He's No Kazaam
I like Luke Walton. Very nice guy. Improved a lot in the second half of last season. High hoops IQ. And absolutely zero threat whatsoever to the throne of Jack, Denzel, Leo and the rest of Hollywood that shows up regularly to watch him play. You could make a serious argument he wasn't very convincing playing himself. Of course, you could also make a serious argument he may just have been phoning this puppy in. But either way, as long as he had fun.
And on the positive side, at least we know Luke hasn't forgone off-season workouts in favor of intensive theatrical training. He should be in excellent shape come October.
By the way, did anybody happen to catch the entire episode? Was there even a shred of context established or does Luke Walton just happen to show up while pretty boy is shooting hoops by himself? Kind of reminds me of when celebrities pop by Springfield on "The Simpsons."
(Thanks to "Eric" for the link. BK and I had planned on reviewing his performance in live blog format, but forgot the date. As it turns out, with the 1 minute, 37 seconds running time, we simply spared everyone the most anti-climactic real time gathering ever).
AK
Zakee,
Good call. To many people are giving Carmelo to much credit. He simply took advantage of Wade's and LBJ's desire to play team ball and to spread it out.
Kobe's defense and maturity (not to mention killer instinct) would have been very useful. Kobe has stated that he would bring defense to the USA team first and offense second. They don't need a scorer, but a shutdown defender and at times an offense killer.
While the intent was to get team players, the effort failed. We still went with big names and not roll players. Perhaps in 2008 we really will have defense/rebounding specialist team players.
It did not seem that our team adjusted to checking as well as could have been hoped. Perhaps we need to allow hand checking in the NBA again. The NBA need's to become more international in its prespective, and less isolated. In respect to basketball the world has grown up. Think of it a team with no NBA players beat some of out best. Now this is a challenge.
I don't consider what the dream team did in the past to be anything like the challenge we now have. What a great opprotunity... This is what gets Kobe fired up. The world has grown up in respect to BB.
Because of this tt is arrogant for us to use the title 'world champions'. We need to be more realistic in our titles. This is now clearly an international sport.
IMHO Coach K was the right choice in 2006 and he is still the right choice for 2008. Coaching international play is a learning experience and why should the USA learn the same lessons over and over. He is a proven winner.
Finally the NBA needs to learn how to defend the pick and roll... The Lakers need to learn how to defend the pick and roll and team USA needs to learn how to defend the pick and roll. One of the best I have seen in defending the pick and roll was D'Fish... Wonder if he should have been on the team? lol
David
Posted by: David Richardson | September 01, 2006 at 10:46 AM
The problem with team USA is that they are stunned when they lose. Just like most USA fans are stunned. What that means is that both the USA basketball players and the fans still don't respect international basketball. At this point team USA has no right to look down on international basketball as if to lose is to be stunned. That's arrogance! Still thinking that we have the keys to the kingdom. We don't! We have to fight for the Championship. We need to send our best always! Break out the Kobe/Shaq combination and quit F'ing around.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 10:53 AM
USA Loses and Coach K deserves a lot of criticism.
The Big men weren't used properly, hardly any Elton Brand, Brad Miller or D Howard. The inside game was non-existent and the zone baffled them. Foul shooting lost the game, 14 misses and team defense applied way to late was Coaches biggest mistake. I have never seen LeBron play so badly and he needed to be taken out to watch the game and realize they weren't that good. I think DWade missed 3 dunks! They needed a leader and a sharp point guard, Arenas was needed for his offense and all around talent, Kobe was defintitely needed for his -everything, and Allen Iverson would have been picking those guys right and left. No one knew how to get the offense rolling and the team defense only began to look good in the last 2 minutes. Coach K should have been throwing hard fouls at them through the fourth quarter and subbing guys in if needed. We looked pathetic and basically because of horrible free-throw shooting they weren't in the game. Couldn't defend the pick and roll, where have we all seen that- too much playground one on one jive and no lock down full court press. Chris Paul was so weak on defense I don't think I would have let him play, Joe Johnson made me think about Ray Allen a lot. Heinrich was hot at the end of the game and Wade and Melo kept shooting instead of feeding him.
