Team USA /France

[GKC]

FYI Rondo did start the China game. It was the same starting lineup. He only took one shot (a 3 and missed), but had 3 steals and 7 assists in less than 20 minutes.

[dang]. I had no idea this was going to be on in the afternoon.

Can someone give me a quick sum up on how Rondo did?

Off the top of my head, he had about 6-8 points, about 4 rebounds, and a boat load of assists. He really took over the 2nd half scoring and opened the game up, especially at the end of the 2nd quarter. Also pulled off his patented behind the back fake.

Also, according to some people on twitter, Rondo had the loudest crowd reaction during the starting lineup introductions. That surprised me, but it's also a good sign of his new found popularity.

[Rashi]

Tai and GKC

thanks for the reply guys. Tp.

[ManUp]

I am a little uncomfortable with how much of a PG-centric offense the US becomes when Rondo is on the floor.

With so much offensive talent on the floor I'd rather see some more ball movement. Getting more guys involved in creating plays rather than just finishing them off.

Still, it's very effective.

I'd lean more towards putting Rondo in the second unit and letting him run the show there though. Rather than as a starter.

It just means Rondo is that good at what he does, right? Also the team seems to be geared to all of Rondo's strengths. Hopefully Rondo dominates playing with team USA and makes it known that he's a winner and you should want to play with him.

[pengaloo]

I am a little uncomfortable with how much of a PG-centric offense the US becomes when Rondo is on the floor.

With so much offensive talent on the floor I'd rather see some more ball movement. Getting more guys involved in creating plays rather than just finishing them off.

Still, it's very effective.

I'd lean more towards putting Rondo in the second unit and letting him run the show there though. Rather than as a starter.

It just means Rondo is that good at what he does, right? Also the team seems to be geared to all of Rondo's strengths. Hopefully Rondo dominates playing with team USA and makes it known that he's a winner and you should want to play with him.

The only reason why I wouldn't mind seeing Rondo off the bench is to reduce the number of minutes he plays. But it really does seem like the makeup and needs of the team are geared toward Rondo's strengths, doesn't it? They need leadership - he can provide leadership. They need defense - he's arguably the best defensive pg in the league. They lack bigs/rebounding - he's the best rebounding guard. They suck in the halfcourt - Rondo has tons of experience leading the C's halfcourt offense. They need to run - Rondo can run with the best of them. They need poise under the big lights - he's got multiple Finals appearances and a ring. I love that he continues to prove a lot of people wrong though. It looks like he went from "on the bubble" to very likely starting.

[Texstyles]

I missed this game.  Anyone know the schedule so I can watch the next one ?

[Texstyles]

I missed this game.  Anyone know the schedule so I can watch the next one ?

Missed it on page 3.  Thanks Tai

[nba is the worst]

Big fan of Eric Gordon. He has a lot to offer to this team.

I'll be very disappointed if he gets cut.

He sure shot and defended well today - I'd be surprised if he's cut.

Rondo or Westbrook most likely final cut.

I think Rondo starts - so that leaves Westbrook or Love IMO

[j804]

Does anybody know if this will be aired again?

Sucks I missed it I've been dying to watch some basketball

[xmuscularghandix]

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.

Iggy is a decent shooter inernationally, and Chauncey is fine at the 2 as well.

The international game allows for a little bit of small ball.

[winsomme]

I missed this game.  Anyone know the schedule so I can watch the next one ?

Not sure if they'll replay this one. wouldn't be surprised if they did.

Next Sat, USA plays Lithuania I believe 3pm EST. Not sure of time, though.

[kozlodoev]

Big fan of Eric Gordon. He has a lot to offer to this team.

I'll be very disappointed if he gets cut.

He sure shot and defended well today - I'd be surprised if he's cut.

Rondo or Westbrook most likely final cut.

I think Rondo starts - so that leaves Westbrook or Love IMO

Yahoo speculated that the final cut will be a guard and pointed at Gordon, Curry, or Westbrook. I don't see them cutting Rondo, who will be the team's starting PG, or Love, who is only the second center they have.

[guava_wrench]

Any speculation about rondo being cut is not based on any televised game play. Based on game play, Rondo is the strongest PG.

Rondo's lack of a jumper is old news. They knew it when they invited him. He has looked good nevertheless.

Don't forget Jason Kidd shot like once in the Olympics. Sure, he had better teammates, but it shows that the PG can be a non-shooter.

[Celtics Fan]

Yeah RR is a locked he started both games and he looked like the obvious choice to lead the team. His BBIQ was on display. I definately like what I saw. I hope after all this he is ready to work out with Mark Price. The J has to be tweaked and peaked.

[Celtics18]

http://www.usabasketball.com/photos/10_mwc_exh_fra_box.pdf

Here's the box score.  Once again Rondo leads in assists while not shooting alot.  I've seen two intrasquad scrimmages and one exhibition game by now, and I don't think I've seen Rajon take a single jump shot.

[Celtics Fan]

I don't seeing him ever taking a jumpshot unless the clock is at 2 seconds and we know he can make them, it when he has to think, I think the euro guards are going to have their hands full dealing with one of THE EDUCATORS!!