The talent level of the B team is just not there. Josh Hart Brunson and BI were dead weight.
It's still perplexing to me that people think guys who didn't touch the ball were part of the problem (BI, Cam, Hart, Kessler, etc). Hart was decent and led the team in rebounding. I like those 4 guys and enjoy watching them on league pass. Kessler was a beast in Utah, and the system they ran was much more sophisticated than Kerr's AAU garbage. They knew how to deliver the ball to him in the post, while the USA squad failed to make simple post entry passes. Watching Brunson make bounce passes while Kessler was calling for lobs was comical. They were all misutilized and/or parked in the 3pt line / paint while the rest of the team went 1 on 1. The strategy and offensive schemes just weren't there. I'm more impressed at Kerr's ability to ruin teams that don't have Curry, Durant, Klay and Draymond. It's like he only knows one way to coach.
Team USA was probably one Curry short of the gold. One player(especially curry) can make that difference.
Jalen Brunson must be the worst PG for someone like Curry-doesn’t move the ball, doesn’t shoot 3.
The talent level of the B team is just not there. Josh Hart Brunson and BI were dead weight.
It's still perplexing to me that people think guys who didn't touch the ball were part of the problem (BI, Cam, Hart, Kessler, etc). Hart was decent and led the team in rebounding. I like those 4 guys and enjoy watching them on league pass. Kessler was a beast in Utah, and the system they ran was much more sophisticated than Kerr's AAU garbage. They knew how to deliver the ball to him in the post, while the USA squad failed to make simple post entry passes. Watching Brunson make bounce passes while Kessler was calling for lobs was comical. They were all misutilized and/or parked in the 3pt line / paint while the rest of the team went 1 on 1. The strategy and offensive schemes just weren't there. I'm more impressed at Kerr's ability to ruin teams that don't have Curry, Durant, Klay and Draymond. It's like he only knows one way to coach.
Team USA was probably one Curry short of the gold. One player(especially curry) can make that difference.
Jalen Brunson must be the worst PG for someone like Curry-doesn’t move the ball, doesn’t shoot 3.
Team needed one ADULT PG/Leader.
Kerr, Spoelstra and TLue emphasizes movement in their respective teams that display Heat Mentality but these players wanted to do it their way
interesting point. like maybe FIBA is kryptonite for superstar NBA players... so they stay away?
there might be something to that.
Denny_Russo wrote:
The "top" players (extremely subjective) bailed because they didn't want to risk the same embarrassment the current "B" or "C" team (their words, not mine) just went through. It would be disastrous for their brand. It's that simple. Ultimately, I think most of them realize that, with the competition being what it currently is, there is a risk of failure. If Serbia made it to the finals without Jokic, what would they do to the USA A-team if Jokic suited up? Jokic is the best player in the world by a decent margin, and he'd strategically cut them up the same way he did to the Lakers or Heat in the postseason. Just something to ponder when bringing up this whole "best players" charade.
And that brings me to the biggest issue- the players and coaching staff don't take it seriously. They see it more as a sabbatical than an actual tournament. I bet you they were more enthralled with the sightseeing and food in Manilla than representing their country. They didn't care enough to play team ball and treated it as a 1 on 1 showcase. I didn't see Kerr changing anything up or holding the players accountable. They legitimately believed the talent alone was enough to get by. Even those Kobe-led olympic teams with some of the GOAT talent wouldn't have closed out Spain if they played with the same level of aloofness the current team did.
Y'all are way overthinking it. Been following basketball since the 80s and I know for a fact that there are many on LG that have been following for way longer. All that time, nobody has given a flying F about the FIBA World Championship. Nobody.
Until the 2000s, it was shown on wack channels like NBC Sports. No, not NBA on NBC. I'm talking the crappy cable channel that would regularly include (bleep) like some random track and field event. Newspapers barely covered it other than some token paragraph here and there.
If the public doesn't care, why would the players.