Agghhhhhhh I hate to see the USA be so embarassed when it didn't have to happen. Take out the jokers who can't make a free throw. Shane Battier plays in front of Elton Brand? No Chris Bosh at all? Miller sits and we can't buy a three? Wasn't he the one in prelim games that just shredded the nets. Too many weapons to have it go down like that. 2nd Quarter meltdown was just ugly and that is when we needed a Kobe, an AI or Arenas a killer who jumps on them and intimidates to the point of no way we can beat these guys.
I sure hope Kobe is there next year and Lamar could really have used this to springboard into the season, not to mention get better by playing good competition. Not a word on him lately,I hope his head is OK after the loss of his son.
Well, it just sucks to see the game get ugly and no one on the bench telling the coach that missing that many foul shots is unacceptable. No one saying that all through the 4th Quarter we should have been swarming the ball and forcing turnovers. We finally start to switch well on pick and rolls with like 4 minutes left- sheeesh!
A big ol' wide body (Schortsanitis) makes our bigs look silly and Coach doesn't put Miller or Brand on him? Wow - that was ugly. The players play the game but somehow I am just amazed at the lack of energy and effort until it was too late.
It was good to be watching basketball but it sucked to think anyone would ever get close to us as a group. Just goes to show you, there is a lot of room for parity in the NBA. The Lakers do have a chance at winning it all with a good game plan and tough defense.
Posted by: Peter Maguire | September 01, 2006 at 11:16 AM
Peter Maguire,
I agree with almost everything you said except for Allen Iverson. NO WAY! He had his shot to lead a team USA squad. He failed...he's out of the question, in my opinion. Plus how many times during his career did we read about him not wanting to practice? Still he got rewarded for his individual talents but we saw what happened. Never again for Allen Iverson.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 11:28 AM
Ron Ron would have made the difference.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 01, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Team US simply blew it, and it is a microcosm of the current state of our country's basketball situation. It's been said over and over by many, including: OUR PLAYERS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SHOOT THE BASKETBALL. I don't know the exact date, but at some point we stopped teaching fundamentals in this country, and that is not a joke. Go watch any little kid's basketball game. They are old enough, 10, 11, 12 years old, and they have trouble making layups... LAYUPS!!! This country seriously needs to take a look at itself. Yes we are to basketball what Brazil is to soccer, and the same thing is happened to us: The world got tired of getting killed by us caught up. We need to ourselves. The days of easy international games are over FOREVER. It's a new world game, and until our country and it's players start understanding that they are no longer the gods of the game (that ended in '92), the current disappointment is going to keep repeating itself, and in fact, get worse. The rest of the world is going to keep getting better, and we are going to keep getting worse.
DO NOT LIE TO YOURSELF. THIS LOSS WAS NOT BAD LUCK. IT WAS NOT A FLUKE. WE WERE NOT THE BEST TEAM.
B.
Cali King
Posted by: Cali King | September 01, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Neither Kobe, Shaq, or AI would have made a difference for this team, USA was beat by a better team and if we would have made it past Greece, Spain or Argentina would have taken us down.
Hats off to the Greek team, they were the best of the floor.
USA is no longer the best basketball country in the world anymore.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 01, 2006 at 11:42 AM
I can't believe it. I totally agree with three of Mike T's posts in a row!!!
Yes, we need to send our best (Shaq, Kobe), no, we shouldn't send AI and I agree we are too arrogant going in and when we lose.
Another thing I'd like to see is the NBA champ playing the FIBA champ instead of our all-star teams playing them without enough time together. In the new plan (having the players give a longer commitment) maybe we'll see better teamwork and cohesiveness in a year or two. Personally my basketball priorities are: Lakers win the NBA title, USA win the gold in the Olympics and thirdly USA win the World Championships.
Posted by: rdlee | September 01, 2006 at 11:54 AM
I don't see how people can be happy that Team USA lost. AS much as we're Laker fans and Kobe fans we're still Americans. And basking in joy because this may make Kobe looks good rubs me the wrong way and makes us look bad as Laker/Kobe fans.
Posted by: Xodus | September 01, 2006 at 11:56 AM
I'm honestly not surprised at Team USA losing though. I've never liked how Coach K rotated two groups of 5 for 5 minute spurts. He cut that down a bit after the Italy game but I think it was flawed.
