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Team USA Chat

(08/14/2008)

12:00

Matt Moore:

Hello internet. Can I get a USA chant in these here internets?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 Matt Moore

12:00

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

So much for those OMG its just like 2006 commets, eh?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 TCO

12:01

[Comment From Shane B.Shane B.: ]

They're a different team when they don't shoot the entire game. Solid game plan most of the game against Greece, even if Dwight Howard looked completely lost most of the game.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:01 Shane B.

12:02

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Wade's been looking good, but he does gamble too much still. That'd have me a bit worried if I was Eric Spolestra.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 TCO

12:02

Matt Moore:

Wade's gambling is paying off though. He's gambling at mid court, not deep in the halfcourt set.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 Matt Moore

12:03

Biggest surprise for Team USA?
Wade 2.0

( 19% )

Bosh the Cloverfield Monster

( 33% )

Deron Williams outplaying Kidd and Paul

( 11% )

Redd's limited minutes

( 7% )

Kobe's poor shooting

( 15% )

Why aren't we beating teams by more?!

( 15% )

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03

12:03

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Howard needs some low post moves other than to dunk or lay it up.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 TCO

12:03

Matt Moore:

He's still young. IN a few years, though. Look out. Right now, Bosh's touch is killing it.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 Matt Moore

12:03

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Gambling is gambling nevertheless, you win some and you end up losing some. Today's match had a couple of occasions where Greece got nice looks off Wade's gambling.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 TCO

12:04

Matt Moore:

I don't remember those. Maybe because I was too busy watching us run the other way. But then, I'm an optimist.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 Matt Moore

12:04

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I agree. If Howard gets a hook shot and better footwork, he might be a top 25 ever player.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 TCO

12:04

[Comment From Not ImpressedNot Impressed: ]

WHY ARE WE PLAYING WITH SHOES ON!? WHERE ARE OUR CROCS!?!?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 Not Impressed

12:04

Matt Moore:

Good question. Nike's still developing the crocs.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 Matt Moore

12:04

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Also, Ric Bucher is an idiot for picking the field still.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 TCO

12:05

Matt Moore:

We're not out of the woods yet. Spain and Lithuania are the two best teams outside of the US so far. And Spain's next.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 Matt Moore

12:05

[Comment From TruthAboutIt.netTruthAboutIt.net: ]

I didn't get to see the game.....damn NBColympics.com firewall at work....how was the shooting?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 TruthAboutIt.net

12:05

Matt Moore:

more dunking. Melo shot pretty well. Kobe was up to "okay" from "oh, God, stop"

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 Matt Moore

12:05

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Will Kobe jump in a pool of crocodiles for that viral?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 TCO

12:06

Matt Moore:

It was shocking to me how quick we got the ball up court. They could get no pressure on our guards, because we had the ball at mid court within 2 seconds.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 Matt Moore

12:06

[Comment From James AmbroseJames Ambrose: ]

I've been very impressed with Team USA's defense so far. They're getting greatp ressure on the ball, causing a lot of turnovers, creating a lot of easy fast-break buckets.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 James Ambrose

12:07

[Comment From Garthmeister J.Garthmeister J.: ]

Going forward, is Kidd going to see any meaningful time?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 Garthmeister J.

12:07

Matt Moore:

Kidd got limited with fouls in this game. I think they still want to play him, though I'm not sure why.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 Matt Moore

12:07

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Having 4 of 5 players on the flloor that can handle the ball helps.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 TCO

12:07

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Kidd's had good transition defense atleast.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 TCO

12:07

[Comment From James AmbroseJames Ambrose: ]

It's hard to have a guard on the court who doesn't trust his own jumper anymore

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 James Ambrose

12:07

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I still dont get why he attempted that off the backboard pass in traffic.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 TCO

12:08

Matt Moore:

Want to hear something nuts? Redeem Team's opponent is averaging 71.6 points per game. Dream Team? 73.5.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Matt Moore