I remember when the team with Lebron, Duncan, Wade, Iverson finished 3rd place and won bronze in 04. To the casual fan, it wasn't an embarrassment as much as it was, "when is the next season beginning?". It was an afterthought, and people just didn't care for international competition at the time. I legitimately thought was a fluke, but it was a disaster on so many levels. Social media (other than myspace and internet forums) didn't exist and very few people knew/cared, so good for Lebron I guess. It didn't hurt his brand and perception one bit.
The reality is that the world was slowly catching up and had to be taken seriously. Enter Kobe in 08 and the rest was history. That's why I have him over Lebron in most GOAT conversations. He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed. _________________ Yi Jianlian Fanboy. Respect The Chair.
Starting anew. I'm retiring my main.
Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Posts: 30174 Location: La La Land
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2023 8:08 pm Post subject:
Denny_Russo wrote:
jonnybravo wrote:
oaktown_dimond wrote:
interesting point. like maybe FIBA is kryptonite for superstar NBA players... so they stay away?
there might be something to that.
Denny_Russo wrote:
The "top" players (extremely subjective) bailed because they didn't want to risk the same embarrassment the current "B" or "C" team (their words, not mine) just went through. It would be disastrous for their brand. It's that simple. Ultimately, I think most of them realize that, with the competition being what it currently is, there is a risk of failure. If Serbia made it to the finals without Jokic, what would they do to the USA A-team if Jokic suited up? Jokic is the best player in the world by a decent margin, and he'd strategically cut them up the same way he did to the Lakers or Heat in the postseason. Just something to ponder when bringing up this whole "best players" charade.
And that brings me to the biggest issue- the players and coaching staff don't take it seriously. They see it more as a sabbatical than an actual tournament. I bet you they were more enthralled with the sightseeing and food in Manilla than representing their country. They didn't care enough to play team ball and treated it as a 1 on 1 showcase. I didn't see Kerr changing anything up or holding the players accountable. They legitimately believed the talent alone was enough to get by. Even those Kobe-led olympic teams with some of the GOAT talent wouldn't have closed out Spain if they played with the same level of aloofness the current team did.
Y'all are way overthinking it. Been following basketball since the 80s and I know for a fact that there are many on LG that have been following for way longer. All that time, nobody has given a flying F about the FIBA World Championship. Nobody.
Until the 2000s, it was shown on wack channels like NBC Sports. No, not NBA on NBC. I'm talking the crappy cable channel that would regularly include (bleep) like some random track and field event. Newspapers barely covered it other than some token paragraph here and there.
If the public doesn't care, why would the players.
I remember when the team with Lebron, Duncan, Wade, Iverson finished 3rd place and won bronze in 04. To the casual fan, it wasn't an embarrassment as much as it was, "when is the next season beginning?". It was an afterthought, and people just didn't care for international competition at the time. I legitimately thought was a fluke, but it was a disaster on so many levels. Social media (other than myspace and internet forums) didn't exist and very few people knew/cared, so good for Lebron I guess. It didn't hurt his brand and perception one bit.
The reality is that the world was slowly catching up and had to be taken seriously. Enter Kobe in 08 and the rest was history. That's why I have him over Lebron in most GOAT conversations. He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
LBJ will be pushing 40 for the Olympics. But add 1 or 2 of the Clippers stars, Bam, and most importantly Jimmy Buckets. And even Joker won't matter.
Speaking of Kobe.
He was a different animal, but the same beast.
Love ya Kobe.
_________________ When the world grows. Grow with it.
Enter Kobe in 08 and the rest was history. That's why I have him over Lebron in most GOAT conversations. He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
Right On Point!
Finding a Baller that represents the Black Mamba is needed.
Out of all the uber-talented HOFers to choose from, selection process should start with the following
Jimmy Butler
Then
LBJ
KD
Marcus Smart
Rest of the All Stars could include, among others
Curry
Tatum
Draymond
De Melo Ball
Kyrie
Embiid
and others
Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Posts: 30174 Location: La La Land
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2023 8:29 pm Post subject:
Kuzma ain't wrong:
Quote:
“USA basketball better get some nba stars that know how to play a role. Anybody can be nice with the ball in their hands but can you be cool with defending and going to the corner for a few possessions?”
