next.
david Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
I vote for Hammond — best tete a tete with MB
d shine Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
Keep Dwayne Wade off of this team for China. Replace Michael Redd with Joe Johnson and Mike Miller with Rip Hamilton and this team will deathly deep with out any players who don’t move the ball well. Kobe, Kidd, Lebron, Carmello and Stat or Howard at the 5 will make a great starting 5. Billups or Williams are rock solid reserves for Kidd, Johnson and Hamilton can catch and shoot all day to give Kobe and Lebron a blow. They are both better than Redd and Miller, Hamilton especially because he reaks havoc with out the ball and constantly moves and kills every one who trys to check him. Johnson proved to be a great passer, ball handler and shooter. Redd is not a good passer or ball handler, he has also struggled with his shot thus far and I just don’t like his ugly ass shot.
King LBJ Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
I vote Miles, he speaks the truth.
Mihajlo Moncilovich Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
“I was also amazed by the amount of quick long passes down the floor after a Brazil score– as if every inbounds were a fast break chance.”
Why? Haven’t you heard of Mike D’Antoni and the Phoenix Suns? D’Antoni is an assistant coach for this team or haven’t you been paying attention?
frank Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
eddie,
ian thomsen of si.com put up 3 sets of 12 man rosters which comprised of his all-time, current, and future(5 years form now) nba squads. i think that you should do the same in a series of 3 different columns. imagine the response you would receive on those. not only did i help you out with one, but i got you 3 right there.
and to help convince you, ian omitted melo from the current and future teams and wilt from his all time. i actually agree with the latter. go check it out at si.com/dreamteams.
and as for your hall of fame. i vote for drazen petrovic. i think he’s still the best player to ever come out of europe and his career was definitely cut too short. he was a prolific shooter who led a resurgence in new jersey in the early nineties with kenney anderson and derrick coleman. he also led croatia to the gold medal game in the 1992 olympics only to lose to the dream team. yet a lot of people tend to forget how good he could’ve been.
jay Said,
August 30, 2007 @ 11:19 pm
Again you judged how good basketball players are based on individual statistics alone when in fact basketball is a team game so it should be individual statistics plus team success (in which they are the leader) and some highlight reel moments. Having said that Lebron is better than Melo…. but Dwayne Wade is clearly the best among the three!!!
Eric Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 4:42 am
Wooh yeah am I just a prophet or what, I said that Argentina was the only team that had a chance of not getting asswooped by 40 pts, and wholla they lost by 15. And I still think Melo should get tourament MVP, he’s their most consistent performer so far, another great game and he should seal it, if Lebron somehow explodes next game and completely outshines everybody then things might get shaky, but for now MELO FOR MVP!!!
Michael Bennett Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 10:20 am
It’s funny how the couple people who’ve responded about the next Wall Of Fame entry chose candidates that have consistent tiffs with ME… not you, Eddie. I think you should chose someone who sometimes has YOUR number… who gives YOU a run for your money… not someone who calls me an ‘idiot’ every seven posts.
As for the next post, I think you should talk about the EAST. And, in particular, the balance of power slowly shifting AND the Southeast and Atlantic Divisions potential to explode.
OR
Are we limited to NBA discussions? Your website says that you’ll take a “stand on basketball and social issues”, so I’d like to hear your opinions on some current news topics.
OR
The NFL starts next weekend. I’m going to see MY (yes, they’re mine) CHICAGO BEARS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS this coming weekend, which is a huuuuuge starting game. I’d love to hear your comments on who you think will win it all this year, what teams will fall of the map, what teams will emerge as contenders, etc. It’s sad that Los Angeles doesn’t have an NFL team, but San Diego is just a hop, skip and a jump…
OR
The 2008 election is always a fun one. I’d like to hear about your favorite early candidate. Are you a Hilary guy? A Barrack fellow? Or, are you a Conservative? A Romney supporter? Guliani?
artie g Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Mihajlo–
D’antoni? The suns? Oh, yeah– those names ring a bell for me now that you mention it….. they’re that team stacked with talent that scores a lot , doesn’t play great D at the 1 and 5 spots and gets knocked out of the playoffs every year, right?
artie g Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 10:52 am
Luis Scola: 8 for 12 from the field for 20 pts and 5 rebs, 4 fouls, in 18 minutes.
