Why is TD not considered to be a possible US olympian?

[phxspurfan]

After reading this, I was disgusted at the lack of attention TD seems to be getting. He is easily the best NBA bigman and should be a lock for the olympic team. He would own any of the bigs on the current roster.

Article:

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=TeamUSA-Lookahead

What will Team USA look like in Beijing?
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: September 2, 2007
Comment
Email
Print
LAS VEGAS -- They walked out of the Thomas & Mack Center on Sunday with gold medals draped around their necks, and they'll be looking to do the same next summer when the site will be Beijing and the level of competition will be much, much tougher.

But how many members of this version of Team USA will make the long flight to Asia 11 months from now?


AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

LeBron James enjoyed holding the first-place trophy. Who will be joining him in China?

And what, if anything, does this team need to add?

Those are the questions team director Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski will be pondering over the next several months as they roll into the final year of their three-year commitment to bring the Old World Order back to international basketball.

They were borderline ecstatic with the way this team played while rolling through the Tournament of the Americas, but they know next summer will be a whole different story. The opponents will be bigger, more polished and more experienced than what they faced out here in the desert, and they know they'll need to tweak the roster to go with a true "A" team.

"The basic questions are, 'Do you carry an extra shooter, do you carry an extra point, can you get another big?' " Colangelo said. "I think it's taking a hard look at what happened here and weighing all the pluses, then tearing it down a little bit and say, 'OK, if you could get anything you want, what would you want?' Well, obviously, size. If you can add a big, that's something you'd like to do any time. I don't think there's any team in the world that wouldn't want to take an extra big. But you don't just take a big for the sense of taking a big. It's got to be a guy who can play with these guys."

Colangelo said Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be two of the additions to the roster, as long as they are healthy, and the team almost certainly will stick with the same starting lineup of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. So that's seven spots.

You can guarantee a spot to Michael Redd, too, and Amare Stoudemire probably is locked into a spot, so that's nine.

A second point guard would make 10, and that spot is pretty much up for grabs between Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kirk Hinrich and Chauncey Billups.

That leaves two spots to fill, with a good eight or nine legitimate candidates in the mix. And at least one of those spots has to go to a big man, because Team USA cannot go to China with Howard, Stoudemire and Bosh as its only bigs.

"I know I'll be solicited heavily by people who want their players to play and by players themselves," Colangelo said.

So let's take a look at the bubble guys (we'll go through them alphabetically), and assess their chances of filling out those final two spots on the roster:

Shane Battier: He was a starter a year ago in Japan, the perfect glue guy, and he's a Krzyzewski favorite. He can do a little bit of everything, including guard the best player on the opposing team when Kobe is resting. ODDS: 5-1.

Carlos Boozer: He has not been a member of Team USA under Colangelo's watch, but he would have been in camp this summer had his wife not been due to give birth to twins. He was a member of the 2004 Olympic team, too, so he is experienced in international ball. ODDS: 12-1.

Elton Brand: He was a key member of last summer's team at the world championship, and he would have been here this summer if injuries hadn't forced him out. He has been as close to a stalwart as USA Basketball has had. ODDS: 4-1.

Tyson Chandler: He was the 12th man in Vegas, but he was a shot-blocking and rebounding force in the limited amount of time he was used -- and there is going to come a time next summer against a big opponent when he'll be exactly the type of player the Americans will need. ODDS: 10-1.

Kevin Durant: He was one of the two final cuts for the Tournament of the Americas team, but he's one of the early favorites to be on the 2010 World Championship team and the 2012 Olympics team. Having a guy on those teams who was in Beijing will be desirable, which could work in his favor. ODDS: 20-1.

Joe Johnson: If there was a legitimate argument to be made that the team will need an extra shooter, he might be the guy. But with the way Team USA cured its shooting woes in Vegas, shooting 47 percent on 3s as a team, that argument doesn't hold water. And it's the same argument that can be used to knock Mike Miller out of the picture. ODDS: 15-1.

Shawn Marion: Although he's a Colangelo favorite and a veteran of the 2002 and 2004 U.S. teams, he wasn't able to play this summer or last summer because of injuries. That'll hurt his chances. ODDS: 15-1.

Brad Miller: Last year's 12th man did not participate this summer, which pretty much removes him from the mix, same as Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Bruce Bowen. ODDS: 100-1.

Tayshaun Prince: His versatility is his strongest asset, but it's hard to see Coach K giving him the nod over Battier if he's looking for that type of player. ODDS: 20-1.

[Oh, Gee!!]

I think TD decides if he plays and not the other way 'round.

