I find it odd that no one has started a thread dedicated to the embarassment otherwise known as the American Olympic Basketball Team. A team "supposedly" comprised of the finest athletes in the world. Well, maybe i am being a little harsh on them. They probably are the finest athletes, they just couldnt shoot a jumpshot if their life depended on it. This is an example why most basketball fans feel that the NBA is putting out an inferior product than ever in their history. It's almost as if the NBA has a sign on the front door that tells the pre-requisites for the positions and the first line tell you: "If under 6'6" and cannot dunk, you need not apply."

I actually am glad tehy lost. I feel terrible for rooting agsint my own coutnry in the olympics, but these guys are a bunch of stuck up millionair crybabys. they feel just by showing up they are guarrenteed a gold medal. I love that a team from puerto rico put them in their place, and showed that heart and a desire to win is better than any reputation or paycheck. I especially hate that thug asshole alan iverson. his wife beating ass shouldnt even be allowed to represent our country.

I like the way Bob and Tom talked about it yesterday on their show.

"Puerto Rico??? We had to play Puerto Rico??? They're a dynasty!!! Thats not fair at all"

Should I add fuel to the fire.....oh sure, what the hell!!!

Did you guys hear that the "Dream Team" is too good to stay in the Olympic Village with the other Olympic athletes? It's true. They stay in some nice hotel in Athens, and have nothing to do with anyone else.

I think it's time for the "Dream Team" concept to be done away with. Let's go back to letting the college kids run the team. Maybe they would lose a lot, but at least it actually meant a lot for them to be there.

Instead of getting the best players from the NBA, they should get all of the 6th men. They're probably still better than other country's players and might actually appreciate the honor.

Actually this team is very second-rate in terms of raw talent. The original roster for this team included Tracy Mcgrady, Ray Allen, Jason Kid, Mike Bibby, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnet, Vince Carter, Jermaine O'Neal. All of them refused to play in the Olympics because of "security concerns". (Shaquiel O'Neal was not even named to the team because he already made it clear he wasn't playing for the Olympic team) They are the real top players in the NBA by talent and reputation--not the players now populating the team that lost to Puerto Rico in Athens. Only Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson were on the original Roster. The team now playing in Athens also has an average age of 23, practiced together for only 1 week before the games. It's no Dream Team. No surprise that they lost badly. I'm very disappointed that all those top players refused to participate.

That being said, USA still looks to have the best chance for gold going into the elimination round.

Originally posted by Dio Seijuro
Actually this team is very second-rate in terms of raw talent. The original roster for this team included Tracy Mcgrady, Ray Allen, Jason Kid, Mike Bibby, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnet, Vince Carter, Jermaine O'Neal. All of them refused to play in the Olympics because of "security concerns". (Shaquiel O'Neal was not even named to the team because he already made it clear he wasn't playing for the Olympic team) They are the real top players in the NBA by talent and reputation--not the players now populating the team that lost to Puerto Rico in Athens. Only Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson were on the original Roster. The team now playing in Athens also has an average age of 23, practiced together for only 1 week before the games. It's no Dream Team. No surprise that they lost badly. I'm very disappointed that all those top players refused to participate.

That being said, USA still looks to have the best chance for gold going into the elimination round. The entire team consists of NBA All-Stars and you call them second rate? They may be second tier NBA talent, but i remember the time when you could make a team of most any NBA players and kill the international competition in the Olympics. Anything less than Gold for this team should be considered a monumental embarassment for the NBA. It should make people realize that the NBA has inferior talent, in general, calling themselves "professionals" and the fans should be pissed that they are paying top dollar to watch mediocre talent.

Well, Havok...you must first actually watch a lot of NBA basketball to understand how the current league compares to that of the yesteryears. I watch it (game and Inside NBA) about 10~15 hours a week during the season, and I know the game's past very well also. The consensus (including retired superstars' comments, sport commentators, fans etc.) today is actually that the league in general is stronger now than it used to be. The greatest teams in history are still the greatest, but the league, and especially the top players, are just as competitive and talented today as in the past, if not more.