There was not nearly enough ball movement and did not run enough of an actual offense. Too much of it was guys just going out there and trying to use their superior athleticism. Why weren't we running screen and rolls with Elton Brand and Brad Miller? That would have mixed things up a bit.
At the end of the day Team USA racked up a whole bunch of wins against scrubs, barely won when they played a decent Italian team and lost to a very good Greek team. The difference between now and when we were dominating is that the rest of the world has caught up to us a bit. We've still got the best athletes but in some ways we don't have the best basketball players.
Also, great teams like Spain, Argentina and Greece have been playing together for years now. Our guys have been together for a little over a month. The fact that these guys have been together for so long coupled with the fact that they've caught up as basketball players means that it's not surprising that we lost. But on the other side of the coin we can say that we didn't put out our absolute best team out there and they only played together for a little over a month and still have a shot at a bronze medal.
I do believe that the future is bright for Team USA. Bring on 07 and 08.
Posted by: Xodus | September 01, 2006 at 11:56 AM
As for Luke Walton's acting debut I've got nothing to say that it was pretty terrible. But, considering that the guy was on a Soap Opera which are horribly written means he didn't have much to work with.
And Soap Opera actors are pretty terrible themselves so I think that actually made Luke look a bit better lol. Imagine seeing him on a show with real actors, like anything on HBO or a show like Grey's Anatomy lol.
Posted by: Xodus | September 01, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Kobe would have made a difference, because of his defense and outside shooting. AI-depends on his attitude in practice, because they are learning a new system, new rules, and new teammates, so practice is absolutely vital; he is not that great a shot, but if he hustled on defense he would be a pretty good addition.
Shaq-probably the worst possible choice for this team. Horrible FT shooter, no outside game, doesn't like to go outside on defense, in poor shape.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 01, 2006 at 12:00 PM
"There needs to be a basketball revolution within the ranks of our youngest prospects focusing on basketball fundamentals, sportsmanship and team play. Our guys today need to combine their supreme athleticism with humbleness and good fundamental play"
Nice going Rocky. You've gone to the heart of the matter.
In this day and age, all the Kobes, Jordans, Chamberlains, Birds, Shaqs and others in the world would not automatically spell victory. As Americans, we need to get over ourselves and start playing fundamentally sound team ball. When are we going to learn? We have superior athleticism already, but even that will fade with time.
I smell a new thread, and it ain't from Jackies underwear.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 01, 2006 at 12:03 PM
rdlee:
You are a perfect example of what the problem with our game is. People in this country think we are somehow better, more important than the rest the world. We think our locals champs are better than anywhere else. That used to be true. Not anymore. If our country keeps thinking the way it is, the way you do, we are going to continue to lie to ourselves with our local game, and keep falling behind the rest of the world, and at the same time display the American arrogance that continually rubs the rest of the world the wrong way. Do you really think that our own little league championship is some kind of consolation for getting embarrassed internationally? THAT'S A JOKE. WE ARE NOT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE.
If you want to do the rest of the world a favor, then keep thinking the way you do. It will keep making their lives easier.
B.
Thee Cali King
Posted by: Cali King | September 01, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Fellow bloggers,
this is really unbelievable. I am so suprised that Greece had such a convincing win, because we were up by double digits most of the second half. If Team USA had any kind of shooter, then it would have been an extremely tough game for Greece to win. If Kobe was out there, then he would have provided leadership, defense, and shooting that Team USA didn't have. Even Michael Redd could have made the difference.
I think much of the credit needs to be put in the hands of Greece coach Panagiotis Yiannakis. He is a genious! Whoever saw the game fully knows how fluid the offense and defense went. There were only a couple of instances that the Greeks didn't make the perfect pass. It seemed like the whole team had one mind, knowing where everyone else was doing.
That game was amazing!
Greece is playing Spain in the next round against an injured Pao Gasol. I think if we play the way we played agaist the US, we can win.
Replay at 1:00 pm
Go Greece!!!!!!!
Go Lakers!!!!!!!
Posted by: greek dude | September 01, 2006 at 12:08 PM
rdlee:
You are a perfect example of what the problem with our game is. People in this country think we are somehow better, more important than the rest the world. We think our locals champs are better than anywhere else. That used to be true. Not anymore. If our country keeps thinking the way it is, the way you do, we are going to continue to lie to ourselves with our local game, and keep falling behind the rest of the world, and at the same time display the American arrogance that continually rubs the rest of the world the wrong way. Do you really think that our own little league championship is some kind of consolation for getting embarrassed internationally? THAT'S A JOKE. WE ARE NOT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE.
