What's up with Team USA? Why don't the big guys play very much?

Question

Against Canada, Howard, Bosh, and Boozer combined for just 41 minutes. It seems like we could get killed on the boards if that doesn't change . . .

Answer 1

First of all, it is just an exhibition game.  It doesn't really matter, the result, and Coach K could have just been trying to see if different stuff works.  Second, don't forget that this game and all the games in the Olympics are played under FIBA rules, which tend to favor smaller, quicker teams anyway.

Answer 2

With this team, it will be one big guy on the court at all times. Coach K wants a quick, athletic lineup that will run up and down non-stop.

Having Anthony/James/Prince at the 4 will spread the defenses out creating mismatches. While these guys are very versatile defenders and wont be hurt too much on the other end.

Rebounding could be this team's biggest weakness. Especially when Bosh is in rather than Howard. But rebounding is about hustle and when Melo, LeBron, Kidd, Kobe give the extra effort it wont be an issue.

Answer 3

Lol yeah i agree with everyone it was just an exhibition game, Lebron James coud outboard anyone on Canada's roster haha, but when they play a better team with bigger, stronger post players, the bigs will be in more, especially Dwight, another reason is Team USA plays a Run-N-Gun offense, and the bigs slow it down a little bit, so with a smaller line-up they are quicker!

Answer 4

and they still won by 60 something.......

if USA is playing small....the other team also have to much the usa line up so...i mean do u think 6.11 guy can guard a kobe like or a wade like ...no the other team will also put small players to guard those guards....no worry about that.....

Answer 5

They might be nursing small ailments and so the coach doesn't want to risk aggravating a minor injury. Or he might have felt there was just no reason to play them and risk anything because it was Canada and they suck horribly at basketball (like the other guy said) and Chris Paul could get more rebounds than there center.

Answer 6

the coach wants more guard play and feels kobe, lebron, and carmelo can help get the win

USA would kill if they use KG and Dwight if he wasn't injuried