2014 USA National Team Pre-Tournament Thread

[kAzE]

It really depends on how much they want to play KD or Parsons at the 4. There is no way you would dare to go into a tournament with only 4 PF/C players. You must have 5 guys in case of foul trouble or especially injury. I suspect they will decided that KD or Parsons can fill in at the 4 if necessary -- heck, our best lineup may be KD at the 4, allowing us to put more of our phenomenally quick, athletic wings on the floor -- but if K wants to keep KD and Parsons at their more natural position, then he will likely have to look to a Plumlee.

-Jason "are Miles and (to a lesser extent) Mason really that far behind Faried?" Evans

I agree, I think Mason isn't very far behind at all, and I strongly believe he will surpass Faried shortly. But Faried does bring one thing that Mason doesn't quite have: amazing quickness and an unbelievable motor. He's an offensive rebounding machine, whereas Mason is much more of a defensive rebounder. They both have their strengths. Mason obviously has a big size advantage, they are both athletic and can run the floor with the best of them, but Faried is much faster to the ball and has the quickness of a wing in the body of a big (at least in international play). I completely agree, though, there isn't a ton of separation.

[CDu]

It really depends on how much they want to play KD or Parsons at the 4. There is no way you would dare to go into a tournament with only 4 PF/C players. You must have 5 guys in case of foul trouble or especially injury. I suspect they will decided that KD or Parsons can fill in at the 4 if necessary -- heck, our best lineup may be KD at the 4, allowing us to put more of our phenomenally quick, athletic wings on the floor -- but if K wants to keep KD and Parsons at their more natural position, then he will likely have to look to a Plumlee.

-Jason "are Miles and (to a lesser extent) Mason really that far behind Faried?" Evans

Actually, we have been known to go with just 3 bigs in these tournaments. And even then at least one of those guys rarely played (we often went with a SF at PF). So going in with 4 bigs would actually be an increase in depth at that position.

And I would say that, in terms of ability to defend international-style PF (which is where we now aren't deep), Faried is FAR superior to the Plumlees.

[awhom111]

This one is pretty big news considering Love was one of the first players to commit to this team.

I am not sure about the final couple spots, but here is what I have now:
PG: Curry, Irving
SG: Harden, Thompson
SF: George, Korver
PF: Durant, Parsons
C: Davis, Drummond
5th Guard: Lillard
7th Forward: Cousins

Now Fran Fraschilla continues to sound the alarm on Twitter.

[CDu]

Here's what I think happens with our frontcourt for the tournament. Anthony Davis is a clear addition obviously. After that, I think two of Cousins/Drummond/Faried make it as well. I don't think all four of those guys make it.

But in reality, I don't think it will make much difference. Davis is going to start and play as much as possible. One of Cousins or Drummond will back him up. And from there, I'd expect a fair amount of time with George/Durant/Parsons at PF. We've tended to err on the side of athleticism instead of size in the past, going with a SF at PF and creating havoc with our quickness/explosiveness. And since most teams will go zone against us, having another shooter on the floor at PF just makes life that much easier.

We've only carried three big men on the roster in past years, preferring to go with more athletic shooters rather than big men. Maybe this year (because we don't have stout SF like Anthony and James) we'll go with a fourth big. But I very much doubt we'll go with a fifth, especially with guys like DeRozan, George, Parsons, Hayward, Durant, McDermott, and Tobias Harris, all of whom can defend the PF spot in the international game and (to some degree) spread the floor with perimeter shooting.

[kAzE]

Here's what I think happens with our frontcourt for the tournament. Anthony Davis is a clear addition obviously. After that, I think two of Cousins/Drummond/Faried make it as well. I don't think all four of those guys make it.

But in reality, I don't think it will make much difference. Davis is going to start and play as much as possible. One of Cousins or Drummond will back him up. And from there, I'd expect a fair amount of time with George/Durant/Parsons at PF. We've tended to err on the side of athleticism instead of size in the past, going with a SF at PF and creating havoc with our quickness/explosiveness. And since most teams will go zone against us, having another shooter on the floor at PF just makes life that much easier.

We've only carried three big men on the roster in past years, preferring to go with more athletic shooters rather than big men. Maybe this year (because we don't have stout SF like Anthony and James) we'll go with a fourth big. But I very much doubt we'll go with a fifth, especially with guys like DeRozan, George, Parsons, Hayward, Durant, McDermott, and Tobias Harris, all of whom can defend the PF spot in the international game and (to some degree) spread the floor with perimeter shooting.

