Team USA /France

[FLCeltsFan]

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.

Had to chuckle seeing you call Iguodala Iggy.  He tweeted this after the game:

AI9    Does rondo have a twitter? He called me iggy during the game on a f'break, I wanted to stop and say "yo, don't call me that!"

http://twitter.com/AI9/status/21262805864

[Witch-King]

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.

Wow, I noticed your post-count says that you're Shaquille O'Neal. TP for being Shaquille O'Neal.

I'm almost tempted to start posting with my second account again until I get to 100 posts, lol.

[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.

Wow, I noticed your post-count says that you're Shaquille O'Neal. TP for being Shaquille O'Neal.

I'm almost tempted to start posting with my second account again until I get to 100 posts, lol.

Thanks for pointing that out.  I hadn't even noticed. That is pretty funny. Maybe some day I'll get to twelve thousand posts like Who, and, then I can be Ed McCauley. 

[GKC]

Rondo took a 3 (his only shot) in the China game.

I actually rewatched the game just now. By my count Rondo actually had 8 assists (one wasn't counted, and the other was his only missed shot that was tipped in, but was clearly a pass off the backboard).

As for the starting lineup, especially in the 2nd quarter, I thought Chauncey and Rondo play really well off each other, as Chauncey seems to be getting very open off the ball. Rondo got him for 3 open 3's (with Chauncey making 2 of them). Was pretty interesting to watch. The only other option would be to start Curry or Gordon (since Rose needs the ball), so I think the Rondo / Billups is the best fit we've got.

[Snakehead]

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.

Had to chuckle seeing you call Iguodala Iggy.  He tweeted this after the game:

AI9    Does rondo have a twitter? He called me iggy during the game on a f'break, I wanted to stop and say "yo, don't call me that!"

http://twitter.com/AI9/status/21262805864

Didn't know he didn't like the name.  Rondo has one, but he isn't really the twitter type, it's mostly PR stuff for business stuff he has going on.  Maybe you could tell him in person Andre... you know, REAL LIFE lol.

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.

I love Westbrook but I think he has to be the cut.  He is a bit redundant with all the other points and Gordon and Curry should stay because they can shoot, something we will need if facing zone play.  We need all the rest of our size, so if it's those 3 I think it has to be Russell.  it CANNOT be Love, especially afer the McGee cut.  We need size and can't afford to lose any more.  If we have an interior injury we are boned if we cut Love.

[stoyko]

[/quote]

I love Westbrook but I think he has to be the cut.  He is a bit redundant with all the other points and Gordon and Curry should stay because they can shoot, something we will need if facing zone play.  We need all the rest of our size, so if it's those 3 I think it has to be Russell.  it CANNOT be Love, especially afer the McGee cut.  We need size and can't afford to lose any more.  If we have an interior injury we are boned if we cut Love.
[/quote]

I was at the game yesterday. Based on playing time Westbrook and Love are low men on the total pole. Since we need size I think Westbrook's out. Took Rondo awhile to get comfortable (our whole half court offense was sluggish in the first half) but end of 2nd quarter/begining of 3rd he came alive and was the Rondo we know and love. As long as Gay and AI give us energy and defense USA should be fine. Durant underwhelmed yesterday.

[stoyko]

Rondo by far got the biggest applause during intros. MSG crowd also liked Curry. Curry impressed with his ball handling. Surprisingly large number of French fans. Diaw played well for them as did Nicholas Batum. Tony Parker and Eva made the Kiss cam.
      China battled PR pretty well for 3.5 quarters (shooting over 50% from 3) but PR depth and energy was too much as they pulled away. Crowd definitely thinned out for this one but the PR/China fans were definitely into it.

[guava_wrench]

Does anybody know if this will be aired again?

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

It is available for replay on espn3 (that's espn3.com).