Got Guards? Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose Two of the Guards on Team USA
Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, and Tyreke Evans. What looks like a list of the NBA’s best up-and-coming point guards is actually a list of some of the players vying for a spot on America’s World Championship roster. Throw in the veteran Chauncey Billups, and that makes six (six! ) point guards competing for a chance to play in the FIBA World Championship tournament.
Of course, Coach K is likely to play two of the aforementioned players in the backcourt at the same time, as Steph Curry and ‘Mr. Big Shot’ Chauncey Billups are very capable of knocking down shots. However, the fact of the matter is that all six of these guys play point guard for their respective NBA teams, and there will be some adjusting for whomever gets moved to shooting guard and plays out of their natural position. The embarrassment of riches at the position begs the question: how many of these point guards will earn a spot on the final roster?
Chauncey Billups’ experience and veteran presence make him a virtual lock to make the team, as he is the only PG on the roster over the age of 24. Billups is the perfect person to fill the role that Jason Kidd held on the 2008 Olympic team that won gold: a big, wise point guard whose leadership and maturity will be a huge asset to the team.
Rondo, 24, is actually a seasoned veteran compared to the other young players on the roster, as Curry is 22, Westbrook and Rose are 21, and Evans is 20. Rondo also has four years of NBA experience as opposed to one or two, he has two NBA Finals appearances with one championship ring, and he is known as one of, if not THE quickest player in the NBA. That quickness allowed him to lead the league in steals and earn 1st team all-defense honors. The biggest issue with Rondo is his inability to hit the outside shot, a distinct disadvantage on a team overloaded at point guard and looking for players with the ability to play multiple positions. Rondo’s extreme quickness and ability to get to the rim, along with his great awareness and precision passing may be enough for the coaches to overlook his largest flaw, but his roster spot is no guarantee.
Derrick Rose has a chance to make the team as another big, strong point guard similar to Billups. With over 12 years separating Billups and Rose in age, Rose provides a much more explosive, albeit less experienced, version of Billups. Billups’ ability to play SG also helps make room for Rose. Like Rondo, Rose’s biggest weakness is his shooting, but he is one of the strongest point guards in the world and has a knack for getting to the hole.
Russell Westbrook is not known as a great shooting guard, but he did play the position a great deal at UCLA when Darren Collison played the point. He’s also an intense defender and another guy with big playmaking ability, not to mention the chemistry he has with current Team USA star and fellow Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant.
Stephen Curry’s best chance at making the team is by doing what he does best, knocking down shots. He is fairly likely to make Team USA because he is a great long range shooter and would easily adjust to playing SG, like he did for most of his time in college. Curry is one of the best shooters in the NBA and his soft touch is something that could prove to be useful when teams pack in their zone defense to try to deal with Team USA’s overall athletic superiority.
Tyreke Evans may actually end up the only odd-man out in this group of six talented players. Although he became just the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, (the other three: Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James) he doesn’t offer anything the team doesn’t already have. He’s a big guy, but so are Billups and Rose. He’s quick, but not like Westbrook and Rondo. And he can shoot, but so can Curry, Durant, and even Kevin Love for that matter. The fact that he sprained his ankle during a Team USA practice only hurts his chances, and he could very well be on the outside looking in when the coaching staff makes its cuts.
Yes, Team USA has enough point guards to play on the floor together at the same time and still have someone on the bench, but the truth is, there may only be one that ends up getting cut. Each one of them brings something special to the team and could contribute in big ways when their names are called upon. Team USA needs talented and athletic players, two things this group of players certainly doesn't lack.
