Olympic Basketball Roster Announced

We seem to be a little small.

@PatronSaint: That’s what she said.

I’d have kept Wade off since Dick Bavetta don’t be officiating the games and put another big on there. Either a tough, athletic rebounder like Chandler or someone who can play away from the basket like Amare who can open up lanes for LeBron.

I know Amare passed already, but I can’t think of any other good shooting big men right now. It’s late.

Oh, Garnet, duh.

Kidd we need, great team defender and someone who can distribute. We can play Paul or Williams if we need scoring from the PG spot.

Needed another big, and another shooter maybe. Agree that a team with Kobe, James and Anthony does not really need Wade—who is not a great shooter btw.

Coach K should have been on the phone the past few days begging Garnet to come play.

The Kidd inclusion is indeed vexing. I’m afraid he’s your starter. It’s like they picked this team before this last season started.

I think PJ Tucker is available or is he a renaturalized Israeli yet?

I think we’ll be lacking shooting, rebounding and maybe shot-blocking.

Would much rather have Garnett or Chandler than either Kidd or Wade.

I like the addition of Tayshaun (sp?) - but he and Bosh are both rail thin.

I like the team overall, but like most people I think Kidd was very questionable. I think a Battier would have been good for the team for a couple of reasons…one he’s a guy that would absolutely relish the chance to play in a competition like this, second his all around defense (outside and midrange esp), also he really wouldn’t need the ball but can hit the outside jumper. Having said all that I believe he just had another kid or is expecting and heard he might have turned down a spot because of that.

Who is the coach this year? Yeah, I heard Battier was asked but declined. Was he injured?

Those guys borrowing Kate Moss jerseys shouldn’t matter in the Olympics. Less about muscle and more abut spacing/quickness, right? If they are strong enough to play in the NBA, they are probably strong enough to play in the Olympics.

Ahem.

DT photos from SI.

Garnett should be on the team over Kidd. How do you not add the reigning defensive player of the year?

Unfortunate there’s not a spot for a guy like Brandon Roy.

Rashard Lewis, with his size and shooting, would have been someone to consider. He had a breakout year this year.

Kidd was a horrible choice… ChrisA - “great team defender”??? How many years has it been since you could legitimately say both “great” and “defender” in the same sentence with Jason Kidd? He’ll be a sieve defensively against every quick PG he faces, just like he has been for the last 4-5 seasons. And, although he can certainly still distribute, he’s gotten to the point where you call it a good defensive possession if you can get him to shoot.

Also, Trips, I think you’re underestimating Anthony. I know where you’re coming from with the “anti-amateur mentality”, but… he actually plays really well under international rules.

i don’t see how kid is a horrible choice. With guys like Kobe and Lebron on the squad all they need is a ball distributer.Kidd is the perfect choice. He knows how to make smart basketball choices.If some more scoring is needed from the point they can put in Deron Williams.Chris Paul can score and distribute.If i had to pick 3 point guards for team USA these would be my 3.

The decision to take kobe bryant is the worst. The olympics is not just about winning and sports. It is also about representing the greatest country on earth. Couldn’t we have found a decent player that isn’t paying off alleged rape victims instead ?

I guess if kobe goes on a sexual assault binge , at least it will be on some commies this time …….

“He’ll be a sieve defensively against every quick PG he faces”

That’s what everyone said about him being in Dallas, but it didn’t work out that way. He’s a master of anticipation and position, and he’s really strong. One on one he’ll lose to half the NBA, but in the confines of an actual game he’s still one of the best.

The key to success in International play for the U.S. is opening up the court. Only a handful of players in the history of basketball have the ability to distribute the ball to the right players, in the right location, and at the right time as Jason Kidd.

Players like Kidd, Magic, and John Stockton see things most players don’t, and allow Team USA to take advantage of our superior athletes.

Remind me again - what is Team USA’s record in international play with Kidd on the roster? That would be 44-0!