2012 Olympics--Who Ya Got?

[SWedd523]

The current US Men's national team consists of 12 players:

PG: Jason Kidd/Chris Paul/Deron Williams
SG: Kobe Bryant/Dwayne Wade/Michael Redd
SF: LeBron James/Tayshaun Prince
PF: Carmelo Anthony/Carlos Boozer
C: Dwight Howard/Chris Bosh

Kidd, Kobe, Wade, Redd, Prince, and Boozer will all be in their 30's and likely will pass on the Olympics (with the exception of Wade) to avoid the wear and tear. That's 6 players and at least one in every position except C.


The question is, who do you see playing for the United States when the London Olympics roll around? Remember to keep the roster at 12 men with 3 alternates.

[SWedd523]

My Team


PG: Chris Paul/Deron Williams/Derrick Rose
SG: Dwayne Wade/OJ Mayo
SF: LeBron James/Kevin Durant/Danny Granger
PF: Carmelo Anthony/Chris Bosh
C: Dwight Howard/Brook Lopez

Alternates: Blake Griffin, Stephen Curry, LaMarcus Aldridge

The PG group is self explanatory, Chris Paul and Deron Williams are two of the best PG's in the world and Derrick Rose will be near/at that level by 2012.

The SG spot is the hardest, I doubt Kobe has another Olympic campaign in him. Wade will also be 30 by then so he may decide to stay out but I don't think so. He'll be the starter and OJ Mayo's game will be similar to Kobe's by 2012 and will be able to fill that spot. Curry may take Granger's place and be the "designated shooter" but I'm not sure.

LeBron and Durant are pretty much locks for any national team they decide to play for. The question is will there be a need for a Tayshaun Player (Granger kind of) or will a Redd type of shooter (Curry) be more important?

Bosh and Griffin will be the premier young PF's by the time 2012 comes around. LMA will be the alternate if Griffin suffers from the likely career ending Clipper injury.

Howard is a lock, I think by default Lopez will have the other spot as there just aren't any young C's out there anymore. If Hawes continues to improve then he'll be fighting for the spot along with Lopez.

[Muttley]

You think Melo is out? He usually excels in international play.

[SWedd523]

how dare I forget Melo. He's the guy that usually does the best with international play. My prediction is updated

[Fred Williamson]

Lebron and probably Wade won't play. Lebron is making a movie in Hollywood Wade is still undecided

[SWedd523]

Lebron and probably Wade won't play. Lebron is making a movie in Hollywood Wade is still undecided

That's for next year's World Championships, not the 2012 Olympics

[Ghost Kat]

They need KG instead of Dwight Howard. Garrnett offers more for the international game then Howard.

Also why has no one brought up the idea of DJ playing for Team USA in 2012?. He did get invited to play against team USA. Maybe if he improves like we all hope he does, He might already have his foot in the door with Team USA.

Think about it....

[SWedd523]

Why would they want KG? He's old already and is declining and has health issues. In 2012 he'll be 36 years old and if he has any dreams to prolong his career he'll skip summer Olympic ball.

I would love to see DJ make it, but I just don't see him doing so over the 2 best PG's in the World (yes, I said World) and Derrick Rose. He's good, but not that good.

[Ghost Kat]

Why would they want KG? He's old already and is declining and has health issues. In 2012 he'll be 36 years old and if he has any dreams to prolong his career he'll skip summer Olympic ball.

I would love to see DJ make it, but I just don't see him doing so over the 2 best PG's in the World (yes, I said World) and Derrick Rose. He's good, but not that good.

How old was Jason Kidd when he played?

How old is Kobe?

[SWedd523]

How old was Jason Kidd when he played?

How old is Kobe?

Kidd was 35. Big men have a much more physically demanding role than PG's do, plus Kidd has been healthy for most of his career. He was on the team for leadership and to provide "gold medal experience". Garnett has been injured the past 2 years and will 36, far past his prime.


Kobe was 29.... I don't get your point there? 7 years is a huge difference