Here at the Sports Grill we've been marinating on Team USA's basketball team in the World Championships. The squad is flawed in that it does not feature our very best players. (Kobe, LeBron, Wade, 'Melo, Howard to name a few of those sitting at home.) Its been interesting to watch how this team is doing a lot of what made the Lakers champs last season, as well as what made the Lakers vulnerable.
Team USA's offense is built around Kevin Durant in much the same way that the Lakers are built around Kobe. Had the NBA's best of the best showed up for World Championships, Durant's the only guy on this team that could sniff the top 6 of the rotation. His natural ability to put the ball in the hole has been showcased so much in 3 games thusfar, that he looks like Kobe breaking the triangle every other trip down court. This is not a knock on Durant at all, more so on how a team full of good with potential to be great NBA players are completely deferring to the league's youngest scoring champ.
If Durant is not on his game someone will have to step up and save America in the knockout round much like the rest of the Lakers stepped up in game 7 of the Finals when Kobe was 6-24. Team USA has already had it's first real scare of the tournament by just squeaking out a 70-68 win over Brazil. Ripping Mike Krzyzewski is easy at this point. Man for man there's no way this squad should be playing 2 point games in this tournament. The offense at the end of the game lacked any imgination. The isolate, dribble, and hope offense. It was like watching an old 'Fresh Prince of Belaire' espisode. Clear out and pass it to Will, with Durant playing the role of Will Smith. I guess coaching in the World Championships is not like hosting Clemson at Cameron Indoor when the refs get caught up in the atmosphere like a Krazy, huh K?
Another similarity to the Lakers, Team USA is playing playoff worthy defense that even Phil Jackson would be proud of. Every guy from 1-12 is hustling and laying it on the line. Unlike the Lakers bulky pair of 7-footers in Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, Team USA is masquerading with Lamar Odom as it's starting center. Odom has not been exploited too bad, but he's not reminding anyone of Bill Russel in the pivot either.
What's been impressive is how Odom has bought into his role on this team much like he did with the Lakers. Odom's unselfishness is the largest common thread between both squads. He's not a center, but is willing to play the position if that helps the team win. He has enough talent to start, but comes off the bench for the Lakers to help the team win. Big props to Khloe's husband!
Just like the Lakers did not breeze to the title, Team USA is going to run into some trouble along the way such as the game against Brazil. Just like the Lakers, Team USA will be champs in the end.
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8/31/10
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You can reach the sportsgrillmaster on twitter: https://twitter.com/Sports_Grill
Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
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