I could realistically see McDermott making the squad. His size and shooting ability would be a tremendous asset, and he's the ideal PF (now that Love is no longer an option) to the keep the floor spread for our dynamic guards and wings to get in to the teeth of defenses. The shorter 3 point line is basically a layup for Doug. His lack of strong defensive skills would keep him at the bottom of the rotation, but he'd be a hell of a 12th man. His game is perfect for FIBA rules.

[SilkyJ]

There is rampant speculation that K could pull Mason or Miles up from the Select team to play on Team USA for the World Cup.

-Jason "cool opportunity for the MP Bros" Evans

Rampant speculation by whom? I've heard no such speculation. I just did a google search that turned up no rumors there either, though it was a quick search.

There is no way you would dare to go into a tournament with only 4 PF/C players. You must have 5 guys in case of foul trouble or especially injury.

Actually, we have been known to go with just 3 bigs in these tournaments.

Sorry, Jason, but CDu is right and I'm not sure why you're so making your statement so strongly. You're way off. We've actually extremely consistent with the following mix of players

3 Pure Posts/Bigs
3 PGs
6 Wings (ranging from SGs like Dwayne Wade to large SFs that can stretch to the 4 like KD/Lebron/Melo)

2008 Redeem team had Dwight Howard, Bosh and Boozer as the bigs
2010 FIBA team had Chandler, Odom, and Love as the bigs (Oddly, Odom was the starting Center)
2012 Olympic team had Chandler, Love and Anthony Davis (and A-Davis was really like the "Laettner" of that team a-la '92)

K has been remarkably consistent with his formula.

08 team had 3 PGs: D-Will, CP3, and JKidd, rest were wings
10 team had 3 PGs: Westbrook, Rose, Billups rest were wings (Steph Curry was on that squad but a shooting specialist, didn't play point)
12 team had 3 PGs: CP3, D-Will, Westbrook, rest were wings

Just b/c its what he's done each of the last 3 go arounds doesn't mean he'll definitely do it this time, but its my guess that he will.

My prediction:

PGs: Irving, Rose, Curry
Wings: Durant, George, Harden, Thompson, Beal
Bigs: Davis, Cousins, Faried (I just love his motor)

Starting lineup
Irving, Curry, George, Durant, Davis

I expect Rose & Harden to be main rotation guys and for Cousins to see lots of run as well.

I could see Wall making the team over Beal b/c of Curry's ability to play off the ball, and we already will have multiple 40% 3pt shooters in KD, Thompson, Curry and Irving so its not like we need another zone-breaker/shooting specialist, which is really the role he would fill. It's a role Coach K had focused on in past lineups, but I don't think we need it given the presence of 4 outstanding shooters already on the team and Curry is basically that guy already.

[awhom111]

NBATV will have coverage of a practice on Tuesday from 3:00-5:30pm EDT and replay it at 9:00pm EDT.

As usual they will probably not show anything that you want to see, but its better than nothing.

[JasonEvans]

For those who had not heard, Paul Millsap has been added to the Team USA pool to compete for a big man spot. He really developed a better perimeter game last year in Atlanta and with the shorter 3-point line in FIBA would be well-suited to be a stretch 4.

Also, Silky, the buzz I was talking about was a lot of chatter on Twitter regarding the Plumlees and the possibility they could be given a shot at the team. Some knowledgeable NBA folks were mentioning the possibility in the moments after the Love announcement. Calmer heads have since prevailed (in this thread too). Regardless, the addition of Millsap makes that point moot.

If you look at our top competition, Spain with Ibaka and the Gasol brothers, then I think K would be wise to take legit PF/Cs to compete inside versus potentially counting on Parsons, George, or McBuckets to play D and rebound against legit big men (obviously, Durant is a wing who is more than capable of playing a big man on D).

-Jason "winning this tourney keeps the US out of Olympic qualifying, which would be a nice rest for the guys who take time to play for Team USA during their off-season" Evans

[CDu]

For those who had not heard, Paul Millsap has been added to the Team USA pool to compete for a big man spot. He really developed a better perimeter game last year in Atlanta and with the shorter 3-point line in FIBA would be well-suited to be a stretch 4.

This is a very nice addition, in my opinion. Millsap gives the US something that the other four big men don't: shooting ability. As Jason has mentioned, he offers a realistic option of a stretch 4. Millsap is sort of a (VERY) poor man's Kevin Love in that he rebounds, can score in the post, and can shoot from the perimeter.

