2016 Olympic Team

[youngman42]

Preliminary thoughts with the caveat that it's a long season and a number of things can happen (new stars emerge; old stars fade or get injured; etc.).

Seems to me there are 7 locks. Barring a surprise player (and there usually is a player or two who really emerges as an all-star) I think the rest below those 7 will compete for the final five. Cousins and Jordan - given the lack of depth at C - are close to locks; at least one will be on the team. Arguably, imo, Anthony Davis is the most important player as he's the one true big man who is a great player. If he's injured, it will be a tougher situation inside. I put Kyrie down lower because he's coming off another tough injury and it remains to be seen how well he'll play this year and much he'll have after the season for a summer long run. Kobe is really too old but given this could be his last season, if he plays well and stays relatively healthy, he could decide he'd like to be on the team and that could make for a difficult choice. But, it's also possible he'll have no interest by the end of the season.

If these 7 are healthy, the US should dominate. Curry's 3 point shooting will kill in the international game.

· LeBron James – PF/SF

· Kevin Durant – SF

· Curry - PG

· Anthony Davis – C/PF

· Westbrook – PG/SG

· James Hardin – SG

· Kawhi Leonard – SG / SF

----------------------------------------------
Contending for final 5 spots. In no particular order, though one of either Cousins or Jordan are near locks due to the need for center depth. Some are obviously more long shots than others.

· DeMarcus Cousins – C

· DeAndre Jordan – C

· Blake Griffin – PF

· Klay Thompson – SG

· Damien Lillard – PG

· John Wall – PG

· Dramond Green – SF

· Chris Paul – PG

· Al Horford – PF

· Jimmy Butler – SG

· Kyrie Irving – PG

· Kobe Bryant – SG

· Derrick Rose – PG

· LaMarcus Aldridge - PF

· Kevin Love – PF

· Bradley Beal – SG

Obviously there could be some players not on this list who blow up this season (e.g., C.J. McCollum; Okafor; etc.) and become strong contenders.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Wiggins is Canadian.

 

[dbav]

I have a feeling Aldridge would make the team. That's just me though.

 

[denniden]

If Paul and Irving want to be on the team, they will be there.

I think Cousins and Griffin may have a good case for that as well.

 

[Willcampbell]

K should really give 'em something to whine about, as his parting shot:
Frontcourt:
Deng
Okafor
Parker
Plum I
Plum II
Singler
Backcourt:
Redick
Winslow
Curry
Jones
Irving
Rivers

Actually, get Lance in there as the final slap.

OFC

 

[DukeDenver]

Youngman, did you watch the Spurs/Thunder last night? So much talent on those 2 squads. That was one of the best NBA games I've seen in a while. Great basketball.

 

[jchammock]

I would say

PG- Wall
SG-Booker
SF-MKG
PF-Davis
C-Cousins

Just saying

 

[JCColsCane]

Extremely tough team to make! Like was said, injuries will play a major part in who makes this team, or even tries out when the time comes.
One name left off the list that I believe will be there is Paul George from the Pacers. I think(?) Coach K made the statement that he would either be able to try out, or be guaranteed a spot if he wanted it. Remember, he is the one that had the horrific leg injury before the last go around. He seems to be healed and starting out very strong so far, and Coach K is really loyal to his players.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[youngman42]

Youngman, did you watch the Spurs/Thunder last night? So much talent on those 2 squads. That was one of the best NBA games I've seen in a while. Great basketball.

I did watch a portion of that game. They are two great teams that play great basketball.

 

[youngman42]

Wiggins is Canadian.

Huh! Wow. I had no idea. Thanks for the correction!

 

[skysdad]

There's so many great players out there I don't think it would matter. One guy I would love to see on the team is J.J. Redick. I know it's a long shot and if he was named it would be because he's "K's Boy. " But he can fill it up with anyone, plays individual and team D. and would represent our country well. I know Harrison Barnes once said even after he chose UNC that he thought he and Coach K were so tight that he felt Coach K would want him on he team. Now imagine that? Maybe if he shaved his head and became "The Black Bald Eagle" instead of "The Black Falcon" that would make him the sentimental patriot symbol of The U.S team. OFC

 

[denniden]

sky, If a shooter is going to make the team it will be Kyle Korver. He has been a part of the program put together by K and Coleangelo. Unfortunately JJ has not been.

 

[youngman42]

Looking like Andre Drummond will be a contender. I overlooked him in the first post but he's a solid player and is proving to be quite the force with that athletic 280 lb body.