Team USA Olympic Basketball: Get These Guys!

I know the US Olympic basketball roster has already been more than set, but I am putting my opinion out there as to who we should bring to Beijing.  

There is no hiding the fact that Team USA has struggled in international play since the 2000 games.  I see the reason for this struggle is because we have had the wrong mix of players coming to represent our country.  I have the roster I believe will help us once again bring home the gold.

The starting point guard for this squad should be nobody but Hornets floor leader Chris Paul. 

Paul is the most productive PG in the NBA right now and would be a great player to run our offense.  Paul can score if needed, he's unselfish, and could average 20 APG in the Olympics when placed with the other stars on this team.

Paul's back-up should be Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons.  I was going to go with Deron Williams here but Billups is more experienced and plays well in big games.  Billups is a no nonsense player with a winning attitude that will rub off on his teammates.

At shooting guard there is no question: Kobe Bryant is the man. 

Kobe has matured this season and when placed with other good players, he flourishes.  He is a clutch player and is willing and able to take and make big shots.  

This next player may surprise some, but shouldn't.  Richard Hamilton of Detroit is one of the best shooting guards in the league and will cause problems for international teams with his ability to move without the ball.  Placing him and Billups on the floor together will work well in our favor.

Small forward should come as no surprise: LeBron James should start. 

King James has played well internationally.  Alongside Kobe Bryant, he won't see as many double teams, and if he does, he's unselfish enough to find the open man.  

The backup small forward I have selected is Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets.  'Melo was the best player on the team the last time we played internationally and would be a more than serviceable 6th man for this roster.  He is a tough player to defend with his ability to score from the outside and play on the inside.  

The power forward position is lead by Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire. 

Stoudemire has shown that when he plays at his natural position, he is much more efficient.  Since the O'Neal trade, Stoudemire has been a monster for the Suns, improving his scoring average by six points per game and showing improvement in rebounding and defense.

His back-up may also be a surprise.  Minnesota's Al Jefferson has come into his own this season and has had a breakout year.  Jefferson's ability to score inside will give the Olympic squad toughness and consistency in the paint.  

The center position is lead by Orlando's star, Dwight Howard.  Howard has been a monster this season on offense and defense.  Howard is average 20 PPG and 14.5 RPG this season and will dominate on the inside alongside Stoudemire and Jefferson.  

Howard's backup is Bobcats big man Emeka Okafor.  Okafor brings dominant shot blocking and rebounding ability to the team.  There are enough players capable of putting up points, so having someone to do the "dirty work" is necessary here.

The other two players to round out the squad are Boston's Ray Allen and Utah's Carlos Boozer.  Having Ray Allen on the team will provide a three point threat that is needed in international play.  Allen plays very well on All-Star teams and will get many open looks due the other stars on this team.

I picked Boozer because of his efficient play in the paint and tough attitude.  Teams like this don't need the best of every position because the players today don't seem to have the drive to win as Dream Team I and II.  

You might be asking yourself a few questions at this point.  Where are the players like Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett? 

I left KG and TD off because they are getting older and will be tired after the playoffs this year.  Jefferson and Stoudemire should be more then serviceable players to have in their spots.  I know KG and Timmy are the better forwards but their age will be a factor.

There are many head coaching candidates for the Olympics.  I think Mike Krzyzewski, Greg Popovich, and Phil Jackson would be good choices to be in charge.  I would pick Coach K as the head man because all the players respect him and will buy into what he expects of them.

A quick review of what type of team we may have here.

Starters 

• PG—Chris Paul
• SG—Kobe Bryant
• SF—LeBron James
• PF—Amare Stoudemire
• C—Dwight Howard

6th man

• SF—Carmelo Anthony

Reserves: 

• PG—Chauncey Billups
• SG—Richard Hamilton
• PF—Al Jefferson
• C—Emeka Okafor
• SG—Ray Allen
• PF—Carlos Boozer  

I hope this is the squad we bring to the Olympic Games this year.  I am guaranteeing a gold medal if they do.