Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the bigstory line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Team USA is undefeated in international play since 2004, using NBA stars to restore order and dominance. And it appears that this Olympic tournament field in Rio is so weak that the United States will coast again. So we thought to ourselves, what if a team of college players and incoming NBA players were created to compete in the tournament? Who would play on that team? And would they medal? The Globe put together a 12-man team to compete in these Games:
Jaylen Brown — Perhaps the most explosive player in the draft, the Celtics rookie would give Team USA a scoring small forward with an edge. Of course, Brown would struggle attacking the basket as he did in the Pac-12, where he picked up a plethora of charging calls. He would have to temper those drives.
Globe – Sunday Notes
This may sound sacrilegious and a bit anti-nationalist, but Team USA basketball just doesn’t really get me that excited. The men’s national team, save for 2004, just feels like the male, national version of UConn women’s basketball. Even when they struggle, they’re not going to lose, and if they do, like they almost have twice in this Olympics, shame on them. I feel conflicted watching these guys every year– I have to pull for Kobe Bryant or Carmelo Anthony to win a gold medal for my country? I’d much rather channel my patriotism towards the athletes in other events– the women and men I don’t cheer against throughout the year and who aren’t such clear cut favorites to romp over the competition.
With that said, I would completely change my philosophy if basketball in the olympics were played by a 22 and under team, specifically with guys who have no NBA experience. Yes, the quality of play would go down, and yes, the USA might lose a game, or two, or the whole damn tournament, but I would tune in, without fail, and cheer like crazy for the young guys.
Gary Washburn outlines his entire Team USA if the tournament was played this way, and so let’s go with his squad that includes new Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown. As a Celtics fan, I would be glued to my TV for every game. For Brown, it would be a chance to continue to sharpen his game as he heads into his rookie season in Boston. It would also be an increased injury risk, though, and an additional load to an already grueling first year in the NBA. But, what a way to start of your pro career– with the chance to bring home a gold medal in a highly competitive international tournament.
Not sure about all of you guys, but count me in.
On page 2, Isaiah continues the NBA tradition of trolling kids at camps
(VIDEO) @Isaiah_Thomas Showing No Mercy On Kids At His Basketball Camp: https://t.co/5CVexjfj1apic.twitter.com/u6rW89jXnh
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 14, 2016
Caption contest: “Hey, Isaiah! Pick on someone your own… oh, wait…”
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