[phxspurfan]

Right, but did he even get invited to camp a year ago? Or was that just Bruce who got invited? If so, the USA are dumb. And don't give me that "He'll be 32" crap. Just look at J. Kidd.

[PM5K]

I guess you forgot about last time, and why Timmy doesn't want to play in the Olympics...

[ThePrivateSpur]

maybe td just doesn't want to participate anymore, let the youngsters get their turn.

[spursfan4ever]

TD has been quoted as saying, "FIBA SUCKS!"

[phxspurfan]

"After their last game Duncan provided a concise summary of his experience on the team:

I am about 95 percent sure my FIBA career is over. I'll try not to share my experiences with anyone.[1]
Duncan asserted this statement shortly after the Olympics ended. His frustration drew from foul trouble, as he was picking up fouls at a rate twice as fast as in the NBA. He sat out a large majority of the crucial game against Argentina, who would later go on to win the gold in 2004 Olympics in basketball. His teammate on the San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili, led the team to victory.

On January 8th, 2006, Duncan announced that he will not play for the United States Olympic team at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. "



My b. I never saw this one.

[Kori Ellis]

Right, but did he even get invited to camp a year ago? Or was that just Bruce who got invited? If so, the USA are dumb. And don't give me that "He'll be 32" crap. Just look at J. Kidd.

He made it clear that he didn't want invited. They brought up his name before the original group was invited and it was clear he had no intention of playing any more FIBA games.

[phxspurfan]

"Tim Duncan stared at the referees in disbelief after his first foul, just as he had after almost every call against him during the tournament. When he was whistled for another moments later on what appeared to be a good call, he stood along the lane with his back to the basket and the referee while a Lithuanian player took his free throws."



Haha why am I not surprised by the behavior?

[yourcheatinheart]

"Tim Duncan stared at the referees in disbelief after his first foul, just as he had after almost every call against him during the tournament. When he was whistled for another moments later on what appeared to be a good call, he stood along the lane with his back to the basket and the referee while a Lithuanian player took his free throws."



Haha why am I not surprised by the behavior?



i see that alot in Tim. He's one of if not the biggest baby in the NBA.

[Oh, Gee!!]

i see that alot in Tim. He's one of if not the biggest baby in the NBA.

poor tim.

[boutons_]

Nobody on the current team is crying about the refs, nor are NBA players on other NTs.

Childish. He could adapt if he wanted to. I think he overreacted and now has painted himself into a corner. Even NBA players report that winning a gold medal is wonderful.

[duncan228]

He said he'd never do it again.
I respect that.

And on a selfish note, I'm glad he's not.
He's got enough miles on him.
I'd rather he save it all for the Spurs.

[phxspurfan]

Nobody on the current team is crying about the refs, nor are NBA players on other NTs.

Childish. He could adapt if he wanted to. I think he overreacted and now has painted himself into a corner. Even NBA players report that winning a gold medal is wonderful.


My thoughts exactly. I wish he would reconsider, because it would be great for him to win a gold in Beijing.

[Obstructed_View]

Why would the US want a big on their team who can't play defense or set a pick, especially when they could have Amare Stoudemire?

Unless Duncan got fucked by the officials in the olympics, the above is exactly what it sounds like you guys are suggesting.

[K-State Spur]

Nobody on the current team is crying about the refs, nor are NBA players on other NTs.

Childish. He could adapt if he wanted to. I think he overreacted and now has painted himself into a corner. Even NBA players report that winning a gold medal is wonderful.

It's not about crying about the officials. We've seen Tim show restraint in the past when he needed to.

When you actually watch the games he played in though, he did get called for quite a few phantom fouls. At the very least, teams were allowed to do things to him that if had committed half the contact on the other end, he'd get whistled.

Whining or not, the officiating on him was pretty ridiculous in those olympics.

It's a huge commitment, especially for a guy who has only finished 1 out of the past 3 years completely healthy. He already gave it a shot when most of the NBA stars wouldn't, so if he wants his summers off as he enters the final years of the prime of his career, it makes a lot of sense.

[ducks]

My thoughts exactly. I wish he would reconsider, because it would be great for him to win a gold in Beijing.
he is not a sun he is a spur
he likes nba world champion titles more then gold medals

[ducks]

Nobody on the current team is crying about the refs, nor are NBA players on other NTs.

Childish. He could adapt if he wanted to. I think he overreacted and now has painted himself into a corner. Even NBA players report that winning a gold medal is wonderful.


childish to want to spend 2 months with his family
wow
duncan plays alot of nba games
he does not loss in the first rounds

[Switchman]

NBA Championship > Gold Medal > Ratings Championship

[jman3000]

it's retarded. that's why.