If you look at our top competition, Spain with Ibaka and the Gasol brothers, then I think K would be wise to take legit PF/Cs to compete inside versus potentially counting on Parsons, George, or McBuckets to play D and rebound against legit big men (obviously, Durant is a wing who is more than capable of playing a big man on D).

With the addition of Millsap, I now think we will take Davis, one of Drummond/Cousins (probably Cousins), and Millsap. Perhaps we take Faried as well, but that seems a bit less likely now that we have another true PF in the pool of players.

[awhom111]

Here is the official announcement as Jimmy Butler is injured and will not play for the select team:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...mp-roster.aspx

[roywhite]

Training camp in Las Vegas underway

[Billy Dat]

With Love out, this is getting really interesting. While I always want USA to win gold and go undefeated, it's pretty riveting when we don't send our best 12 because of the argument that while we'll have the best talent, we're vulnerable.

Of course, we all felt the same way in 2010, a scenario that felt even more fragile because we had zero carryover from the 2008 Olympic team. It turned into Durant's "I am one of the handful of best players in the Universe" coronation. This year is a different situation because KD is such a proven quantity coming in. He'll be the unquestioned alpha dog, at least he should be. I assume K has already had many conversations with him along the lines of, "You are the leader, you are my eyes and ears, I am going to depend on you immensely on the court, and to keep me apprised of team dynamics and locker room politics".

After KD, it will be interesting to see who else emerges as the leaders of the team. It's natural to want to say Rose, but he is such an unknown quantity at this point that its hard to pin our hopes there. I have to think Curry is going to be hugely important based on his experience (2010, limited playing time, but still) and emergence since then as one of the bright stars of the league. We are also going to need on court production and defensive presence from Davis (he's a lock based on 2012 experience) and my gut says this is Boogie's chance to break out, show maturity, and be a real presence for the US. I just feel like he, while being kooky, is a more complete package than Drummond - but maybe Drummond is the Chandler remix - an all defense anchor who doesn't care of he gets touches. You sense Boogie wants touches.

NBATV will have coverage of a practice on Tuesday from 3:00-5:30pm EDT and replay it at 9:00pm EDT.
As usual they will probably not show anything that you want to see, but its better than nothing.

I know I have said this before, but I find these practice shows engrossing. It has nothing to do with the inane banter being produced by the panel - they are fine but its typical talking head rehash. I love when they start panning the crowd and letting you listen to the players and coaches. There will be Larry Bird, Magic and Jerry West sitting together on a bleacher, or you see, at the back of a huddle, young Brad Beal threatening the life of young Andre Drummond. As I like to say, these shows need to be closely examined like the Zapruder film!

[CDu]

Here is the official announcement as Jimmy Butler is injured and will not play for the select team:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...mp-roster.aspx

Butler is actually a guy I could have seen playing some "stretch 4" for the USA team in a pinch. Defensively, he'd have been just fine there. And offensively, his game translates nicely to PF in the international game. But, alas, a minor (perhaps even made up?) injury pulls him out of the group.

[Billy Dat]

Now Fran Fraschilla continues to sound the alarm on Twitter.

Thanks for the heads-up, I just checked out some of his tweets and this one rings true to me:

Fran Fraschilla @franfraschilla · Jul 26
It's business decision for Kevin Love. I get that. But newness of repping Team USA feels like it's starting to wear off generally.

I know someone else on the thread lauded the creation of the Colangelo "program" to mitigate this level of non-participation - I looked for it and couldn't find it to quote it - but it is the primary difference between 2002 and 2014. Aside from the fact that, in 2002, most of the NBA players thought there was zero percent chance of us getting beat (besides surviving a Sarunas Jesikevicius buzzer beating game winning 3 that missed in the 2000 Olympic semis), we had no foundation for moving past key players missing. While some of the novelty may have worn off, the new USA Basketball program really operates as a sort of Academy starting at U16 and including U17, U18, U19, the Select Team and the National Team pool. There is continuity of not only coaching and players with varying levels of experience and grounding in the system, but also the establishment of Las Vegas as the site and the highest of quality amenities and training.

The new collective bargaining agreement, and its resulting shorter contracts, means that more players will not only be held up by potential contract negotiations more often, but also worried about that next contract more often, to the point where they may be afraid to risk injury through summer ball. Thus, the program has to have a "next man up" structure and they have achieved it, and effectively exploited the US' prime advantage in international ball, the extraordinary depth of our elite talent pool.

While the novelty may be waring off, I think they have established that the players who make the team tend to get a lot better based on the experience, and broaden their international exposure by some measure (I don't want to oversell that aspect because the NBA is on TV throughout most of the world), but those things translate to $ and that will always help drive participation.

