Team USA Preview: Durant Ready to Take the World By Storm
Featured on MIASPORTSGUY.COM
There’s no LeBron, Kobe, or Wade to bail out Team USA this summer.
What they do have is a plethora of exciting guards, a humble superstar in Kevin Durant, and a coach in Mike Krzyzewski, who are all hungry to prove to the world that they have enough to dominate the upcoming 2010 World Championships, set to begin at the end of the month.
Team USA Roster
| Chauncey Billups | G | 6'3" |
| Stephen Curry | G | 6'3" |
| Eric Gordon | G | 6'3" |
| Rajon Rondo | G | 6'1" |
| Derrick Rose | G | 6'3" |
| Russell Westbrook | G | 6'3" |
| Kevin Durant | G/F | 6'9" |
| Rudy Gay | G/F | 6'8" |
| Danny Granger | F | 6'8" |
| Andre Iguodala | F | 6'6" |
| Lamar Odom | F | 6'10" |
| Tyson Chandler | C | 7'1" |
| Kevin Love | C | 6'10" |
“We’re unconventional,” team director Jerry Colangelo said. He went on to gush about the guard play. “They’re athletic, they’re going to be able to shoot the ball—a lot better than people think they can—especially if they play with rhythm,” Colangelo said.
This is Durant’s team
Kevin Durant is the man on this team. His game fits perfectly for international play, maybe even better than that of Wade, Kobe, or James.
He might be the most dangerous shooter in the world. He can shoot from any level of the court, just as good on the catch as off the dribble. He is unparalleled at drawing fouls and getting to the line, where he is good for 90 percent a clip.
When the opposition goes zone to control the team’s athleticism, Durant is going to make them pay.
They must run
Speed is what their game plan will revolve around.
When Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook make up your stable of guards, there is no other option but to run. Those three are unquestionably among the fastest and quickest the NBA has to offer.
Even old man Chauncey Billups can run with the best of them, and his experience and maturity should rub off on those younger guys.
With shooters like Stephen Curry, Eric Gordon, and Danny Granger also at coach Krzyzewski’s disposal, it will further spread the floor for the point guards to operate.
Energy
There are no forces in the post on this year’s roster, and that’s okay. It’s okay as long as the team doesn’t shoot a majority of their shots from the outside, making offensive efficiency difficult.
They must play with a high energy level for the entire length of every game. By imposing their will on the defense and being the aggressor from the beginning, it will create a constant backpedal by their opposition. Nobody in the world can match up athletically with these guards.
Lack of size
The only bigs on the roster include Kevin Love, Tyson Chandler, and Lamar Odom, not exactly an all-star front court.
Love is one of the most underrated pivots in the league. He is a sensational passer and rebounder. His game can fit on any type of team because of his selfless play. Keep an eye on his outlet passes to start the break, it’s a sight to watch.
Odom provides versatility with his ability to score in many ways. He must be aggressive. Too often during games, he seems to shy away from trying to dominate. He’s always been a superstar talent intertwined with a role player’s mentality.
Chandler’s contribution will be felt on the defensive side. He is the team’s only legitimate shot blocker. On offense, he will be a factor in the pick-and-roll game, similar to his role alongside Chris Paul in New Orleans.
Defense
This isn’t going to be a group of defensive stoppers who can grind it out in half-court sets. Where they will experience success is via full-court pressure. Look for Team USA to pressure the ball on every possession, especially when Chandler is on the court, providing an elite second level of defense at the rim.
I would love to see Westbrook, Rondo, and Rose on the floor at the same time. Although they would be shooting-challenged, they would wreak havoc on the defensive end.
Will they win it all?
Coming into the tournament, they are ranked second only behind Argentina. Pau Gasol is not suiting up for Spain, Tony Parker, and Joakim Noah will not be participating for France, and Manu Ginobli is out for Argentina.
It’s USA’s tournament to lose.
Although they don’t have the chemistry of these other teams, who have been playing together for years, their talent is still superior even without the top NBA stars.
Anything less than first place would be a huge disappointment.
To view Team USA’s schedule, click here.
