Thursday, August 21, 2014

National Team Selection

Here's my rundown of the US National Team.  This is what my team would look like without knowing anything as far as practice goes.  Remember that it's extremely tough to completely evaluate a team without seeing practice.  My analysis is completely based on what I've seen from each player for the respective college and NBA careers and how I see them fit into the international game.

IN

Derrick Rose - Even with his previous injury, he is a game changer and has shown that in previous international competitions.  Not sure he can play in all of the games and that's what makes other potential roster spots interesting.

Stephen Curry - Can play either guard position and is a lights out shooter.  Understands the international game and is a zone buster.  No brainer.

James Harden - Is apparently the best player in the NBA, or at least according to him. Has he watched film of his defense? He is another guy that can stretch the floor and will get to the line a ton.

Anthony Davis - Too much length, too much athleticism, too good.  He has gotten so much better and it looks like he is stretching his range out to 3 now.  He will play the 5 but he is moving closer to playing the 4 as well.

DeMarcus Cousins - He is obviously immature but he is a MONSTER.  He looks video game sized in the game vs. Dominican Republic.  He can handle international bigs and will be a major threat on the offensive end.

Klay Thompson - Knock down shooter and has capability to knock down mid-range shots as well.  Very good defender, can cover either guard position.

Kyle Korver - Knock down shooter and everyone knows it.  He will space the floor and give the US guards room to get in the paint.  Zone buster.

Kyrie Irving - He is extremely talented and a Coach K favorite.  He has to be an energy guy off the bench and will play big minutes if Rose can't.

Chandler Parsons - Natural 3 but in international play is a stretch 4.  He played internationally before the NBA lockout and has a good understanding of the international game.  He would be Rudy Gay's backup and I don't see him playing a ton of minutes.

Rudy Gay - They brought him back for a reason.  He, much like Parsons is a 3 but internationally is a 4.  He has a lot of international experience and is a lock for the team.

Andre Drummond - Another monster.  He is a huge presence inside and is a threat in transition, which the US thrives.  He can't play crunch time minutes because his foul shooting is so poor but is a good 3rd big and could play against Spain.

Demar Derozan - He has really surprised me during the first two exhibition games.  He is my last roster spot only because I think Rose plays significant minutes.  He is a NBA "2" and could play that or the 3 in international play.  He can space the floor and has the length to defend the wings.

OUT

Kenneth Faried - Love the way he plays and he looks like a lock to make the team at this point but I don't think he fits at all.  He can't make anything outside of 10 feet and can't defend the international four.

Damien Lillard - Really like his game and I personally feel he is better than Irving but Lillard didn't play at Duke.  If Rose can't go then Lillard is on the squad and I could see him playing significant minutes but I don't see it now.  Roster spot was down to him and Derozan.

Mason Plumlee - Another Dukie who had a great rookie year.  I like him for the future but he isn't ready yet.  I don't believe he has any experience internationally either.  He could have a spot over Drummond because Coach K is more comfortable with him.

Gordon Hayward - Basically the same player as Parsons but doesn't have as much international experience.  Already have Gay as well.  Just isn't enough room for him.  Another good player for the future.

Here is the roster I think Coach K goes with:
Rose
Curry
Harden
Faried
Davis
Irving
Thompson
Gay
Korver
Parsons
Cousins
Plumlee

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