[Mister Sinister]

Ratings Championship>Olympic Gold>NBA Championship
FIFY. ^_~

[Avitus1]

Last thing Timmy needs is a medal. You cant pull off wearing a medal with anything. Its much easier to wear rings.

[TheAuthority]

Nobody cares about the olympics anymore. Besides that, Tim got god awful calls against him on both ends of the floor. I wouldn't go back to that rookie shit either.

[Kibic]

he is not a sun he is a spur
he likes nba world champion titles more then gold medals
It is different. As in soccer Euroleague is different than Euro Championship. At first there are clubs playing at second there are NT playing. And Liverpool or Galaxy can not be a world champion in NT competition. It is not that hard to understand.
So NBA champion is NBA champion. There is no World ni NBA. It is National competition between pro teams with homes in USA or Canada. There is no CSKA, Barcelona or similar.

[Fast Dunk]

Re: Why is TD not considered to be a possible US olympian?

Because Tmmy won't get the same treatment he gets in the NBA. That's why he hates FIBA

Under FIBA rules Tmmmy can't compete because officials are usually unbiased and don't allow whining (Timmy style)

[TheAuthority]

Because Tmmy won't get the same treatment he gets in the NBA. That's why he hates FIBA

Under FIBA rules Tmmmy can't compete because officials are usually unbiased and don't allow whining (Timmy style)

Bitter? Lil' bit.

[Johnny RIngo]

Because Tmmy won't get the same treatment he gets in the NBA. That's why he hates FIBA

Under FIBA rules Tmmmy can't compete because officials are usually unbiased and don't allow whining (Timmy style)

If Timmy wanted to play they'd dump Amare in an instant for him. Amare's a whiner that can't play D, has a one-dimensional offense, and is riding two bad knees.

[td4mvp21]

It's not only the refs, remember how exhausted he was that season? That's probably a big factor why he sprained his ankle 3 or 4 times, he was so damn tired and that led to vulnerability to injury, IMO. Notice that last year when he was completely healthy, he had no injuries.

Also, I support his decision not to play. Those refs are total opposite than the NBA refs and for a post player, I'd imagine it's very difficult to adjust to. Tim does have issues with whining and expecting too much grace from officials, but I can understand his frustration with the FIBA officials. They aren't that great.

[team-work]

"FIBA sucks" was the conclusion Duncan drew after the Olympic experience in 2004. In fact, not only FIBA sucks, others who also sucked included the USA Team (Duncan was the best player in the team, or arguably in the tournament; and even those NBA Stars who chose not to participate because they already got the Gold Medal in 2000 or before.)

Duncan played on that team because Pop was the assistant coach there, and also to fulfil his Olympic dream (not as a swimmer). The journey was unsuccessful regarding the quest for the gold.

I also think Duncan was wise not to use up his effort during the summer time. If he were there, the USA will no doubt win the Gold Medal as the earlier Dream Teams did. Now without Duncan, Team USA is still one of the favorites to win it all in Beijing (or the most favorite team). But that will make the tournament more exciting to watch (not so lopsided).

[phxspurfan]

If Timmy wanted to play they'd dump Amare in an instant for him. Amare's a whiner that can't play D, has a one-dimensional offense, and is riding two bad knees.



1. Team USA would not dump Amare in favor of TD. Amare has more ratings appeal and endorsements. He's also way more exciting to watch. TD is better in almost every way, but since he didn't participate in the past two tourneys, there's no way USA would dump someone who has put in that work.

2. Amare will continue to improve and is not one-dimensional on offense. Watch more games next year.

[nfg3]

I guess you forgot about last time, and why Timmy doesn't want to play in the Olympics...

Ditto. He stated that he didn't want tho play the international type of game after the 2004 Olympics. Maybe he will changes his mind but don't count on it. He seemed pretty adament about it at the time.

[Switchman]

Here's to D'Antoni wearing his gold medal the night the Spurs knock them out of the playoffs again in 2009. :toast

[Brutalis]

The FIBA is retarded. A lot of NBA teams would drop kick those rosters thrown together for a tournament. Why the USA has to qualify is ridiculous to me. I may be biased but come on now, despite recent surprise losses it's not like we haven't won a game recently or maybe 20 years ago. Olympics? USA Basketball carried it for how long? Someone wanna tell me how America DIDN'T bring the Olympics where it is today?