Amare: 0 for 1, 2 pts, 3 rebs, 4 fouls, in 17 minutes.
Hammond Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 11:13 am
Here’s a suggestion for topic to discuss: what was the best move made by an NBA team in the past that Didn’t work out? For me, a few spring to mind:
1. Houston pairing Ralph Sampson and Hakeem together. Had Sampson not been plagued by bad knees, the Rockets might’ve won more than 2 championships they grabbed with just Hakeem.
2. Orlando signing a young T-Mac to pair with then-superstar Grant Hill. Great idea to pair two super versatile swingmen together, two triple-double types, but Hill gets hurt and the Magic organization goes into a multiyear tailspin.
3. Celts draft Len Bias. In 2003, coach K said the two opposing players who stood out most in his memory were Micheal Jordan and Len Bias. Had he not died from an O.D., he would’ve teamed with Bird & co. to lead a fearsome Boston team.
djhott Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
eddie next post
overpaid nba players, or free agents remaining and why
would a all world team vs usa be a interesting matchup
g-s.nash g-t.parker f.oberto
g-m.ginobuli g-l.barbosa a.nocini
f-p.stojakovic f-h.turkolu
f-d.nowitzki f-p.gasol
c-t-duncan c=m.okur
wow-excellent team-duncan is the only defender, and manu
the winner of the world vs usa-would be a classic like the hotdog eating contest
Michael Bennett Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
I don’t think that anyone in this world is “overpaid.” It’s common knowledge that salary isn’t completely based on performance. With that being known, what’s the system to see if someone’s “overpaid?” There isn’t any.
So, to say that Stephon Marbury or Michael Finley or Steve Francis are “overpaid” is just not valid. They’re men that get paid a lot of money by organizations that’s overseen by a respected association.
The argument that ALL athletes are overpaid is valid… I don’t agree - I think they get what they get, but the argument is valid.
Hammond Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
dj hott– I’d add Luol Deng at SF to that international group.
The posterboys for bad money decisions the past 6 or 7 years have to be my hometown team, the Knicks. While still having the highest payroll in the league and still paying insane luxury taxes, they at least have a shot at the playoffs this year. A couple of years ago they were arguably the worst team in the NBA while carrying a base payroll that was double that of the Championship caliber Piston, Spur, or Heat teams. And that’s not even including the additional luxury taxes they had to pay.
Michael Finley’s a great case– he wins a ring with the Spurs while they pay him almost nothing themselves, but he still collects almost 20 mil from Mark Cuban. Ouch.
Hammond Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
regarding overpaid players:
I really like the salary cap– it at least attempts to level the playing field for everyone. And it puts decision making ahead of dollars when it comes to building a good team. The three teams that spent the most money last year were the Knicks, the Mavs, and the Nuggets– the first missed the playoffs and the other two were knocked out in the first round.
Detroit made it to the Eastern Conf finals without being in the top ten for payroll and Utah made it to the Western Conf. finals without being in the top 20. The cap also makes teams pay the consequences for unwise contracts.
The Knicks are the perfect example– they made terrible decisions, and were stuck with them because other teams were unwilling to take anyone off their hands because they themselves had to worry about the cap.
I root for the Yanks because they’re in the Bronx, but I do think it’s fundamentally unfair that a team already outspending everybody else should still always be first in line to sign the latest free agent superstar simply because they can outspend everyone.
