My Team USA Roster Announced!

I’ll admit it; I’m getting pumped up for August’s FIBA World Championships. Like Stephen Colbert says, there is nothing like a blind showing of one’s nationalism.

Coach K and the members of his staff are going to be faced with some though decisions on who they take to Korea. Luckily, they have me to look to for some help.

Two young, big name stars missed the cut for my latest version of Team USA. Carmelo Anthony, in my opinion, will not, nor should not, have the opportunity to represent our country. He was caught possessing marijuana (again). Not only do the drugs get in the way, he isn’t the type of player the leaves his ego at the door, or in this case, in the United States

The second star left off of my roster is Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire. When selecting a squad, skilled big men are a must. There is not doubt that he is an elite NBA player, but he doesn’t play a style suitable with the International style. Injury concerns also played a roll in Amare missing my cut.

Of the other players that were left off my roster, Gilbert Arenas is a bonafide star (on verge of superstar) while Shawn Marion is a perennial All-Star. Both were left off in close decisions, but with some valid reasoning. Although I like Gilbert Arenas, I question the intangibles he would bring to the national team. He isn’t a great shooter, nor is he much of a distributor. He didn’t bring much to the table outside of his scoring ability. Shawn Marion is a valuable defender, but is a bit of a liability offensively when playing Internationally.

The players that did make my cut will provide Team USA with a well balanced offensive and defensive team. The squad features skilled big men and pass-first point guards to compliment the superstars; LeBron and Wade. A plethora of shooters will be at Coach K’s disposal.

The twelfth man for my version of Team USA is former Duke star Shane Battier. Battier is the quintessential role player. In an interview earlier this week, he said he would be just as happy being the guy at the end of the bench waving the towel he would be being a key contributor. That is type of player we need, but don’t think he lacks the ability to be a valuable commodity off of the bench. Battier plays tough defense while shooting a high percentage from the three point line. Battier is capable of filling minutes at either forward spot.

Atlanta’s Joe Johnson will be a valuable player off of the bench for Coach K. He is an efficient spot up shooter. Johnson can provide depth at three positions; point guard, shooting guard, and small forward. He plays solid defense that will only improve with the International pace.

In an interview on Friday’s episode of Pardon the Interruption, Elton Brand said the players have looked to Bruce Bowen for leadership. Leadership is only one aspect that Bowen will aid the team in. He is one of the best three point shooters from NBA range, and he will be able to improve the floor spacing in Korea. Bruce Bower has made his name playing incredible man-to-man defense; expect no less than stifling from him in August.

Brad Miller is one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. He has solid range on his jump shot, but is able to mix his game up with a good post game. Miller is unarguably the best passing center in the NBA, and the best I’ve seen since Vlade Divac. Brad Miller will be a multi-dimensional threat for the good guys.

Michael Redd is the epitome of shooting. Though he isn’t even an average defender, the International three point line will be his bread and butter. Redd is one of those players that won’t need the ball in his hands to create; he can just spot up in the corner. Oh, and did I say Michael Redd is a great shooter?

Chris Bosh is a sweet shooting big man that will help out at both center and power forward. He is a good shot blocker on defense, but he lacks strength in the post. Fortunately for him, most foreign big men have the same problem. Look for Chris Bosh to help open up the post for the two bangers that have yet to be named.

My backup point guard is Chris Paul. Paul makes his money through penetrating into the defense to set up a drop off for his big men. Although that is successful in the NBA, I expect floor spacing to be the real key in Korea. Look to see Chris Paul share the starting point guard spot with an unnamed guard. His unselfishness will be valuable towards aiding the U.S. cause.

In my starting lineup, I have Bulls’ guard Kirk Hinrich slotted into the point guard position. He is a quality shooter on the perimeter, but he also possesses the ability to start the offense. Look for Hinrich to set up his teammates numerous times each game during the World Championships. His offensively ability is exactly what Team USA needs to provide good floor spacing and balance. As for his defense, Kirk is a legitimate shut down defender. Look forward towards seeing him heckle the oppositions ball handler. As a stated earlier, I would expect to see Kirk split the starting role with Chris Paul.

Starting for the United States at center is Dwight Howard. He plays excellent defense, but is an even better rebounder. With the emphasize on skill in the World Championships, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chris Bosh and Brad Miller playing more in this role. Dwight is more of an overpowering force, and he might not get away with as much contact in Korea. Nonetheless, expect Dwight Howard to be a valuable contributor in the intangibles category.

Elton Brand, former Duke star under Coach K, gets the node at power forward. He is the quintessential modern Team USA player. Brand doesn’t have a huge ego, can play some finesse basketball as well as muscle up, and is a hard working defender. After the World Championships and subsequent Olympics, I would see Elton becoming a legitimate superstar instead of flying under the radar.

Of course, the starters at shooting guard and small forward are Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. The two players are basically, in my opinion, are locks to be starters. Who cares that neither really fit the International style, their greatness shines through.

If only Coach K would listen to me. I named the perfect roster.