With the Redeem Team gone, can the U.S. strike Gold?
By Wilson Guaraca
Team USA will be entering the FIBA World Championships, which begins on August 28th in Turkey, with a new roster that lacks size and international experience as they make a run for gold. The 20 players invited to try-out are currently in Las Vegas working hard to be one of the 12 chosen to represent the USA. It has been projected that at the core of the team will be Chauncey Billups, Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, Andre Iguodala, and Tyson Chandler. Billups will provide the type of leadership that is vital in helping the team mesh in a minimal amount of time. Early in the week we learned that Amar’e Stoudemire would not be playing with Team USA due to the Knicks fear that he would get injured during international play. The former Knick, David Lee, will also miss play due to a mallet finger injury he suffered during the first day of training camp in Las Vegas. Robin Lopez from the Phoenix Suns has also withdrawn his name from the USA national team due to injury.
The center position is the most questionable one at this point. The projected centers for Team USA are said to be Brook Lopez and Tyson Chandler, two players that might not have made the roster if Lee and Stoudemire were still playing. The guard position is loaded with players who can play both the positions. Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and Andre Iguodala are projected to take on this responsibility. The forward position is where we see the biggest drop off from 2008. Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony are no longer with Team USA. Replacing them will be Kevin Durant, Lamar Odom, Kevin Love, and Gerald Wallace. Expect Team USA to play cohesively as they attempt to win a championship that hasn’t been claimed by the USA since 1994. I hope everyone is excited to catch a glimpse of the future of the NBA in this upcoming FIBA World Championship.
Projected Team USA roster
Centers: Brook Lopez, Tyson Chandler
Guards: Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rando, and Andre Iguodala
Forwards: Devin Durant, Lamar Odom, Kevin Love, and Gerald Wallace
Get all of the latest Team USA news here:
Overcoming injuries
Rajon Rando wants gold
Jerry Colangelo talks Team USA