The Nba has better balance than most leagues, and next year the Mavs, Suns, Spurs, Rockets, Celtics, Pistons, Jazz, and Bulls (and a couple others depending on what happens tradewise) all have a legit shot at a title… and fans of Seattle, Toronto, Portland, Orlando, have hopeful futures thanks to youth and cap room.
djhott Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
michael-brian cardinal is overpaid-francis was overpaid, rashard lewis is overpaid,kenyon martin is overpaid,e.dampier is overpaid, marko jaric is overpaid,troy murphy,m.dunleavy,.
people that pass the gm’s office and are lucky not to get tomatoes thrown at them. and i fell asleep last night
what happened to usa, did they just not play hard, who cares we won, or is argentina that close to them without there 6 best players?i saw kobe go off at eh beginning, but didnt watch the rest of the game- 16 point win,
was it defense, what?
cb4 Said,
August 31, 2007 @ 7:36 pm
yi jinlian finally signed with china, wow
he did the spoiled act and told the bucks before the draft he didnt want to go there, but him being a 7ft versatile pf-c-with outside shot, and being marketable, they said we dont care we want you. that was bold, but they may have gotten the right player, for the future,and perfect complement to c.villanova &bogut- and a good topic would be
who are dirty players in the nba, or best actors?
or topic about need for adding expansion teams or not
and how to get honest referrees, or what is the best dunk ever?
manu Said,
September 1, 2007 @ 1:21 am
djhot, do you know any other Oberto than the Spurs player? guard?
Deshaun Said,
September 1, 2007 @ 3:36 pm
USA should drop Kobe and pick up Allen Iverson
Sinuous Said,
September 1, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
the worst thing that can happen is for the US to gt that “dream team” mentality about themselves again going into the olympics. If they do, they wont win again.
Sinuous Said,
September 1, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
if the players can get the money they demand.. then good on them!
Its when players hold out for an extra 5 million on an 80 million dollar contract that gets up my nose.
When you’re talking that kind of money, whats the difference.
Nocioni Said,
September 1, 2007 @ 10:40 pm
hello my name is Sebastian, Im from Argentina,
The USA Team is Very Strong and Shot of 3 only But for me that is not the History USA Basketball (NBA), for me loss here in the Paint Zone. irreal for Dream Teams. , Kove is a Super Star and Melo too, but Argentina B team now is playing good, Luis Scola is the best of my team, Pablo Prigioni is the best Guardian in Europe, Delfino is down, the reserve players in general is good.
We have not in Las Vegas Chapu Nocioni, Oberto, Manu Ginobili, Herrmann, Pepe Sanchez , Wolkowisky and Others , more Players for my Country.
Lucky in Pekin and Win the best
PD: Sorry my English.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 2, 2007 @ 12:38 am
Eddie - I think Deshaun should be on your Wall Of Fame. “USA should drop Kobe and pick up Allen Iverson” is, by far, the funniest post I’ve ever read on this blog… and, for so many different reasons.
Invader Said,
September 2, 2007 @ 5:00 am
Guys, i think MOST of you are Americans (or al least USA team fans) . Why can’t you be happy for the things that are happening right now in the tournament instead “analyzing” the players (MJ vs Kobe, LEbron is not good, etc. etc) your country’s representatives and bashing each others’ opinion?
Come on.
Be Happy.
cb4 Said,
September 2, 2007 @ 9:04 am
deshaun, why do that- kobes 6′7 and can fly he can get off any shot, iverson is 6 ft, and cant shoot nearly as good, and probably would fail the olympic drug test any way. at what nba position will iverson play,
the 1 and have the drunk driver jr smith back at the 2
or will it be the 5′11 c.atkins with the 6′0 1/2 iverson at 2?
if thats the case they should have kept 5′5 earl boykins
for the fastest backcourt ever, the question is if prince cant make an allstar team, or miller, on the worst team in nba,why are they on the team?