12:08

Matt Moore:

Now that's total for the Dream Team. But that means this squad is on pace for fewer points.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Matt Moore

12:08

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Takes away some of the respect for him...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 TCO

12:08

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Kidd doesnt necessarily need to shoot though.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 TCO

12:08

Matt Moore:

ever.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Matt Moore

12:09

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Defense!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 TCO

12:09

[Comment From James AmbroseJames Ambrose: ]

Apples and oranges though, international basketball has come a long way in the interim

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 James Ambrose

12:09

Matt Moore:

Yeah, but it's also gotten better, hasn't it? So shouldn't they be scoring much more?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 Matt Moore

12:09

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I still want to see him take some set international 3s. For some reason I think he can be decent at those.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 TCO

12:10

Matt Moore:

Watching Kobe trying to find the NBA range was amusing today. You could see him trying to feel out the NBA three.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Matt Moore

12:10

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Style of play matters too.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 TCO

12:10

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Greece, Angola, and China are hardly fast tempo teams.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 TCO

12:10

Matt Moore:

Okay. I'm just pointing out some numbers, that maybe this team's defense is better than advertised.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Matt Moore

12:10

[Comment From James AmbroseJames Ambrose: ]

Just saying, it's hard to compare the two. Especially when you're talking about blowout wins, where the compelte game's stats can quickly become meaningless.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 James Ambrose

12:11

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

The team is rather quick and thus adept at being able to pressure.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:11 TCO

12:11

Matt Moore:

Spain's going to be the toughest team we face, from where it looks like right now.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:11 Matt Moore

12:12

Matt Moore:

Navarro/Calderon/Rubio vs. Williams/Paul/Kidd is going to be intense. JKidd cannot lose a step. If he lets his man in front of him, Pau's going to end up with a wide open missed dunk on the rotation.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 Matt Moore

12:12

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Croatia or Lithuania for bronze, Matt?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 TCO

12:12

Matt Moore:

I like Lithuania. Linas Kleiza is playing out of his mind, and the rest of his team is starting to believe. Tonight's game should be interesting.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 Matt Moore

12:13

Matt Moore:

Actually, forgot the time differential, definitely Lithuania. Croatia got smacked by 24 by Argentina, who seem to have remembered how to play basketball.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 Matt Moore

12:13

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Germany fooled me after the Angola game. Do you have them or China making it out of group play?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 TCO

12:14

Matt Moore:

I bought into Germany too, unfortunately.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 Matt Moore

12:14

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Germany looked terrible against Greece and China gave "slit eyed"Spanish a run for their money.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 TCO

12:14

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I was thinking Dirk would nova at some point like during the Mavs strech run, but hes been covered and frustrated pretty well.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 TCO

12:15

Matt Moore:

He's in a bad bracket. He would have honestly done better in the other group.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Matt Moore

12:15

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Point Guard Kaman doesn't help their cause either.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 TCO

12:15

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

But they do have some streaky 3 point shooters.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 TCO

12:16

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Agree'd. I kinda feel bad for Dirk.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 TCO

12:16

Matt Moore:

Wade has 6 steals today. I can't get over that. He's been the sparkplug for that team, with LeBron as the vocal leader.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Matt Moore

12:17

[Comment From BeatThoseCommieBumsBeatThoseCommieBums: ]

USA! USA!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 BeatThoseCommieBums

12:17

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I was watching Russia, and have no idea how they won the Euro championship.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 TCO

12:17

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Kobe is a bum, bench him

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 Guest

12:17

Matt Moore:

Yeah, you tell him that.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 Matt Moore

12:18

Matt Moore:

Kobe wasn't bad today. And the pump fake, baseline, double pump fake, contact off balance J was vintage Mamba.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Matt Moore

12:18

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

LeBron had a nice stat line himself.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 TCO

12:18

Matt Moore:

LeBron's been filling the line. He's really been everywhere on the floor. He's the face of Team USA now, and I think he recognizes that.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Matt Moore

12:18

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

If Kobe stopped taking 3s and penetrated more he would have about 5 assists or 8 points more per game.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 TCO

12:19

[Comment From BeatThoseCommieBumsBeatThoseCommieBums: ]

Does anyone believe that the entire Basketball team called Blake to congratulate him for beating Federer?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:19 BeatThoseCommieBums

12:19

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

We havn't even mentioned Wade to Kobe.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:19 TCO

12:19

Matt Moore:

That was one of the most amazing plays I've seen. Just incredible.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:19 Matt Moore

12:20

Matt Moore:

I'm reading TrueHoop, and I see the latest complaint about Team USA is free throw shooting. First it was defense, then three point shooting, now free throws.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:20 Matt Moore

12:20

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Kobe called too? For some reason I think Kobe and Roger would be friends.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:20 TCO

12:21

[Comment From NickNick: ]

It was a great play but come on...one of the most amazing you've ever seen?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Nick

12:21

Matt Moore:

Just the distance of the oop with him off balance. I'm not saying it was top five. But it was memorable.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Matt Moore

12:21

[Comment From NickNick: ]

All Wade had to do was throw it up there

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Nick

12:21

Matt Moore:

We'll have you do that about 20 times and we'll see how many times it goes down.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Matt Moore

12:21

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

If you are up by 20, missing 1 of 2 doesnt really matter....

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 TCO

12:21

[Comment From NickNick: ]

Considering Kobe's height and vertical, throw it anywhere within 5 feet of the rim and it's a dunk

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Nick

12:21

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

The timing and the difficulty of the off balance pass.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 TCO

12:21

[Comment From NickNick: ]

yeah, I'll give you that

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Nick

12:22

[Comment From BeatThoseCommieBumsBeatThoseCommieBums: ]

Apparently they all did, although Jason Kidd did most of the alking.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:22 BeatThoseCommieBums

12:22

Matt Moore:

I will say that I'm not impressed with Coach K's coaching. His game plan is basically "Go out and be more athletic than them." I mean, I understand it, and it's the safe route, just sends shivers down my spine.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:22 Matt Moore

12:23

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Back to the FT shooting, I think it comes down to a basic philosophical point. One will always look for a weakness that may bring about downfall.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 TCO

12:23

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Coach K is like Joe Torre when he was with the Yankees.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 TCO

12:25

Matt Moore:

This is from Wade's blog that he just posted, but it was "written" back before they played China: "We were really tired, but we made it work. We beat Russia by 21 points — that's when everyone started saying that USA might be beatable. Just because we won by 21 and not 36. The next game we played Australia and we won by nine points but it felt like we lost. We know we didn't play well and everyone started saying that USA really is beatable. These types of games keep us humble and focused on what we need to do."

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 Matt Moore

12:25

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Its like when people talk about experience being a weakness of a team. (Like say the Hornets against whom many picked in the 1st round due to this argument)

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 TCO

12:25

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I think at some point, you have to realize it won't matter.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 TCO

12:25

Matt Moore:

Now the question becomes, who guards Gasol?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 Matt Moore

12:26

Matt Moore:

Do you go with Howard and hope he overpowers him? Or Bosh because of his length and perimeter play?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Matt Moore

12:26

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Bosh?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 TCO

12:27

[Comment From SASERAMNARINE9@AOL.COMSASERAMNARINE9@AOL.COM: ]

I AM SO PROUD OF OUR TEAM US TO BEAT GREECE, GOOD LUCK GUYS ON THE NEXT TEAM GO USA

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 SASERAMNARINE9@AOL.COM

12:27

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Bosh would be the better defender and as every Laker fan knows his activity rate would provide him with a fair amount of boards against Gasol.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 TCO

12:27

[Comment From StumbleweedStumbleweed: ]