If you want to do the rest of the world a favor, then keep thinking the way you do. It will keep making their lives easier.
B.
Thee Cali King
Posted by: Cali King | September 01, 2006 at 12:09 PM
Cutting Bowen was a mistake. Also I think Artest should get an invite. Add Kobe and we've got 3 nab 1st defensive dudes. And hey maybe Duncan will come hold down the fort in the post too, then let's see greece go for a 100 with those 4 guys on the team.
My man keeps working on his D
Kobe ( 6 and counting, 4 of which have been defensive 1st team )
All-Defensive 1st Team in 1999-00, 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2005-06
All-Defensive 2nd Team in 2000-01 and 2001-02
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/kobe_bryant.htm
Last Season's MVP
Steve Nash ( 2 time mvp but no defense, yeah i can see how he deserved it )
0 Selections
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/steve_nash.htm
John Stockton ( On here to counter the nash 11assist avg argument, stockton had seasons with 13+ averages and no mvp, plus he wasnt a liability on defense, nuff said )
5 times named to the NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/john_stockton.htm
And next time someone wants to pick Vince or Wade or whatever other knuckle head as the next MJ, check out his airness defensive numbers 1st
Michael Jordan
NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1987-88
9 times All-Defensive 1st Team (1987-88 to 1992-93, 1995-96 to 1997-98)
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/michael_jordan.htm
Former Next MJ's
Vince Carter
0 defensive selections
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/vince_carter.htm
Tracy McGrady
0 selections
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/tracy_mcgrady.htm
Current Next MJ's
Dwayne Wade ( I can't front, I think he has a future as a defender, a guard that rebounds ala Jason Kidd )
All-Defensive 2nd Team in 2004-05
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/dwyane_wade.htm
Lebron James ( Yeah he's good, but I'm like he's McGrady w/o the bad back, but with all the nike hype maybe he'll prove me wrong )
0 selections
http://www.hoopshype.com/players/lebron_james.htm
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | September 01, 2006 at 12:10 PM
I agree with Mike T, Shaq and Kobe need to be reunited in 2008 for the sake of the country.
My USA line-up for 2008:
Kidd
Kobe
Battier
Brand
Shaq
2nd Team:
Paul
Wade
LeBron
Rasheed
Duncan
Specialists:
Carmelo
Ray Allen
Ben Wallace
Posted by: Rocky | September 01, 2006 at 12:10 PM
NBA BASKETBALL IS NOT THE BEST IN WORLD:
It's clear that the International community has caught up in terms of playing basketball, the new international sport loved by all. (That's a shot at soccer.) What is the problem with the American version of basketball? It's simple: It's NBA prestige which has diluted basketball for the Americans.
We can start with the number of games in an NBA season. 82 regular game, the playoffs, it's all too taxing to the mind of Ameican players. But it's the 82 regular season games that does the most damage. For 82 games bad habits are formed, in particular, the defensive game. It takes a special team to play 82 games of intense defense. In the NBA that's not a reality. It would be too taxing on the body for players to survive. So they take it easy as much as they can. NBA players don't play defense until they feel it's necessary...usually when it's too late.
It's that attitude that NBA players take into international play and they pay for it. It's not enough that we must send our best players. It's not enough that our best players just show up. International basketball is now a dog fight! We must send our best and we must play our best basketball. There will never be another day when even our best players playing their best basketball will dominate international basketball, again. Those days are over.
NBA basketball is not the best place to pick up good basketball habits. NBA basketball is the most entertaining basketball in the world...but far from the best.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Lakofan...
