Changes Ahead for USA Basketball?
What changes, if any, will be made to Team USA's roster for Beijing?
Will the return of stars such as Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh push out players that were essential to this summer's success for Team USA?
Now that the international semi-final game “hump” has been hurdled and Team USA is guaranteed a spot in the ’08 Olympics, what’s next? The goal is obviously a gold medal, but what personnel changes, if any, will be made?
The absence of NBA stars from this summer’s FIBA America’s Championship will give rise to the debate as to whether anyone from this year’s team will be replaced for the Olympics next year. Will Dwyane Wade be on next summer’s roster? If so, who does he replace?
Obviously, Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd are the two most irreplaceable newcomers to Team USA’s current active roster. One potential twist in that will be Kidd’s health when the Beijing Olympics come around next year. By then, he will be 35, a ripe age for a run-and-gun point guard.
Assuming both Kidd and Bryant are healthy, other players whose contributions were less consistent and/or vital may be on their way through the revolving door that is the present USA Basketball program under Jerry Colangelo. Between outside shooters Michael Redd and Mike Miller, Redd appeared to be the more consistent and lethal performer. Is Miller, then, shown the door in favor of former team captain Wade?
Some would argue that outside shooting, being such an important asset in the international game, should trump Wade’s star power on a team already stacked with All-Star talent. Colangelo, however, will find it difficult to refuse a roster spot to one of his most eager (and marketable) recruits.
Another question facing Team USA is that of their big men. Chris Bosh was unable to play this summer due to injury. With his range, quickness and athleticism, Bosh would be an ideal fit in the international style of play. Will he replace Tyson Chandler next summer? Doing so would seem to contradict Colangelo’s proclamation that the new USA Basketball program will include role players who will do their limited functions well. Chandler fits the bill with his rebounding and shot-blocking prowess, whereas Bosh is another superstar who performs better when he is the center of the offense.
After Kidd, Team USA was unable to gain consistent point guard play from Chauncey Billups. Utah’s Deron Williams provided plenty of assists, but was also inconsistent due to lack of playing time behind Kidd and Billups. Will one of them be replaced by another possible floor general such as Kirk Hinrich? Or will they replace a point guard with someone like Bosh or Wade, knowing that Lebron James is more than capable of handling the role of distributor?
Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski have done a marvelous job in turning around USA Basketball. They play with passion and commitment. They play as a team, and put in the effort that is necessary to dominate. Whatever changes happen between now and next summer, will hopefully enhance and not hinder the progress that has been made