Bosh is the correct answer, assuming you were talking about Pau. Marc gets covered by Howard -- if they're both in the game, we'll have to go big.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 Stumbleweed

12:27

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Howard could destroy Gasol on the offensive end, but no one dumps the ball in.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 TCO

12:27

Matt Moore:

I wonder if James could shutdown Gasol just with intensity and toughness.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 Matt Moore

12:28

Matt Moore:

I commented on Gasol's toughness and got lit up by Spanish fans after they routed China. You never know which Pau's going to show up.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Matt Moore

12:28

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

James could frustrate Gasol for sure.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 TCO

12:28

[Comment From NickNick: ]

or with his psychic powers

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Nick

12:28

Matt Moore:

We've actually had a ton of success with James at the 4/5.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Matt Moore

12:28

[Comment From NickNick: ]

You know when Gasol WON'T show up- the playoffs

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Nick

12:29

Matt Moore:

Gasol has been spotty. He was relatively terrible against Greece, then brilliant against China.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Matt Moore

12:29

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Gasol wasnt that bad until the finals.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 TCO

12:31

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

China's defense isnt exactly spectacular though.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 TCO

12:31

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I would compare the US defense more to Greece's than China's.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 TCO

12:31

Matt Moore:

Definitely. We've got to pressure and wear out the guards. Paul and Deron need to take Rubio down a step.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 Matt Moore

12:32

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Who would you like to see get more playing time, Matt?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:32 TCO

12:33

Matt Moore:

Deron. He's been the best point guard by far. He's also had more confidence than Paul. When he's in, he's physical with the other guard, and pestering people constantly. He and Wade on the same floor together is terrifying.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 Matt Moore

12:33

[Comment From michaelmichael: ]

it's nice to see that in each game someone else is 'the man'...this time it was Wade all over the court...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 michael

12:33

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Rubio's been spotty against strong pressure.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 TCO

12:33

[Comment From NickNick: ]

Let's see some Fresh Prince!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 Nick

12:34

Matt Moore:

Prince is battling Boozer for the weak link on this club. I've been really disappointed, even in limited minutes. Prince actually looks intimidated, which is odd. Boozer is Boozer, pressing stuff too much and amazed to discover he's not that big comparatively.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Matt Moore

12:34

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Deron plays a lot better on the offensive end as the PG than SG in my opinion.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 TCO

12:34

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Boozer needs to dunk the ball.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 TCO

12:36

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I want to see a D-Will/Wade/Kobe/LeBron/Bosh lineup when Kobe is actually playing with energy.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:36 TCO

12:36

Matt Moore:

If we end up seeing Argentina, that's going to be a bizarre matchup.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:36 Matt Moore

12:37

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Kobe playing with energy? Planet earth to you!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:37 Guest

12:37

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Atleast Kobe would actually exert energy in taht game against Argentina.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:37 TCO

12:38

Matt Moore:

Right now it looks like, if we get past Spain and Germany (and Spain is a downright scary squad), we get Russia, who is tough. They can hammer you if you don't keep the pressure on.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Matt Moore

12:38

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Kobe seems too happy to sag off and look at the ball when he is defending off ball.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 TCO

12:38

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

BASKETBALL SKIRTS. TALK ABOUT THE BASKETBALL SKIRTZ.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 goathair

12:39

[Comment From BarneyBarney: ]

You people better not get cocky.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:39 Barney

12:39

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

I'd also assume that if we can beat every other team we play from here on out, we'll win the gold medal. Haven't checked the research yet, though.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:39 goathair

12:40

Matt Moore:

The China-Germany game on Saturday is huge. Whoever loses that is probably out, because Greece has Angola and China, and I can't see them losing again till medal round.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:40 Matt Moore

12:42

Matt Moore:

Projections for the 2012 team?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:42 Matt Moore

12:43

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

Oden, for sure. Durant, too.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:43 goathair

12:43

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

The more I think about, the more likely that the biggest 'upset' may be from the Spain-Croatia/Argentina game.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:43 TCO