That's why I bring up Jimmy Buckets. Tell that dude all he has to do is board and defend. In a format where defenders can body up people?!
Tell guys like Lillard and PG13. All they have to do is knock down catch and shoot 3s.
(bleep) just throw Kawhi out there off the bench.
The world would've been better off just letting us win FIBA so we'd sleep on the Olympics. We tried the carrot, but I guess next summer it'll have to be the stick.
Now you got guys like Booker responding to Kuz saying, he'll just play a role to get gold.
I haven't even brought up guys like Ja, Lavine, kyrie, mitchell, brown, tatum.
Joker is cute and all, lets see him break a full court press and then post up. He's just 1 guy. We'll embarrass countries if they want that smoke. Even bigs like Jarett Allen and Mitchell Robinson can contribute if necessary. But I doubt it'll come to that point. _________________ When the world grows. Grow with it.
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 50670 Location: LA to the Bay
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2023 9:51 pm Post subject:
kikanga wrote:
Kuzma ain't wrong:
Quote:
“USA basketball better get some nba stars that know how to play a role. Anybody can be nice with the ball in their hands but can you be cool with defending and going to the corner for a few possessions?”
That's why I bring up Jimmy Buckets. Tell that dude all he has to do is board and defend. In a format where defenders can body up people?!
Tell guys like Lillard and PG13. All they have to do is knock down catch and shoot 3s.
(bleep) just throw Kawhi out there off the bench.
The world would've been better off just letting us win FIBA so we'd sleep on the Olympics. We tried the carrot, but I guess next summer it'll have to be the stick.
Now you got guys like Booker responding to Kuz saying, he'll just play a role to get gold.
I haven't even brought up guys like Ja, Lavine, kyrie, mitchell, brown, tatum.
Joker is cute and all, lets see him break a full court press and then post up. He's just 1 guy. We'll embarrass countries if they want that smoke. Even bigs like Jarett Allen and Mitchell Robinson can contribute if necessary. But I doubt it'll come to that point.
I wonder if Jimmy wants to go to the Olympics again since he's already won that gold. Hmm. 🤔 _________________ #Welp
“USA basketball better get some nba stars that know how to play a role. Anybody can be nice with the ball in their hands but can you be cool with defending and going to the corner for a few possessions?”
That's why I bring up Jimmy Buckets. Tell that dude all he has to do is board and defend. In a format where defenders can body up people?!
Tell guys like Lillard and PG13. All they have to do is knock down catch and shoot 3s.
(bleep) just throw Kawhi out there off the bench.
The world would've been better off just letting us win FIBA so we'd sleep on the Olympics. We tried the carrot, but I guess next summer it'll have to be the stick.
Now you got guys like Booker responding to Kuz saying, he'll just play a role to get gold.
I haven't even brought up guys like Ja, Lavine, kyrie, mitchell, brown, tatum.
Joker is cute and all, lets see him break a full court press and then post up. He's just 1 guy. We'll embarrass countries if they want that smoke. Even bigs like Jarett Allen and Mitchell Robinson can contribute if necessary. But I doubt it'll come to that point.
I wonder if Jimmy wants to go to the Olympics again since he's already won that gold. Hmm. 🤔
If many other superstars are playing, it would be hard not to have the opportunity to play with other players that seriously just HOOP and for the USA!!
He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
According to the documentary on Netflix, they were in the elevator coming back from the club and ran into him while he was on his way to the gym. _________________ Luxury Tax/FA Spreadsheet (Save to your Google Drive to edit)
He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
According to the documentary on Netflix, they were in the elevator coming back from the club and ran into him while he was on his way to the gym.
There were players who went to PARTEE, There was Kobe who was strictly a BALLER and HOOPER.
In 2024, who do we know who will definitely party and enjoy the life of Paris while being surrounded by countless adoring fans
Who do we know for sure will go to Paris in 2024 to BALL and HOOP!
