Durant named to 12 player USA team

[BabHorn]

U.S. Olympic Team. He will be seeking to join Gib Ford (1956) & Jay Arnette (1960) as Texas exes with gold medals.

 

[NEWDOC2002]

He should be THE player on the US team. They need all the height they can get.

 

[Horns11]

Fortunately, international ball is more about limiting turnovers and solid play than it is height underneath.

While I'm not dubbing this team "Dream Team 2" like some media outlets, it is a solid group. I honestly believe that the other Kevin (Love) is going to end up as one of the MVPs when you see how the rest of the world matches us up. The PGs will be neutralized by defense and speed, so Love gives that dimension that pretty much no other country in the world has.

The biggest liabilities will be Anthony and Griffin. They don't control the ball well and their style (power over hustle) isn't suited for much.

 

[Statalyzer]

I agree - Kevin Love is an ideal big man for the international game. And LeBron can play PF against most of the teams in the tournament which would fix the "too many swingmen, not enough posts" issue.

 

[Third Coast]

Outside shooting and being able to defend it is also a big part of the international game. This team has some good shooters, but it remains to be seen how well they will defend against it. Can't give those foreign sharpshooters open looks like Miami had in the finals.

 

[Third Coast]

For those interested, they are showing the Team USA training camp on NBA TV. Practices, scrimmages, interviews & commentary.

 

[Third Coast]

Blake Griffin is out of the Olympics with a medial meniscus tear in his left knee.

#1 pick Anthony Davis has been named to replace Griffin on the team.