That was very insightful of you to pick up on Kobe's assessment of the international game as being much more physical than the NBA version. The Greek team manhandled the USA and players such as LeBron, DWade and Chris Paul did not make the adjustment. Much like in '04, when Tim Duncan could not deal with the physicality of the international game and the lack of "superstar" calls that the NBA is known for. Dwayne Wade got roughed up on the regular and did not have the benefit of the touch fouls that allowed him to go to the foul line 20+ times a game during the playoffs. LOL! I also find it hard to believe that Coach K couldn't find more playing time for Bosh, Howard and Brand. By choosing to go small, it seemed that he allowed the basket area to become more vulnerable. I guess that that Akron journalist was correct...no way this team needed that selfish ass Kobe Bryant! I hope that the experience gained on this level will motivate and propel the USA national team to success in the next Olympics. I also hope that the upsurge in international basketball will send David Stern and the NBA's rules committee back to the drawing board. The NBA game has taken a turn towards becoming a league that is about marketing and the anointing of individual stars at the expense of basketball excellence and team play. Players such as LBJ, Wade and Duncan find it difficult to excel on the world stage where the rules are not skewed in their favor.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | September 01, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Rocky,
That is one hell of a team. I was going to write something about Rasheed Wallace. I'm glad you beat me to that point.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 12:40 PM
Carmelo is the lone superstar with class on team USA. While Wade and LeBron just slithered away after the loss, Carmelo stayed on the court, waited for the lengthy Greek celebration, and congratulated them. He was the high pointer in this game as in most games. Our best player, more heart, more consistency than any other.
Thanks Carmelo for being a Gentleman and representing us well.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | September 01, 2006 at 12:43 PM
Cali King,
Ya put rdlee on blast:
"Do you really think that our own little league championship is some kind of consolation for getting embarrassed internationally?"
Oh please take a chill pill, the last thing we need is some self-righteous sanctimoneous sermon. All rdlee say was trying to say wuz seeing the lakers win an nba title would bring him more joy than us team winning gold. It has nothing to do with ridiculing the rest of the world. And I think most laker fans would agree with him. On a scale of 1-10, this loss is like a 0 compared that to what I felt when Tim Thomas drained that 3 pointer in game 6.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | September 01, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Mike T,
On firree r weee? Great point on the 82 games deing detrimental to the quality of defense.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | September 01, 2006 at 12:50 PM
bronxlakerfan,
"The NBA game has taken a turn towards becoming a league that is about marketing and the anointing of individual stars at the expense of basketball excellence and team play. Players such as LBJ, Wade and Duncan find it difficult to excel on the world stage where the rules are not skewed in their favor."
You took the words out of my mouth. American media has made giants out of who they love, which is great for America. But it leaves us exposed when it's time to put away the marketing gimics and play against the world.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Taliq,
"On a scale of 1-10, this loss is like a 0 compared that to what I felt when Tim Thomas drained that 3 pointer in game 6."
As much as I love the Lakers, yeah they are my first basketball priority but this, USA losing is not a good thing. As far as basketball goes this is not good. I guess at this point it's my American pride that is kind of embarrassed. On a scale of 1-10 this is a 10 in disappointment. Yeah, I confess that I didn't want LeBron James to get all the glory but I didn't want them to lose. But deep in my heart...I kind of knew it was coming because those players were not our best players.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 12:57 PM
I don't know if you'll agree with this one. But I'll throw it out there anyway. I think coach K isn't the best coach for this job. The best coach for Team USA in 2008 in my opinion would be the Zen Master himself. If we could re-unite Phil/Shaq/Kobe and do it in good faith/terms in order to get a job done for the country, that would be incredible.
Something tells me that Phil would relish that opportunity. He's the one with NBA players' respect.
Posted by: Rocky | September 01, 2006 at 12:57 PM
I just think that the biggest problem that the USA national team has is the transistion from NBA rules to international rules. Especially in regards as to how fouls are called.
Xodus..I hated to see the USA lose. But, I have to admit that a certain part of me feels justified for reserving judgement on the "greatness" of LBJ and DWade. These players, for all of their potential, still have much to prove and accomplish.
Everyone says that the rest of the world has caught up to USA basketball, but I think that the USA has digressed, too. Does anyone think that the 2006 Greek team would have beaten Dream Team One?
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | September 01, 2006 at 01:05 PM
What would it take to bring Baby-Shaq SCHORTSIANITIS from Greece to LALand? He is one big agile dude. He demolished us from the inside while embarassing us by making it so easy. Looks like he is just under 7'. You can claim that they had some luck with their 3pt'ers, but SCHORTSIANITIS made 6/7 in 17' in the paint.