why not josh howard,and joe johnson. kidd is the catalyst, i liked how arroyo tried scoring on him, and kidd came right back, i think kidd is the perfect pg for this team, this team needs a pass first,pass second,defense, third, shoot accidental guy like him.but i dont agree with the comments kobe&lebron saying they wish they had him on their team, and their teams pg suck, well i could understand a bigman, whining who has to score off of rebounds instead of crisp entry passes, but not superstar guards, who have the ball 70% anyway like a pg or can command it anyway, lebron should be wanting someone who wants to score, to help him, instead of the deadbeats that like to watch him to the action, and kobe why did u want a divorce from shaq?, the lakers could have won 10 rings together, but egos come and go, like carmelo really isnt happy he has iverson, because he says hes a scorer not a pointguard, u had steve blake,u just want every shot, but in fiba, he has been on fire, so who cares
Hammond Said,
September 2, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
David–
it was nice to read on nba.com today that Mike D’Antoni “cringed” when the topic of Amare working on his three point shot came up, and emphasized that it’s defense and rebounding that will help the Suns win a championship, not more offense. Personally, I hope he sticks with the three point workouts.
Hammond Said,
September 2, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Team USA’s goal for today should be to greatly improve on their last defeat of Argentina– it was their closest game of the tournament, and to be honest, it’s not too impressive to beat an international team missing at least 3 starters who are all nba players by only 15. Especially when two of those starters both own previous olympic gold medals and NBA championship rings.
When people start saying things like “this team can’t be beat” that’s when the trouble starts. The ancient Greeks termed that way of thinking as Hubris. The Modern Greeks took advantage of that hubris and beat us the lat time we played them…
Michael Bennett Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 12:43 am
Can anyone really argue against LeBron being the best player in the world right now? How can you? How blind to you have to be to think otherwise?
Please - Someone try and argue against LeBron being the best player in basketball.
Kobe… Ha! Jason Kidd… Ha! Melo… Ha!
31 points… GOLD… 76% FG… 62 3PT%…
Let’s hear all of your lamo reasons… and the normal excuses as to why the player you thought was the best couldn’t hold LeBron’s jock strap.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 12:44 am
And, Eddie - You HAVE to admit LeBron has cleaned up his shot. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than it ever has been. And, because of that, he’s BY FAR the best there is.
Steven Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 8:15 am
Deshaun “USA should drop Kobe and pick up Allen Iverson”
you’re a fiend…he’s the opposite to what they need… they’re not looking for a shoot first point guard.
And for the bosh haters who think he faked his injury to avoid getting cut… at the argentina vs. USA press confrence , coach K said Bosh and Wade are gonna be on the olympic team.
did you honestly think they would keep Tyson Chandler over Bosh?
Hammond Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
While Lebron performed beautifully in this tournament against a collection of players who for the most part would not make an NBA squad, it might be wise to put things in perspective. If a team was formed consisting of Tyronn Lue, Adam Morrison, Linton Johnson, Mark Madsen, and Jerome James, and LeBron lit them up for lots of points and a nice shooting percentage, would it really mean anything or change the way we should look at his game? No, of course not. They are not the cream of the crop. The fact still remains that when faced with the defense of Bowen, Ginobili, and Tim Duncan (who is currently at the twilight of his position as the best player on earth) LeBron shot a series percentage that was many sub-levels below .500 and made little impact on the defensive end. What was that, 100 days ago? Shaq was swept by Hakeem early on and still grew to become the best player in the world, and maybe LeBron will do the same. He’s a great young player, no question. But let’s let him develope naturally, just as Jordan and Kobe did. Right now, he’s a prince, but not the King.
Chad Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
To Michael Bennett
So Lebrick had 1 good game and good field goal percentages. Do you honestly think he is a great shooter. He dunked the whole time had a couple of 3 pointers yes, but by no means is he a shooter. He is a dunker who can casually shoot, streaky at best, dont ever compare his shot to carmelo anthony and especially not Kobe Bryant. When he does this against some real ballers and is the center of attention not just deferred off of kobe and anthony let me know. Great job in the qualifiers,he is an nba player hopefully he can make wide open shots, but kobe and anthony will take over in the olympics.
And with those 30 something dunks he got, lebrick managed to do 3 different dunks out 30, his imagination is 0 thats why he will never be better than kobe or compared to jordan, good but not great.