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 50670 Location: LA to the Bay
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2023 7:31 pm Post subject:
A Mad Chinaman wrote:
TDRock wrote:
kikanga wrote:
Kuzma ain't wrong:
Quote:
“USA basketball better get some nba stars that know how to play a role. Anybody can be nice with the ball in their hands but can you be cool with defending and going to the corner for a few possessions?”
That's why I bring up Jimmy Buckets. Tell that dude all he has to do is board and defend. In a format where defenders can body up people?!
Tell guys like Lillard and PG13. All they have to do is knock down catch and shoot 3s.
(bleep) just throw Kawhi out there off the bench.
The world would've been better off just letting us win FIBA so we'd sleep on the Olympics. We tried the carrot, but I guess next summer it'll have to be the stick.
Now you got guys like Booker responding to Kuz saying, he'll just play a role to get gold.
I haven't even brought up guys like Ja, Lavine, kyrie, mitchell, brown, tatum.
Joker is cute and all, lets see him break a full court press and then post up. He's just 1 guy. We'll embarrass countries if they want that smoke. Even bigs like Jarett Allen and Mitchell Robinson can contribute if necessary. But I doubt it'll come to that point.
I wonder if Jimmy wants to go to the Olympics again since he's already won that gold. Hmm. 🤔
If many other superstars are playing, it would be hard not to have the opportunity to play with other players that seriously just HOOP and for the USA!!
I mean true.
I just feel like he's gotten his heart broken so many times in the last few years with being a near miss in winning the (NBA) championship. I wonder how much winning a chip is weighing on his mind at this point in his career. _________________ #Welp
He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
According to the documentary on Netflix, they were in the elevator coming back from the club and ran into him while he was on his way to the gym.
Sometimes it feels irrational to feel as strongly about a celebrity as I do for Kob. But it's ish like this, that allows me to throw irrationality out the window. He's not an ordinary celebrity. He makes me want to be a better version of myself. He wanted that for all of us.
My niece just got cut from her HS track tryouts. My sister has been sharing Kobe quotes with her, and she's been on that track everyday since, trying to better herself for next time. That's mamba mentality. It's in all of us if we are willing to feed that beast.
Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Posts: 30174 Location: La La Land
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2023 3:00 pm Post subject:
Ziggy wrote:
gng930 wrote:
According to the documentary on Netflix, they were in the elevator coming back from the club and ran into him while he was on his way to the gym.
Sometimes it feels irrational to feel as strongly about a celebrity as I do for Kob. But it's ish like this, that allows me to throw irrationality out the window. He's not an ordinary celebrity. He makes me want to be a better version of myself. He wanted that for all of us.
My niece just got cut from her HS track tryouts. My sister has been sharing Kobe quotes with her, and she's been on that track everyday since, trying to better herself for next time. That's mamba mentality. It's in all of us if we are willing to feed that beast.
I 100% agree. I go hard when it comes to work. Mostly because of the effect Kobe still has on me. Love ya Mamba. You will always be 1 of 1. They'll never be another like you. _________________ When the world grows. Grow with it.
Kobe (The Black Mamba) was dedicated completely on HOOPING - not tweeting, partying, getting drunk, etc.
Adam Silver's recent words has (when reading between the lines) that the star players don't respect the GAME and will do anything to get what they want (shorter seasons, load management, etc) to get more for less.
FIBA team tried hard though they were not willing to play roles or maybe worse of all - didn't know how to effectively to play roles (despite what was spoken on NBA TV.
JJJ always getting into foul trouble
B.I. just standing in the corner
Team being rank on the bottom of all FIBA teams in passing the ball
Jimmy Buckets found countless ways to help his team without hogging the ball - like what Kobe has done in the past
What the FIBA team needed was an ADULT and an actual extension of Kerr on the court.
Since FIBA and NBA play under different rules, none of the young players were able to consistently adjust to the rules that they were playing with
Jimmy has said he doesn't care about FIBA. I don't see him playing for USA after winning the gold in 16, even though he's kind of what they need.
