Mike Krzyzewski feels the Americans have a better chance this year than in the Beijing Olympics – NBA Update
Despite having several players missing out on the London Olympics due to injuries, Coach Mike Krzyzewski feels that the Americans have a better balance this time around, then they did in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"I think it has the potential to be that if we learn to use our versatility. It's a more versatile team than 2008. Now does that translate into being better?" Mike Krzyzewski said. "Although we don't have the center, that team
didn't have Durant or Westbrook. So it's a different team, and we'll see if it becomes better, but it can be. It could be."
Over the past few month, team USA has seem several key players go out with injury, including the team`s leading scorer from Beijing Dwyane Wade, who decided to undergo surgery to recover from long running knee issues.
However that is not the only set back that the American have had to face. Also not making it to the Olympics this time is Wade`s Miami Heat team mate, Chris Bosh who is recovering from an abdominal injury. Derrick Rose is out,
so is LaMarcus Aldridge and another key figure missing from the American lineup this year would be Dwight Howard who is out till the start of next season with back problems.
However such is the depth of basketball in USA, that strong option have been replaced by as good if not better ones. The players seem to be optimistic at their chances and LeBron James, echoed that feeling recently;
“I mean, D-Wade was our leading scorer, but we didn't have Kevin Durant on our team. We didn't have the activity of Tyson Chandler on our team as well and the athleticism at the point guard position." – James
The Americans have added Kevin Durant to their lineup to take part in the Olympics. Durant has been the most prolific scorer in the NBA for the past three years. Also making it to the roster are James Harden and Russell Westbrook,
both of them were key figures in Oklahoma City Thunder`s run to the NBA Finals.
The talent of these three along with other first timers in Blake Griffin and Andre Iguodola combined with the veteran presence of Kobe Bryant will be a treat to watch. Playing along with them are Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler,
Kevin Love, the tandem due of point guards in Chris Paul and Deron Williams and last but not the least, the one and only King James.
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