And a lot less international experience.
What happened to the "Redeem Team"?
Some roster turnover was inevitable. Several key members of the 2008 Olympic Team were set to hit free agency this summer -- including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer. Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul played through injuries last season, and wanted the time off to recover. Others had more personal reasons to pass - Carmelo Anthony is a newlywed, Wade just got through a messy divorce, and Deron Williams passed for "family" reasons he opted not to make public.
The New Faces of USA Basketball
The absence of James, Wade and Paul could make 2010 the year that Kevin Durant becomes the face of Team USA. Durant was one of the last players to be cut from the 2008 team; he's a mortal lock to make this year's model. Durant's size and outstanding outside shot should be a devastating combination against the zone defenses favored in international competition.Two other players who could become fixtures on Team USA for years to come: Derrick Rose and Stephen Curry. Rose could be the team's floor leader, while Curry, like Durant, will be an outstanding zone-buster.
Other Considerations for Roster-Building
Bear in mind, the international game is played under different rules. The three-point arc is shorter, the lane is a trapezoid, with the wider end closest the basket, and all types of zone defense are allowed. Big men used to playing with their backs to the basket (Tim Duncan, Carlos Boozer) and guards who do most of their damage on the drive and at the foul line (Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury) have struggled in international competitions.That being the case, I'd rather bring a mobile big man with a good outside shot (say, David Lee) than a low-post banger (say, Al Jefferson).
Team USA 2010 Roster
Here's a roster I'd be happy to bring to Turkey.
Point Guards: Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups, Rajon Rondo
Shooting Guards: Stephen Curry, Eric Gordon
Small Forwards: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay
Power Forwards: Lamar Odom, David Lee, LaMarcus Aldridge
Centers:: Amar'e Stoudemire, Brook Lopez
Curry's ability to run an offense means this team can get by with just two "pure" point guards... and I'd rather have a third shooter (Eric Gordon) than a third point (Russell Westbrook).
I'd like to put Danny Granger on the list, but can't help thinking that he's likely to pass, given all the injuries he's suffered over the last two seasons.
I like the power forward tandem of Odom and Lee, both of whom are comfortable shooting from the perimeter, are good passers, and can run the floor.
The player I had the hardest time leaving off the list was Tyreke Evans. I love his game, but I worry that zone defenses would take away much of his strength -- I'd rather have another zone-buster like Eric Gordon, especially when two of the three point guards on our list -- Rose and Rajon Rondo -- aren't particularly good shooters.