Boogie, for example, has a real chance to launder his image with a big summer, which, among all the other benefits, could make him a lot more $.

If K can guide this group to Gold, in Spain, it'll be another grand achievement.

Not for nothing, it is amazing to look back at the 2004 Olympic roster and marvel at the difference a program can make. Obviously, these guys were extremely green but who could imagine that this team was lucky to even medal:

The Leaders/Vets:
Duncan, Iverson, Marbury, Marion

The Young Vets:
Jefferson, Odom

The Puppies:
Lebron, Wade, Carmelo, Amare, Boozer, Okafor

[g-money]

Not for nothing, it is amazing to look back at the 2004 Olympic roster and marvel at the difference a program can make. Obviously, these guys were extremely green but who could imagine that this team was lucky to even medal:

The Leaders/Vets:
Duncan, Iverson, Marbury, Marion

The Young Vets:
Jefferson, Odom

The Puppies:
Lebron, Wade, Carmelo, Amare, Boozer, Okafor

Great post, Billy. Yes, it is amazing what good leadership and coaching can bring. Both Colangelo and Coach K have done our country a great service.

That being said, however, I agree that the upcoming FIBA tournament has all the makings of a "trap tournament" for the USA. The event is being held in Spain, the Spanish frontline looks like it will be stronger than ours at this point, and our team is relatively inexperienced (with KD being the obvious exception). Did I mention that this thing is being held in Spain?

If K can guide this group to Gold, in Spain, it'll be another grand achievement.

Indeed. Let's see what the master has up his sleeve.

[CDu]

Great post, Billy. Yes, it is amazing what good leadership and coaching can bring. Both Colangelo and Coach K have done our country a great service.

That being said, however, I agree that the upcoming FIBA tournament has all the makings of a "trap tournament" for the USA. The event is being held in Spain, the Spanish frontline looks like it will be stronger than ours at this point, and our team is relatively inexperienced (with KD being the obvious exception). Did I mention that this thing is being held in Spain?



Indeed. Let's see what the master has up his sleeve.

Yeah, it's going to be very difficult to win this thing. Spain's national team has a LOT of talent, with the Gasols, Ibaka, Sergio Rodriguez, Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, and Jose Calderon all currently or former NBA players. That they'll be playing on their home court will be a huge edge for them.

However, I don't think it should be discounted that we'll still be easily the most talented team out there. We have the possibility of starting two MVPs (if Rose is healthy enough) with gold medal experience. We can complement them with two or three more guys who are among the top-20 players in the word (George, Curry, Harden). I would argue that our 12th man may be as good as Spain's 5th best player.

What will be key is how well we get these guys to play together. Where Spain really has the edge is in experience. The Spanish top-10 have been playing together as a unit in international competitions for years. We have several guys who have played internationally, but not many of these guys have actually played together.

Should be fun to watch.

[Billy Dat]

Good Chris Sheridan piece on the potential roster
http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2014/07...am-usa-roster/

[CDu]

This may or may not fall under the occasional examples of Coach K's "coachspeak", but the following tweet sounds promising to this Bulls fan:

Ben Golliver ‏@BenGolliver 5m
Coach K said that he sees Durant, Harden, Rose as potential team leaders. Regarding Rose: “He [looks] better than he did 4 years ago.”

Nick Friedell ‏@NickFriedell 43s
Thibs says Rose’s speed and explosion were the same.

Also, these videos looked nice:
https://vine.co/v/M0LJAAthnl7

http://instagram.com/p/rAhSz3Rh3R/

Hoping that Day 1 portends good things for Rose (and of course Team USA) in the future.

[awhom111]

Official USA Basketball stuff from today:
Article:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...ning-camp.aspx
Quotes:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...ning-camp.aspx

[brevity]

Official USA Basketball stuff from today:
Article:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...ning-camp.aspx
Quotes:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...ning-camp.aspx

From the article:

USA Basketball extended a practice invite to United States Air Force pilots at Nellis Air Force Base, which is located about a half hour northeast of the UNLV campus. Three pilots, all members of the USAF’s elite Weapons School, and their families were able to stop by. While their kids ran around bouncing basketballs and playing hide-and-seek, Colonel Adrian Spain was watching the court and noticing a parallel between the USA team and the Weapons School, which takes already elite pilots and puts them through rigorous training.

If we avoid dipping too heavily into the sports/war comparison, this is kind of awesome. I imagine Coach K takes those five fingers on the court and makes them a fist, and then guest lecturers like Jeff Speakman teach that fist to become the perfect weapon.