When the Olympics were created long ago, they were envisioned as a way to pay homage to the gods. Men would travel across continents to test their strength, speed and skill against other men in the hopes that the gods might favor them. These days the Olympics are a way to get bragging points for your country. Contestants travel from around the world to be able to say that their country is the best in the world at something, be it swimming, or running the hurdles, or playing basketball. After the 2008 Olympics, the United States was able to say it had the best basketball team in the world and this summer, USA Basketball is hoping for a repeat.
An Olympic basketball roster consists of twelve players and USA Basketball has selected 20 individuals as finalists for those twelve roster spots. One of the twenty finalists is Portland’s own LaMarcus Aldridge. He does, however, face some pretty stiff competition for one of those twelve spots. 18 players are returning from either the 2008 Olympic team or the 2010 World Championship team. Of those eighteen players, seven are almost guaranteed a spot on the Olympic roster. Kobe Bryant will be on the team; he’s still the best player in the NBA and his experience makes him a valuable asset to the Olympic team. Dwyane Wade will be on the team; there is no way that the selection committee passes up a scorer of his caliber. LeBron James will be on the team; his pure athletic ability makes him a valuable contributor no matter whom else is on the court. Dwight Howard will be on the team; the best big man in the NBA is going to be a necessary piece on a team that is going to be heavy with guards and wing players. Kevin Durant will be on the team; he can score at any time and a great piece for any team. Chris Paul will be on the team; a great point can make all the difference in the world and with this many scorers someone needs to get them the ball. Deron Williams will be on the team; Chris Paul can’t be on the floor the whole time so it will help to have another great point guard.
Just like that, seven roster spots are gone. The good news for Aldridge’s Olympic team candidacy is that only one of the roster spots so far has been filled by a big man. The bad news is this team probably won’t carry many big men and we have thirteen players left to fill five slots. Blake Griffin will probably be on the team; USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo wanted Blake on the 2010 team but Blake got hurt. Carmelo Anthony will probably be on the team; having another great scorer won’t hurt if the team is willing to spread the ball around. Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Chauncey Billups, one of those three will make the team. All three are good point guards who could conceivably play the 2 if needed.
After those three selections we have two roster spots left. We then have to decide which two players out of the seven remaining candidates will make the team. Do you choose Chris Bosh, hoping that the familiarity between him, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade will provide instant chemistry on the court? Do you decide to play small ball the whole tournament and add Eric Gordon, Rudy Gay or Andre Iguodala? Do you decide you want a guy who can play multiple positions like Lamar Odom? Or a big man to help anchor the Defense like Tyson Chandler? Or do you decide to go with a guy who has shown an ability to carry a team from the power forward position but also knows how to play with other superstars, like LaMarcus Aldridge? Personally I’d choose Tyson Chandler and LaMarcus to provide some much needed help in the paint. We’ll find out who makes the actual Olympic team on June 18th but my choices for the Olympic team are: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Tyson Chandler and LaMarcus Aldridge. Who would you pick for the Olympic team?
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