Let's get it done. Baby-Shaq, Lamar, Kobe and we own the NBA
Posted by: Baywood | September 01, 2006 at 01:14 PM
Rocky,
Coach K? I think he epitomizes exactly what is wrong with USA basketball. He, coach K, is a great coach. But even his greatness wasn't enough to save us. This is all about the humbling of the American. We are a market culture. Look at the bill boards it's King James. Look at the new prince of the NBA Dwayne Wade. Bring the greatest, active, college coach we have. He'll know how to handle this situation appropriately. Yeah, right! It's not enough! There are no more gimics left in the American basketball bag of tricks. Bring on the big boys! Kobe/Shaq! And bring back our pride.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 01:18 PM
Bronx,
Yes. This Greek team would give any team a run for its money.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 01, 2006 at 01:19 PM
The thoughtfulness behind many of the comments is impressive.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 01, 2006 at 01:20 PM
bronxlakerfan,
It's not that we don't have the best basketball players in the world. It's that our players are spoiled. They think they just have to show up because they are the best. Forget about having to adjust.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 01:22 PM
Phil Jackson coaching team USA? What would he do? Run the triangle? It would take too long to pick-up. And then when they lose what will Tex Winters say? They didn't run the triangle properly?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 01:23 PM
Mike T,
It's not about hating on team USA, I would have been happy for them if they won, same as Kobe would. But really if there was a sports genie and he gave you a choice:
Lakers win the next 3 championships or Team USA wins olympic gold in '08. If you had to pick between those which would it be?
I'm sorry but my interest in the national team is not as strong as my interest in the Lakers. When the Lakers win their next championship under Kobe, it'll definately be a night out celibrating with me yelling at the top of my lungs drinks on me. When they win olympic gold under Kobe, there'll be no fan fare on my end, it'll just be umm ok that was cool, when does next season start. I'm sure you'll agree waiting for the season to start is a drag, you're like I can't wait to see my boy Kwameh in action. Do you really feel the same about '08 olympics, can't wait to see all that exciting action, unhh?
International ball just doesn't do it for me, call me a traitor or charge me with treason. We flunked out of the baseball championships and there was no hoopla then, we get beat every now and then when the ryders cup golf tourny comes no hoopla then either, so really why all the fuss. And if you're screaming oh, we should respect the rest of the world, then tune in and root for team usa to win bronze and when they're done commend them for a job well done.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=2403&incomming=1&question17982=73981&question17983=73991&question17984=74001&question17985=74002&question17986=74004&question17987=74006&question17988=74009&question17989=74010&question17990=74013&question17991=74017
Check out question number 10 on this poll, 60% of 26,000 people agree with me. Of course the majority might be wrong, but honestly dude I'd be shocked if you felt this strongly about the loss a month from now.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Taliq | September 01, 2006 at 01:30 PM
***Greece 101 – USA 95***
Let me be the first to say that I am actually glad that Team USA lost. I was really getting sick of all the talk that the young guys from the class of 2003 – Lebron, Wade, and Melo – didn’t need Kobe or that the team was better of without him. Serves them, the media, and all the naysayers right for the anti-Kobe venom they either spouted or didn’t refute.
It will be interesting to see how the anti-Kobe media spin this. Probably that Kobe was selfish by having his knee operated on during the offseason and should have played for Team USA and then had his operation and missed the first half of the NBA season.
As Time magazine just published: “it may be time to knock the halo off Mike Krzyzewski's head.” They should include no defense LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. Talk about being shredded by the pick and roll and lack of a take-the-game-over superstar in the clutch.
This loss will be forgotten when reigning NBA champion teammates Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom lead the USA team to victory in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. That will be the frosting on the cake that will elevate Kobe and the Lakers to their rightful spot at the pinnacle of the basketball world.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 01, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Bronxlakerfan,
Hell No. The original dream team would still wax the floor with any opposition you come up with. Please you pairing MJ in his prime with the dream Hakeem. Seperate yourself from the hype for a second and ask yourself this question, how many people on the current team usa have played in an nba finals game?
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Taliq | September 01, 2006 at 01:35 PM
greek dude:
Congratulations. Don’t be shy about supporting your team. Greece played great and you deserve the opportunity to rub it in while still being a good sport about it.
