Team USA predicted roster
In 2005, USA Basketball was a crumbing empire at best. Yet with the help of sports mogul Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski, Team USA rose to prominence once again and evident by the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, is once again a global force.
The approach to success was the utilisation of a core of young players who would long-term commitments in order to build a team together. Now, those commitments have expired and it is time to rebuild again. Although the situation is by no means as dire as it seemed in 2005, Team USA must build an entirely new roster as not a single member of the 2008 Olympic-winning team will be returning next month to participate in the FIBA world championships.
This means that the USA will be filling its roster with a slew of young talent. After the initial cuts, it seems Krzyzewski is interested in relying on athleticism and ability to defend well along with scoring rather than focusing on a high-octane offence.
The U.S. roster is currently at 15 after some cuts, but will have to be down to 12 by 26 August, two days before the tournament kicks off officially in Turkey. Here is the predicted 12-man roster the U.S. will bring:
Kevin Durant: Durant is undoubtedly on his way to becoming the new face of USA Basketball. He is by far the most versatile scorer present at camps and the defensively oriented team will rely on him heavily for offence to keep them out of slumps. Additionally Durant has been a vocal leader throughout practices and thus is a shoo-in for the final squad.
Chauncey Billups: At 33-years-old, Billups is the last remnant of the 2008 Olympic squad. He missed the 2008 Olympic success due to a family issue and should perform extremely well as it may be his last chance to play for his country. Billups is not particularly fit for the style of play Krzyzewski has planned out, but his ability to hit big shots and control a team of youngsters still makes him a viable option for the U.S.
Tyson Chandler: Chandler is one of the few remaining options for a big man that Team USA has. The US needs a player to rebound, defend, and block shots, and Chandler is perhaps the only option they have at this point.
Kevin Love: Love is a well-respected player, especially by Colangelo. He can shoot a mid-range shot which will work well against zone defending European teams. Additionally, he is unselfish and will be content not being the main offensive focus all the time.
Russell Westbrook: Westbrook is the prototypical guard that Krzyzewski wants. He is fast and aggressive on offence and will physically defend the length of the floor. He should be seeing a lot of playing time in Team USA’s new scheme.
Derrick Rose: Rose plays essentially the same guard role as Westbrook, but has also apparently strengthened his outside shooting. This will allow him to open up the floor for his team even more.
Rajon Rondo: Rondo was a long-shot to make Team USA, but has become a serious contender after showing his commitment, as well as his passing and defence ability. Krzyzewski will want someone with the ability to distribute like Rondo on the floor as often as possible.
Stephen Curry: Curry is a pure shooter and will be able to heavily disrupt zone defences with his smooth shooting stroke. Also with Team USA’s strong point guards, he will be able to roam freely at the 2 slot.
Andre Iguodala: Although Iguodala has struggled with the Philadelphia 76ers, he put on a strong showing at camp. The swingman can play shooting guard, small forward, and power forward and that is just the type of versatility Krzyzewski is looking for.
Brook Lopez: Although he was sick with mononucleosis throughout camp, Lopez will be a necessity to guard against the likes of Spain’s Marc Gasol and Greece's Sofoklis Schortsanitis.
Lamar Odom: Odom has been playing at centre at Team USA practices, and his outside abilities can create an interesting offence for the US. He should make the team because he can occasionally play a point-forward role that would allow a lot of the smaller guards opportunities to score.
Rudy g*y: g*y is a one-dimensional player, but he excels at it. After Durant, he is the best scorer and is a dominant transition player.
Missing the Cut: Eric Gordon, Jeff Greene, and Danny Granger
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