USA v Turkey
Rose is letting people get by him too easily. I think it's because of his effort. He has all the tools to become a good defender, but he doesn't use them too his advantage. Westbrook is a better defender because he is intense on defense.
Lol let's find the euro guy who said that. I doubted this team untill I watched them
play defense. This is the best defensive team we have ever had. Because of effort. Everyone is giving Kobe Bryant 2008 Olympic effort
how nice is it that my lakers fourth option is beasting for team USA
@Wreckless, it was European Baller......
@gregoden8, yeah, he doesn't seem to be very good on the glass, he is huge though, and has a decent drop step. I guess he's coming over to Boston next year, it will be hard to get minutes right away with the O'Neil's and Perkins when he gets back.
Since we saw a completely different team from the 2008 Olympics to these World Championship games, I'm really wonder who makes the 2012 team. I think Durant is a given. A lot of people like Rose too, but he seemed to fade as the competition got better. I think if everyone at his position is in, then it's really going to depend on him working on his shooting. In the NBA you can get away with not being able to shoot because of the rules that limit defenders.
I came away really impressed with Gordon though. I like how he played on both sides of the floor throughout the tournament. He deserves a look even if it's for an 11th or 12th spot. He's not one of the 12 best, but he's showing you he can come off the bench cold, stick his shots and play tough physical defense. Also call me crazy, but Kevin Love should get a good look. Hopefully there is another center to pair with Dwight Howard (Greg Oden, Robin Lopez?), but I like Love's game. He's efficient and he crashes the boards. We'll have plenty of scoring in 2012. I think role players have to be kept in mind.
The biggest thing I am interested in, is who does Durant send to the bench in 2012 and how do they handle it. It's hard for me to see the best scorer in the league come off the bench, especially when the guy is playing good d and hitting the boards hard. NBA guys have egos and the 2008 team seemed to be kind of like a click. I like the idea of Lebron as 6th man if everyone comes back. He's the one guy that can come in at any position, so the minutes are there no matter what and he can come in and just do whatever is needed. Sure he can start, but his versatility will kill teams off the bench.
hey doubledribller, i dont think they need a true center besides dwight howard, i mean look at what the US did without any true center just now. i think they need howard to play tough D for around 20-30 min, and the others put bosh or lebron at the C, play some zone and defend like h*ll and run alot. this way they can also bring more deserving players, as there aren't any deserving C's
I love this team, an excellent mixture of young, hungry players and a couple of veterans. I've heard people say this was a B-team and I suppose you could see it that way but if a talented young team goes all out they will often exceed better veterans with less to prove. A point to remember in 2 years.
20-17 US 1:20 left
Durant shooting early and often