Now maybe you’ll believe that there is a chance that Farmar will start for the Lakers when the regular season opens. What were the odds that Greece would upset Team USA?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 01, 2006 at 01:36 PM
Mike T. and others,
I agree on sending Kobe and evaluate the other non-stars. Remember '08 is two years from now, some of the guys you're suggesting like Shaq and Bowen may be TOO OLD by that time. In the case of Shaq, if he was a member of Team USA today, can you just imagine how big liability that he cannot guard those perimeter sharp shooters on high pick and roll? can you imagine how many times he will miss free throws on the line? can you imagine how many times can he afford to catch and run with these young guys as OLD and heavy as he is now? In effect, Team USA will be 4 1/2 players with Shaq around. Well, we always think of Shaq in the shape and form in the year 2000, well 8 years down the road many of those strenghts are gone especially in a very fast tempo. I hope Duncan can still play in '08 or Rasheed Wallace but don't you think it is a good idea to limit the NBA to 10 players only and reserve 2 slots for the finest College players at that time. Let's face it, the game of basketball requires ability (shooting, defense, rebound and free throw); speed (comes from youth) and lastly mental B/B IQ, (a dunk = 2accurate free throws, a failed steal = defense opening, pickn'roll = anticipated switching matchup). Part of the mental preparation problem that Team USA had, is that they are in a vacation mode since their NBA competition was rigorous from Nov. to April and for some players up to June, so they are just a lazy basketeer in August/Sept. as if everything is on the bag when they were leading by 12 on the first half. They have to be hungry to win the Gold not overchieving confidence that they can handle any team lightly.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 01, 2006 at 01:39 PM
Here's a question for all Laker fans. Since we often debate and hear that the overall Laker roster is less talented or athletic than other teams who are the elite of the league, why wouldn't we adopt a style and strategy of these European squads? Are you telling me that there's a team in the NBA better than Team USA? We could teach Luke and LO to run backdoor cuts, Kobe to pick and roll with Kwame, etc. Hell, any team in the NBA could run this strategy, not pay for max players like Lebron, Wade, and Carmelo and win rings. Just hire a Euroleague coach and do it their way.
Also, who's to say the NBA is more entertaining than foreign basketball? I love watching well coached teams execute, much more so than some guy dribbling around trying to break down a defense one-on-one.
Anyway, I wanted Team USA to win, but I think this recent streak of the USA being unsuccessful is great for the overall health of basketball. Maybe we'll start seeing teams get back to basketball played by the Knicks, Celtics, and Lakers of the 70s and 80s, that was entertaining.
Posted by: Andrew Z | September 01, 2006 at 01:43 PM
Edwin,
Yeah, I know about Shaq might be too old by then, but what I really meant was sending our strongest inside man. Shaq was a metaphor.
2 college players? Naw! Only our best will do. Let those old principles go. 2 college players was a thing of yesteryear.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Brand and Miller both could have been put to better use. In Sacramento, Bonzai called Brad the "point center". He can also knock down 17 footers like nobody's business. That's why they kept him on the team, not for his physical prowess or superstardom.
The American mentality it seems, at the end of the day, is to have superstars save the day. It doesn't work that way anymore and hasn't for some time. That's why we are no longer tops in international play.
We need to get back to basics and find the trim tab, or putting it in an eastern discipline, employ skillful means. Use the team intelligently. Get 5 for 1. USA has by far the best athletes.
It is also for this reason that the Kings are going to pummel the Brokebacks this coming season.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | September 01, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Mike T,
And another thing ... if team USA is so important to you, how many of the games did you watch. Anyone else crying about the loss? Let me get a hell yeah I stayed up to watch the game post. And don't say the games were at odd hours either, If the lakers were playing for an nba championship at 3am in the morning, hell even a regular season game I'd stay up and watch it. So if you dont care enough to watch, why care so much when they lose. I mean I didn't see any one on this blog going hey greece is up next what a big game, I'm so nervous, or Im so excited. When we were in the playoffs this blog was alive with posts every minute. Can anyone even name greece's starting five without having to look it up?
Ala chris sheridan saying this team was going to lose all along, I think a lot of fans are like that too. They don't really care about the games, and if Team USA wins gold it's like on to the next topic, but if they lose everyone is quick to bring out a whip looking for someone to punish.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | September 01, 2006 at 01:45 PM
In my opinion, Phil should be the head coach for Team USA. He wouldn't be there to implement the triangle. Putting our teams together the way we do there's no way that could happen. We're reduced to running the basic fundamental proven offensive sets. That's what Phil would have to adjust to. Coach K would be an assistant so that shouldn't be a problem.
