2 exhibition games into summer international basketball and...

[TE]

it looks like the USA's quest to get gold will rely on Lebron when the going gets tough. I expect Durant to shoot and play WAY better along with other players not named Mel.


We'll just have to wait and see how things unfold, but Lebron looks to be on a mission.

Teams like Brazil and Spain will present the toughest matchups. Teams like Russia and Lithuania will have a shot on a -40C cold night.

Before this summer began, I really wanted team USA to add a big like Demarcus Cousins to battle players like Nene and the Gasol brothers...

Looks like that will move will backfire somewhat when Team USA faces a backcourt that won't suc b to the applied stifling pressure.

Aside from Mel playing extended minutes, the decision to have Deron Williams defend speedy and nifty backcourt players will not bode well. Westbrook has to take that spot.

Quick question, how much does the performances of certain players like Lebron and Durant matter in terms of the best player in the world debate? Or does it not matter at all?


discuss

[gaKNOW!blee]

You still think there is a best player in the world debate? I thought Lebron just squashed that a few weeks ago?

[TE]

You still think there is a best player in the world debate? I thought Lebron just squashed that a few weeks ago?

Some people were quick to give that label to Durant during this past year's playoffs.

[lakerhaterade]

You still think there is a best player in the world debate? I thought Lebron just squashed that a few weeks ago?

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199875

[scanry]

Some people were quick to give that label to Durant during this past year's playoffs.

Beating old teams like the Mavs, Lakers and the Spurs can do that to some. I always though OKC would suffer if the opposing team played even a lick of defense.

Volume shooting without any post presence will not get you anywhere in the Finals. Unlike their previous three rounds, the Heat posted up and beat them. The Lakers could've actually beaten them silly had they pounded them inside and not reverted back to Hero ball.

[TE]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199875

[Venti Quattro]

The USA's game will rely on speed, quickness and athleticism -- sort of a monkeyball game albeit a controlled monkeyball. LeBron and Kobe can and should play in the post when the going gets tough.

[TE]

The USA's game will rely on speed, quickness and athleticism -- sort of a monkeyball game but controlled. LeBron and Kobe can and should play in the post when the going gets tough.

+1

also,....If Melo is gonna play, the fat lazy er has to be used in the post when the match-up is favorable.

[scanry]

The USA's game will rely on speed, quickness and athleticism -- sort of a monkeyball game but controlled. LeBron and Kobe can and should play in the post when the going gets tough.

Unlike in the NBA, FIBA refs let the Euros rough up them Americans. I don't think you'll see Lebron posting up after all the heavy lifting he's done in the lockout shortened season. He should pull a Bynum by getting his zen on.

[Stalin]

The USA's game will rely on speed, quickness and athleticism -- sort of a monkeyball game albeit a controlled monkeyball. LeBron and Kobe can and should play in the post when the going gets tough.

[Venti Quattro]

I'd rather LeBron play in the post rather than Me-. Even if he took a beating in the playoffs, posting up players from other teams won't be difficult. I'm not saying that he should take it strong everytime, but that he should go to the post just to give the opposition different looks. You know he's also a capable passer. He has his buddies like Durant to help him. Plus I don't think anybody in the tournament has a skill set like LeBron has.