I'm in the camp that they should be coached the right way, and that "talent" doesn't quite matter anymore. Sending old timers who are past their primes isn't the way to build the program. They need a good foundation, first and foremost. Establish a framework and system, and hold players accountable.
Get Kerr out of there and put in someone like Carlisle or Vogel. Their tolerance for garbage defense is very low. I have nothing against guys like Ant or Brunson, but the ISO thing has no place in the international game, especially with the talent level as equalized as it is. _________________ Yi Jianlian Fanboy. Respect The Chair.
Starting anew. I'm retiring my main.
Enter Kobe in 08 and the rest was history. That's why I have him over Lebron in most GOAT conversations. He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
Right On Point!
Finding a Baller that represents the Black Mamba is needed.
Out of all the uber-talented HOFers to choose from, selection process should start with the following
Jimmy Butler
Then
LBJ
KD
Marcus Smart
Rest of the All Stars could include, among others
Curry
Tatum
Draymond
De Melo Ball
Kyrie
Embiid
and others
Butler, KD, LBJ, Curry, Draymond, and Kyrie are super old and won't want the additional wear and tear. Embiid might choose France. So you're left with Tatum, Smart, and Ball. Which is nowhere near as great a list, so when people say US sent their D team well not so much, most of America's top talent is mid 30s.
That being said Tatum and a couple of others should be enough.
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 50670 Location: LA to the Bay
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2023 2:12 pm Post subject:
drae wrote:
A Mad Chinaman wrote:
Denny_Russo wrote:
Enter Kobe in 08 and the rest was history. That's why I have him over Lebron in most GOAT conversations. He set the tone right away. They don't win in 08 without him. The stories about him in the gym and leading by example in Beijing were just crazy. Dude finished his 2 hour workouts when all of the other cats on the team were waking up. That's when everything changed.
Right On Point!
Finding a Baller that represents the Black Mamba is needed.
Out of all the uber-talented HOFers to choose from, selection process should start with the following
Jimmy Butler
Then
LBJ
KD
Marcus Smart
Rest of the All Stars could include, among others
Curry
Tatum
Draymond
De Melo Ball
Kyrie
Embiid
and others
Butler, KD, LBJ, Curry, Draymond, and Kyrie are super old and won't want the additional wear and tear. Embiid might choose France. So you're left with Tatum, Smart, and Ball. Which is nowhere near as great a list, so when people say US sent their D team well not so much, most of America's top talent is mid 30s.
That being said Tatum and a couple of others should be enough.
Well Curry has expressed interest in doing it because he hasn't up to this point. He's always had some weird injury that has held him back from participating in the Olympics. And he's in amazing shape right now so he may as well. The other golden oldies ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ _________________ #Welp
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 50670 Location: LA to the Bay
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 5:33 pm Post subject:
Oh interesting
The various exemptions and loopholes to allow foreign players on national teams is hilarious. Watching SlowMo play for China – complete with a new Chinese name – in the FIBA WC never stopped being hilarious to me. _________________ #Welp
USA will dominate if that is indeed the roster, but I really don't think people care anymore. Euroleagues put themselves on the map as legitimate threats, but the most important thing is they play the game the right way. In the end, they won. They showed that the value of the team is greater than the value of the individual, and that one on one ball doesn't cut it on the world stage.
I really don't care about USA sending a bunch of 30 somethings to represent them. My interest is at an all-time low because it was never about talent-- it was always about the right foundation and coaching, and they don't seem to prioritize that. When the current crop retires (which will be in a few seasons), we're going to see the same AAU nonsense and selfish style from the next team. _________________ Yi Jianlian Fanboy. Respect The Chair.
Starting anew. I'm retiring my main.
Embarrassing and pathetic for Team USA and Embiid. Losers mentalities all around.
Embiid is a US citizen. _________________ On Lakersground, a concern troll is someone who is a fan of another team, but pretends to be a Lakers fan with "concerns".
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