What we need out of Phil is his game management skills. He has a way of controlling games through his substitution patterns and timely timeouts. And he knows when to let his team work through things. His ego won't allow him to get caught up in the players' battles for the minutes on the court. He'd put the best group out there at all times, playing the match-up's to our advantage. They don't call him the Zen Master for nothing, he's a master at these things; Playing the momentum's and the flow's of the game. He'd even be good for a quote or two to get under the other country's skin.
He'd be perfect for team USA. He'd have the utmost respect of all of the players. He's got the most credentials. He's the best NBA basketball has to offer.
Posted by: Rocky | September 01, 2006 at 01:50 PM
Rocky,
On the other hand, if Phil Jackson wins another Championship...yeah, why not have him coach our USA team for Olympic Gold. It'll be a perfect crown to his career. It would be a perfect resolution between Phil, Shaq, and Kobe.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | September 01, 2006 at 01:50 PM
LakerTom, I hope u don't mind if I point out your Laker bias being a true Laker fan. You can't be happy if your home country lost whether George W. Bush was the player. Once they are in international soil, don't think only of your own favorite players but cheer for USA and lose with the team with dignity. Well, Kobe will have his own chances but recommend positive suggestions and analyse where the pitfalls were, not too focused on the negative remarks that are lodged on Kobe. Why stoop down to the level of people criticizing Kobe? If Kobe can forgive and ignore, why can't you? All NBA teams belong to the USA team. As the saying goes, "my loyalty to my team ends, where my loyalty to my country begins".
I hope you don't take my sharp rebuttal on your post as a personal attack on you, it is just a suggestion from a fellow oldtimer that comes from your generation. Out I go, will come back later.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 01, 2006 at 01:58 PM
greek dude:
Congratulations. Don’t be shy about supporting your team. Greece played great and you deserve the opportunity to rub it in while still being a good sport about it.
Now maybe you’ll believe that there is a chance that Farmar will start for the Lakers when the regular season opens. What were the odds that Greece would upset Team USA?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 01, 2006 at 02:05 PM
I don't think there's anything wrong with the players we had on team USA, although Kobe certainly would have helped.
Put it this way: If Team USA had Greece or Spain's coaching staff when they started a few months ago, and for the whole tournament, would that have made a difference?
Of course Greece would still have their coaches, as this is a hypothetical question.
Posted by: Kobe is a Team Player | September 01, 2006 at 02:07 PM
***THE PICK AND ROLL***
The job that Team USA did against the pick and roll was a disgrace although everybody should remember that the pick and roll is the “old school bread and butter” play of basketball. It’s the play that has won championships in the NBA, the NCAA, and in countless pickup games in countless gyms and playgrounds across the world. It is the equalizer that allows smart players to defeat more talented players. My friends and I used to use pick and rolls over and over to take money from bigger and more talented players in 2 or 3 man pickup games on beach courts in SoCal. It is the ultimate “smart” game.
How do you best defend against it? In the last ten years, the best job I have ever seen done was by Ben Howland’s 2006 UCLA Bruins team led by Jordan Farmar. The Bruins basically turned every pick and roll attack into a double-team trap on the ball carrier to prevent the pass to the picking player rolling to the basket. The double team was backed by quick rotations to pick up the rolling player before he got deep into the paint.
I wish that Team USA and the Lakers would take a page out of Howland’s playbook and aggressively counter attack pick and rolls in this manner. It is the only defense that I have ever seen that could really turn the table on the offense and put them on the defense. Maybe the Olympic committee should consider adding Howland to the USA team’s coaching staff for Beijing in 2008. It would be a smart move. Phil Jackson and his staff definitely need to take a look at some of the tapes of Howland’s defense at work. I definitely hope that Farmar speaks up about this when the Lakers practice defending the pick and roll in training camp.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 01, 2006 at 02:08 PM
Taliq:
I hope you are right. If so, I will always refer to LeBron as LeBronze forever. LeBronze may be the first billionaire basketballer but he ain’t no Kobe. Great play on his name, Taliq.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 01, 2006 at 02:09 PM