TD went into those FIBA's a few years ago like it was the NBA at first on a cut and paste squad. Looking for calls and shit, till it seemed like he just got real aggressive like playoff Timmy, and you know what happened? He got knocked around hard. So did a lot of our boys then. It was bad officiating, maybe not all to blame but that was obvious. It wasn't basketball, nor was it a game. It was hack and push and whoever scores the most wins. Top it all off with a Play Dough USA team, Manu and Argentina was playing great. And while I'm sounding off, I don't like his comments "I am the only world champion here" in reference to the 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS banner in the locker room I think?
Seriously now, who says that? I understand he meant he has won all the world's championships. But Tim Duncan is the reason why he can say that. Not to mention the Spurs 05-06-07 teams would beat the crap out of ANY other team in this world. I must get that off my chest.

Man, FIBA is lucky they didn't do that shit against the team we actually planned to form. These dirty thugs would have fucked up any of those guys there or in the coming Olympics.

[duncan228]

...in reference to the 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS banner in the locker room...

Not arguing your point, but I believe the Spurs banners all say "NBA Champions" not "World Champions."

I remember they decided to remove the word "world" a few years ago.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

because he wants NO part of FIBA

[Brutalis]

My mistake then.

[Kibic]

The FIBA is retarded. A lot of NBA teams would drop kick those rosters thrown together for a tournament. Why the USA has to qualify is ridiculous to me. I may be biased but come on now, despite recent surprise losses it's not like we haven't won a game recently or maybe 20 years ago. Olympics? USA Basketball carried it for how long? Someone wanna tell me how America DIDN'T bring the Olympics where it is today?
Because France, Argentina, Srebia, Germany, Croatia, Spain also have to qualify. They all have to qualify. If team is realy good it should not be a problem. And it never have been a problem for USA. Teams ae qualifing through Continental champisonships (Europe, Asia, America..) and also if NT is a current Olypmic or World champion automaticaly. Until now this was never the problem for team USA. They were or Olympic C. or World C. But they arent now. It is all the same for all NT.



Seriously now, who says that? I understand he meant he has won all the world's championships. But Tim Duncan is the reason why he can say that. Not to mention the Spurs 05-06-07 teams would beat the crap out of ANY other team in this world. I must get that off my chest.
Obviously in all USA TD could not find some people who could help him to become a WC as he help MG to become NBA champion. Do not realy see where is the problem. About Spurs team beating all NT in WC or OG...do not think so. Those teams have Manus and Dirks too. If you consider Wade, LeBron, ...anyway..

[dbreiden83080]

This current team will win the GOLD if they all come back but we are at the point now where if the best of the best of the US do not come to play in the olympics every 4 years that we have no shot at the GOLD.

[Kibic]

This current team will win the GOLD if they all come back but we are at the point now where if the best of the best of the US do not come to play in the olympics every 4 years that we have no shot at the GOLD.
Agree.

[WalterBenitez]

TD can't play under FIBA's rule; he's improductive there ... Probably with time and effort he'll become a monster over there, but don't see that happening since he said ... FIBA sucks :D

[The Franchise]

Fiba rules allow for contact under the basket. In the NBA if you sneeze on a player down low he goes to the line. Tim probably decided it was not worth the wear and tear. He does have a career to think about. NBA>Fiba.

[urunobili]

he should play for the Virgin Islands :wakeup

[Fast Dunk]

he should play for the Virgin Islands :wakeup


Yeah, he's a traitor!! LOL :lol

[Switchman]

Fiba rules allow for contact under the basket. In the NBA if you sneeze on a player down low he goes to the line. Tim probably decided it was not worth the wear and tear. He does have a career to think about. NBA>Fiba.

NBA doesn't seem to mind Shaq throwin' his bo's.

[yourcheatinheart]

yeah, FIBA sucks because the so called "best in the game" can't excel under FIBA rules.?? you stay classy san antonio.

[duncan228]

... you stay classy san antonio.

I find the Spurs and their fans classier overall than the whiny Suns and their fans.
Or the arrogant Cavs and their fans.
Or the egotistical Mavs and their fans.

To each their own I suppose.

[Kibic]

NBA>Fiba.
:blah
G.Bush:"ekhmm San Antonio>Texas, ehehe khm, ehehhe"

[Obstructed_View]

Fiba rules allow for contact under the basket. In the NBA if you sneeze on a player down low he goes to the line. Tim probably decided it was not worth the wear and tear. He does have a career to think about. NBA>Fiba.
Tim will go back to the olympics when Doug Collins accepts his bronze medal.