Huh? What kind of segue was that?
Well, not much of one. But in recent weeks I have found the topic of competing for a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is very much on the minds of NBA players. After a stellar performance at the FIBA Americas tournament, the opportunity to reclaim the Olympic gold medal is well within the United States' grasp. Players recognize it too, which is why the competition for spots on the U.S. team is going to be as fierce as it has ever been.
"It's going to be a battle," Bucks guard Michael Redd told me last week. "This is a big Olympics, a big chance for everyone. But I welcome the competition. It's going to make everyone who makes the team better."
Count Gilbert Arenas as one of the players hoping to land one of those spots. Arenas was one of the final cuts in 2006 (reports of Arenas being "injured" back then were greatly exaggerated) and could not compete for a spot this summer because he was recovering from a knee injury.
"I'll be back next summer," said Arenas. "If they are going to cut me, they are going to have to cut me every time because I'm going to keep trying out."
Wouldn't expect anything less, Gil.
Arenas, however, will be just one of what could be a dozen NBA stars trying to crack the 12-man roster when the U.S. runs its mini camp in June. Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, Bruce Bowen, Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Paul Pierce, Kevin Durant and Kirk Hinrich are just a handful of the players who could try out for the team.
USA basketball director Jerry Colangelo told me that he really wanted Carlos Boozer on the team this summer, so I consider Boozer a lock to go to China. Likewise Dwyane Wade, who Colangelo considers one of the team's "core" players along with Bryant (see, I knew I would find a segue), LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. That means at least two players who won gold in August won't have the chance to compete for it again next summer. Probably Tyson Chandler and Mike Miller, but you never know.
Who makes the team? Hey, it's never too early to start thinking.
DeLeah Caro
Alison Preston
Best Players 6-5 and Under
Did You See That?
Comments (14) Add A Comment
AS LONG AS THEY HAVE KOBE!!! THEY WILL WIN GOLD!!!
Sunny
Lancaster , CA
Total Comments (206)
All they need is Kobe , J. Kidd , Melo and M. Redd and its a lock!
WadeCounty
Hollywood , FL
Total Comments (4)
No D. Wade, we need him healthy for the Heat.
WadeCounty
Hollywood , FL
Total Comments (4)
i would like to see gilbert arenas play in the olympics. he's crazy as hell in joining the team. i love his patriotism.
eironej
Total Comments (1)
Is it just me or do the following posts reflect the mentality that has cost TeamUSA the Gold in Internationals?
"AS LONG AS THEY HAVE KOBE!!! THEY WILL WIN GOLD!!!
Sunny | 10/18/07"
"All they need is Kobe , J. Kidd , Melo and M. Redd and its a lock!
WadeCounty | 10/18/07"
anavlas
Total Comments (83)
Yes I agree. Sign up for THE SYSTEM. Any of those top teams in Europe can beat us if we dont follow the plan. RUN RUN RUN, They do not have the depth, no team does that we do to last the game. Push the ball and in the fourth we win if not blow out. This is where Kidd and D Wade come in. With a roster full of stars that fill all key postions for THE SYSTEM, we cannot lose. As for Kobe....wow. Incredible defense this summer. He gave up being the main scorer, he was my MVP, but.... GO SUNS
Jcalvinreform
Chandler , AZ
Total Comments (12)
As for Arenas. He is a big question mark as for passer. Maybe take Mike Millers' spot for ouside threat. He would have to show me in practice he can give up the ball.
Jcalvinreform
Chandler , AZ
Total Comments (12)
Add Tyson Chandler,if he has a good year it will be hard to keep him off,esp when they know they need someone to get the ball to all those high proced scorers.
halex2070
Silver Spring , MD
Total Comments (3)
If Arenas makes it, take Stephon Marbury and other ball-hogging guards as well. Patriotic? No. It's all about the merchandising and marketing that comes with playing for Team USA. For Arenas, it's all about HIM.
Keep the chemistry! Kobe, Melo, D-Wade and Lebron are already comfortable with their roles. Arenas will just ruin everything because of his big mouth.
King4kong
Galt , CA
Total Comments (157)
lol KIng4kong, way to tread softly. Do not forget J Kidd when you talk about chemistry.
Jcalvinreform
Chandler , AZ
Total Comments (12)
Kobe, Lebron, Melo, Wade, D Howard may be core...
J.Kidd was/is the x-factor... Kidd's the line between sure Gold.. and maybe Gold..
iamsh3d
Anaheim , CA
Total Comments (10)
oh and Gilbert Arenas... would destroy the team... as good a scorer he is... he's ME-first mentality would carry on into the USA team (unlike Kobe he gave up his offense to Defense for the better of his team)..
2008 LineUp Predictions (12 players)
PG- J.Kidd#, Deron Williams, Wade*
SG - Kobe#, Redd, Wade*
SF - Lebron#, Melo*, Durant
PF - Melo*#, Boozer
C - D. Howard#, Amare, Oden
* = can play two positions
#=projected starters
iamsh3d
Anaheim , CA
Total Comments (10)
I agree with your line up prediction except KG WILL play. Oden will not. How could you possible go with Oden over KG
Jcalvinreform
Chandler , AZ
Total Comments (12)
I think that your predictions are very accurate. However, I think Amare gets the starting spot, not Howard. The combo of Melo/Amare and subs of Boozer/Howard would be a tough one to stop. They bring such diverse games to the table. I think we have a bonefide chance to have two complete teams that alternate quaters. This is an amazing line-up for 08.
MDias
Lehi , UT
Total Comments (1)
Comment
Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.