Team USA /France

[thirstyboots18]

The scrimmage is on ESPN2 at 1:00 today.  I am going to be in the chat room to start the game if anyone is interested in joining me. 

To get to the chat, go to the Home Page of the Blog.  The chat icon (it is labeled and is a shamrock design) is down on the left hand column.  Just click and follow directions. 

Hope to see some of you there... 

[Tai]

Yes, I'll be watching.

Hopefully, we blow out France by 30 instead of 20. 

And...hopefully Rondo goes off.

[thirstyboots18]

Hopefully and hopefully,  , but this is still just a scrimmage, I think....the way I understand it the real contest is in Turkey.

[Who]

Rondo + Iguodala = lack of shooting + Tyson Chandler's limited offensive game
+ Billups playing out of position

I don't like the USA's starting lineup.

[Who]

Eric Gordon + Steph Curry + Kevin Durant

I love that combination. Especially with Durant at the four. Their shooting ability, ball-handling, pick and roll play and overall offensive efficiency will be a beautiful sight to see.

Not sure about Lamar Odom playing alongside Durant at the four though. I am worried about how much time he is going to spend 15+ feet away from the rim. He is starting to show his age ... not as active as he used to be cutting to the basket.

The perimeter gets quite crowded when their center moves to the perimeter (and becomes passive) while playing alongside four other perimeter players. Something to watch ... see how it develops. A potential problem.

[Who]

Not liking Granger's defense. Not active (on or off the ball). Very slow. Lazy play.

He looks nice and aggressive offensively once he touches the ball though.

[Who]

Lovely cut to the basket for the layup on the baseline inbounds by Steph Curry. Heads up play.

Ohh, excellent steal and brilliant job running the break to fend off his defenders, get into the paint, draw the help and dish it to his teammate for the easy dunk. Excellent job by Steph Curry.

[Who]

I think Rudy Gay could do a very good job defensively in International basketball as a big two guard. A guy with his size (6-8), strength and quickness ... that would be a very difficult cover for opponent two guards to shake free of.

He is more of a 2/3 than a 3/4 anyway.

[Tai]

Yeah, it looks like we're gonna be going small ball in these WCs. If it's done right, I don't see why not.

[snively]

Steph Curry has been the best USA player thus far.  Danny Granger probably the worst.

Boris Diaw got really tubby.  Still giving USA loads of problems though.  Definitely one of my favorite players to watch.

[Who]

Rajon Rondo looks very dangerous out there. Best playmaker on the court.

[Who]

Andre Iguodala is the only wing on this team that provides active quick footed trapping defense. Someone who can play harassing help defense + play the passing lanes.

The US has lost a lot of it's defensive punch without LeBron, Wade and Kobe Bryant.

[Who]

Nando De Colo looks an interesting player.

First time I've seen him play ... looking forward to San Antonio bringing him over to the NBA.

[snively]

Rajon Rondo looks very dangerous out there. Best playmaker on the court.

I think he's the only guy on the team who thinks pass first.  Rose, Westbrook, Curry and Billups aren't selfish but they certainly look for the shot.

[Who]

Florent Pietrus should be in the NBA. He'd make a very nice athletic defensive minded power forward.