12:44

[Comment From hwigz311hwigz311: ]

i highly doubt durant will be on the 2012 squadron

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 hwigz311

12:45

Matt Moore:

We're going to be heavy at 1 and 5 in those Olympics. Oden, Howard, possibly Horford.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 Matt Moore

12:45

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Durant was the 13th man for this team, why would you doubt he wont be on the '12 team?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 TCO

12:45

[Comment From hwigz311hwigz311: ]

how bout argentina's 3 pt shooting?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 hwigz311

12:46

Matt Moore:

argentina finishes against Iran and Russia. They're going to roll.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Matt Moore

12:46

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

I don't see why a long guy who shoots well from outside wouldn't make the team. Durant is perfect for the international game.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 goathair

12:46

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

Horford wouldn't play for Puerto Rico?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 goathair

12:46

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

to earl y talking about 2012 they have not won the gold yet

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 John

12:46

[Comment From hwigz311hwigz311: ]

my thing with durant is he's the type of player that was on the 04 olympic team.....young, under-developed..even in 4 yrs, i dont think he'll be much different...sure, i could be wrong but i think the europeans would kill him with that all-out 2-3 zone

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 hwigz311

12:47

So how do you feel about their chances?
Gold. Of course. Gold. Said Gold from the start.

( 70% )

Looking good, but long way from home.

( 26% )

Sure, it looks fine now, but we're not that good.

( 4% )

We're DOOMED.

( 0% )

Second best team ever.

( 0% )

Worst team ever.

( 0% )

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47

12:47

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Durant might be 2012's Wade.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47 TCO

12:48

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Considering how much summer work Durant will have by then, I doubt experience will be a factor.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 TCO

12:48

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

do u think derrick rose will be a point guard on the 2012 team

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 charles

12:48

Matt Moore:

Paul. If he continues to improve. And Deron right behind him.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Matt Moore

12:50

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I'd say Beasely has a better shot than Rose to be on the 2012 team.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 TCO

12:50

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Mayo wasnt bad with the select team.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 TCO

12:50

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

wait and see what Durant does in the next few years what he done with one year in the NBA

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 John

12:50

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

who then will be third point guard for 2012 team

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 charles

12:50

[Comment From KobeKobe: ]

Why isnt garnett in the olympics????\

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 Kobe

12:50

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Better question, who do you think withh coach the 2012 team?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 TCO

12:50

Matt Moore:

If we have any luck, Popovich.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 Matt Moore

12:51

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

will lebron wade or carmelo play on 2012 team

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:51 charles

12:52

Matt Moore:

LeBron and Wade will probably be the elder statesmen/leaders on the team. Melo is going to have a couple of crucial years over the next three years that will define how his career goes.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Matt Moore

12:52

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

OT but, what do you know about Dwayne Mitchell?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 TCO

12:52

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

Pop will still be coaching in 4 years?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 goathair

12:52

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

Beasley will probably be there

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Jedi

12:52

Matt Moore:

Beasley will probably be there, just a guess. Nice three/four combo forward is perfect for these games.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Matt Moore

12:53

Matt Moore:

Mitchell's a gunner. It was an odd D-League call up for the Lakers, especially because he's a turnover machine. If they use him as a spot up shooter in limited situations (if he sticks in training camp,w hich is unlikely), he could be good. Solid defender.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Matt Moore

12:53

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Sucks that he didnt sign the Wade/LeBron shorter deal.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 TCO

12:53

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

ok how about oden and oj mayo

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 charles

12:53

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

andrew bremn for 2012

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 John

12:53

[Comment From KobeKobe: ]

Disagree. I dnot think Beasley is Olympic calibur. His inside out game is not efficient enough for the Olympics

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Kobe

12:53

Matt Moore:

Yeah, because hwen you see Carmelo, that's what you think. Efficient.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Matt Moore

12:53

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

After that, the need shooters. At least two or three.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Jedi