Chad Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
And Deshaun please dont post anymore until you think about what you said.
kobesmistress Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
chandler is a better defender than bosh, and yes bosh is an allstar, he got overpowered by the foreigners last time, and is more of a finess player, and decent rebounder, its not a must that he is on the team, its more by diffault, since, a.jamison went to unc,garnett,shaq,&duncan arent in, and only brand or boozer, or maybe both make it, and zack randolph is better than bosh, hes just labeled a troublemaker, so now toronto picked up, kapono, and delfino to go with garboja&bargani
Michael Bennett Said,
September 3, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
Here’s how smart Chad is: “So Lebrick had 1 good game and good field goal percentages. Do you honestly think he is a great shooter. He dunked the whole time had a couple of 3 pointers yes”
LeBron was 8-11 3PT in that last game - 23-37 3PT (62% - led the team) total in FIBA.
Way to prove to everyone, Chad, that you are a bonehead who doesn’t actually watch any of the games.
Hammond Said,
September 4, 2007 @ 1:57 am
Compare LeBron stats last year to Scottie Pippen’s 93-94 season (the year he played without MJ)
LBJ: 27.3 ppg, 6.7 reb, 6 ast, 1.6 steals
Pip: 22 ppg, 8.7 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.9 steals
Cavaliers reg. season record: 50-32
Bulls reg season record: 55-27
Pip: 1st team all-defense
LBJ: no defensive awards
Cavs: lose 4-0 in Finals
Bulls: lose 4-3 conf. semifinals
Nicolas Said,
September 4, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
It’s right, Jason Kidd was the man who allows this nice team to work but I still want to see this team against the best world teams (Spain, complete Argentina, Greece…). To tell the truth, this performance of US Basketball was quite impressive but they didn’t match any very strong opponent and I think, somebody else should be useful, a 4 who can pass the ball and play hard, somebody like Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Jermaine O’Neal, Chris Webber, Emeka Okafor or even David Lee.
They still have so much to do before bringing a medal… I want to say that it’s a good begin but only a begin.
Blake Said,
September 5, 2007 @ 4:01 am
Interesting article, Eddie. I think the arguments in the comments may very well be more interesting though.
It’s always interesting to watch the social interaction between people who are fanatical Kobe fans and people who are fanatical LeBron fans. You’ll notice that nobody can really ever be simultaneously both, for whatever reason, as though if they like one it destroys the image that the other projects, or somehow would invalidate their existence if they could consider both equals or, at the bare minimum, consider both objectively for their strengths and weaknesses. Same with MJ and Kobe. Same with Wade and TheBron. Same with Hakeem and Shaq, come to think of it…
Anyhow, I’m here in the valley (Mesa), always enjoy your broadcasts… kind of wish you and Majerle would end up broadcasting at the same time, that would be hysterical.
Also, you played with Hakeem who, in the end, is probably my favorite player in the history of the league. (Played both ends of the floor as well as anyone in the league as a big man, had the most ridiculous post moves I’ve ever seen.) Figured I would ask you if you ever played with/against anyone who you felt played both ends of the floor as well as him. (Figured I would throw it out in a place that you actually seem to pay attention too, always neat.)
guard dog Said,
September 13, 2007 @ 7:48 am
guard dog
Pick me up in the middle of a hectic work day. I love your writing and your thoughts — both are so sophisticated, yet at the same time casual and comfortable. Thank you for the entertainment and the inspiration to challenge myself to find more \’hap…
monica Said,
October 28, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
monica
Definitely, the most sensible thing i have seen in a long time.
Chad B Said,
November 5, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
why would they add durant? he is exactly what they dont need…..a scorer who is way more of a volume shooter then an effiecent one…..it amazes me how people that are considered experts can be so wrong all the time
compare state taxes Said,
January 19, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
compare state taxes
Very interesting post. A little bit confusing, but still ok. Want to visit my site? Don’t forget to click my ads
Basketball Said,
April 24, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Basketball
At school, my son used to play a game called“ stadium rounders” cobbled together by a gym teacher. Really, it was kick ball with special and shifting rules suited to the place you played it. If you hit one wall, it was a home run. If you hit a fart…