2008 Olympic Beijing Roster: Who deserves a spot?

Now that the NBA finals are over, the basketball world will shift its focus its attention to the 2008 Olympics. Probably the biggest story line is the how the United States will respond after getting a bronze during the 2004 Olympics.

Argentina proved that team basketball is the key on all levels including the international level. The United States learned that throwing an all-star team at the last minute won’t work at all. This year instead of holding tryouts, Jerry Colangelo, the USAB managing director has decided that the final roster will be picked without tryouts.

With that said there are currently 33 different players that are currently in the U.S program. You can view the list here. I have taken on the role of Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski in picking the final 12-man roster.

Starters:
PG Chris Paul- Chris Paul led the league in assists this past season, there is no doubt he can distribute the wealth evenly with a team full of scorers. He will be a handful for other point guards to defend as he can score explosively on his own.

SG Kobe Bryant- For this position you need a scorer. Kobe Bryant is the most consistent and most deadly scorer in the world. Period.

SF LeBron James- With both Kobe and LeBron this team has two go-to scorers who they can give the ball to when they absolutely need to score. The best thing about LeBron is he can dish it really well, meaning that teams can’t just focus on shutting LeBron down.

PF Carlos Boozer- At this position I’m looking for a guy that can own the boards and out-muscle any and all other opposing centers and power forwards. Boozer provides the answer, he averaged 12.2 rebounds a game last year.

C Dwight Howard- Along with Boozer, Howard is a complete monster on the boards. Having these two in front-line guarantee a US advantage in the rebounding column. Not only can Howard rebound but he can also block shots. A lot of them. His defense in the low post will put more pressure on the perimeter players to defend well. Only Yao Ming and Pau Gasol are legit threats to the US front line.

Bench

G-Deron Williams- Dual passing/scoring threat, just like Chris Paul
G/F- Joe Johnson- Three-point specialist
G/F- Carmelo Anthony- Will be Kobe’s backup, 3rd elite scoring threat
F-Antawn Jamison- Solid player off the bench, will be able to fill in at several positions
F-Shawn Marion- Like Jamison, a player that can fill in at many positions, solid defender
F/C-Amare Stoudamire- Explosive rebounder, won’t score much though
C-Tyson Chandler- A go-to scorer in the post, solid field-goal % at .623

Any obvious snubs? I’ll take your arguments…