12:54

Matt Moore:

Problem is, you have to load it with the best talent. There aren't a whole lot of great shooters out there. Brandon Roy is a suggestion.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Matt Moore

12:54

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Beaseley should be what Melo is now atleast.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 TCO

12:54

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

Um, he averaged a double-double as a freshman in college. His inside-out is just fine.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Jedi

12:54

[Comment From WycliffeWycliffe: ]

How can we see all the track and field events on tv?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Wycliffe

12:54

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

i think beasley will be ok once he gets his feet wet

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 charles

12:55

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Can you even think of a great young shooter?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 TCO

12:55

Matt Moore:

Thornton.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Matt Moore

12:55

Matt Moore:

Kid's a natural scorer with range.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Matt Moore

12:55

[Comment From gemini848gemini848: ]

Shouldn't Team USA still worry about taking care of the basics? I.E. free throw and 3-point shooting?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 gemini848

12:56

Matt Moore:

Yup, we should still be worried. We only clocked a tough Greece team by 20. Run! Panic! There are always things to resolve, and Spain is going to be the toughest game yet, but this team is way better than they're being given credit for.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Matt Moore

12:56

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

Hell, take someone like whathisname in Sacramento... the guard. He can shoot.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Jedi

12:56

Matt Moore:

Kevin Martin, I assume?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Matt Moore

12:56

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

jerrydbayless

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 charles

12:56

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

Stephon Curry

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Jedi

12:56

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Scorer, but shooter?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 TCO

12:56

[Comment From anonanon: ]

Stephen Curry as shooter for 2012 team

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 anon

12:56

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

is three-point shooting a fundamental basketball skill?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Jedi

12:57

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

You know if we're up by 25 it doesnt really matter

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 TCO

12:57

[Comment From PattiPatti: ]

Who won in the Meds gymnastics last night?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Patti

12:57

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

new rules be be effect for 2012 3-point line will be nba distance

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 John

12:57

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

how about kevin love

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 charles

12:57

[Comment From goathairgoathair: ]

Reddick would be SO GOOD in international ball. So good.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 goathair

12:58

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Stephen Curry also seems like a scorer, and we cant expect his draft stock to be higher than it was after Davidson's run. Besides he's going to attempt to play point this year which should yield more bumps.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 TCO

12:58

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

the other world players will have adjust

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 John

12:58

Matt Moore:

Everyone needs to chill on Stephen Curry a little bit.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 Matt Moore

12:58

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Free Reddick!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 TCO

12:59

[Comment From JediJedi: ]

Matt, you can bring him in like a Craig Hodges type of player

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Jedi

12:59

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I actually think he's the best fit as far as a shooter goes at this point.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 TCO

12:59

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

i think they need to get the foul shooting in order very soon

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 charles

12:59

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Although, with the FIBA line being moved back, I havnt seen how well he shoots NBA 3s.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 TCO

12:59

[Comment From gemini848gemini848: ]

The europeans use it almost religiously. Maybe I mispoke but right now our perimeter game could use some work. It is not a problem now but maybe in the future when these teams start to inch closer as they have in the last 10 years.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 gemini848

12:59

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Kapono?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 TCO

12:59

[Comment From JRJR: ]

CHINA IS MAKING THE U.S.A. LOOK WEAK...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 JR

1:00

Matt Moore:

Okay cats and kittens, this has been fun. We'll revisit this next week, hopefully as we're looking at the B1 spot! Thanks to all the commenters and readers! Check out our continuing Olympic coverage at FanHouse. Can I get a USA chant?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Matt Moore

1:00

[Comment From JRJR: ]

CHINA IS MAKING THE U.S.A. IOOK WEAK...

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 JR

1:00

[Comment From charlescharles: ]

one of the usa problems was the boxing team not being together

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 charles

1:00

[Comment From MBigTomMBigTom: ]

China is not making USA look weak; we are doing it ourselves.