Now let's examine this statement: i remember the time when you could make a team of most any NBA players and kill the international competition in the Olympics What actually happened was there had only been 5 teams in history, starting in 1992, that USA sent consisting of NBA players to compete internationally. Of these, four consisted of the top players of that time and won first place. One consisted of second rate players of that time and won nothing.

There is very big difference between mere all-star and top player. You can go compare their stats, ask experts, whatnot, or save your time and believe me that a top player team is leaps and bounds better than a team made of the best players excluding top players. I also mentioned that this team has an average age of 23 and practiced for 1 week. You ignored or choose not to comment on that.

Today it is especially difficult to send a team consisting of second rate players and win because international teams are much, much better today than they used to be. A couple of NBA's top players play for their national team during these tournaments, making the gap even smaller. You should expect that in the future international teams will get stronger still.

A while ago you said: It's almost as if the NBA has a sign on the front door that tells the pre-requisites for the positions and the first line tell you: "If under 6'6" and cannot dunk, you need not apply." It couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, NBA is going toward the other direction. Many of the most popular stars are guards, and more so now than in the past. Articles have been written in sport manazines in recent years about their becoming the most important part of their teams.

Finally, despite the fact that the rest of the world is catching up in basketball world, NBA has actually been getting more and more popular internationally.

Just to further consolidate things. I'm a very strong basketball player myself, so that the game is stronger today than it used to be, based on my observation, is at least reliable.

Originally posted by Dio Seijuro
Well, Havok...you must first actually watch a lot of NBA basketball to understand how the current league compares to that of the yesteryears. I watch it (game and Inside NBA) about 10~15 hours a week during the season, and I know the game's past very well also. The consensus (including retired superstars' comments, sport commentators, fans etc.) today is actually that the league in general is stronger now than it used to be. The greatest teams in history are still the greatest, but the league, and especially the top players, are just as competitive and talented today as in the past, if not more.

Well, I myself am past my prime at basketball. I used to play a lot having played for my junior high and high school teams. But being a 6'2" 220 pound point guard didnt really work in college, thats why i played middle linebacker instead. :)
I grew up watching Magic, Bird, Worthy, Kareem, Hakeem, McHale, Dr. J, George Gervin, Chocolate Thunder, Clyde Drexler, Bernard King, Dominique Wilkins, Charles Barkley, etc. etc. I could name hundreds more of my favorite past players. I can also name you most all the players currently in the league. So as far as being a fan of NBA basketball, I guess i am still one. But i acknowledge the product put on the court today is a very inferior product , and here is the catch, TEAM-WISE, than in years gone by. I think todays players are better ATHLETES but also by far inferior BASKETBALL PLAYERS. Even average players from the past can shoot better than the majority of players in todays NBA. I think if the officials didnt allow these basketball players to act like they are playing football, then a lot of these stars would actually be shown to be very sub par basketball players. (See: Shaquile O'Neal) Every time a large post player gets the ball in the NBA these days, the first thing he does is swing elbows to create distance from the defender. In years past that in itself was a foul. They dont call that for the most part in today's NBA. But its not just the offense that does it. Let someone get a pass at the top of the key and try to drive the lane today. I guarantee you a mugging will occur before he can get 2 steps a lot of the time.

Of course these are just my opinions and maybe you see something different in todays NBA. I love the game of basketball. Always have. I just watch college ball now mostly because i like to see a jump shot made occasionally.

Those are good points. :cool:

Originally posted by HaVoK
I grew up watching Magic, Bird, Worthy, Kareem, Hakeem, McHale, Dr. J, George Gervin, Chocolate Thunder, Clyde Drexler, Bernard King, Dominique Wilkins, Charles Barkley, etc. etc.

Don't forget World B. Free!

Well, what do you expect when you fill a team up with low post players and dunkers?

It would be like having an entire offensive line made up up right tackles.

Let college kids play? These, for all intensive purposes ARE college kds.

Amare, Melo, LeBron...all are basically college kids.

Other than Tim Duncan, there isn't one likeable personality in the lot. All a bunch of selfish pre-madonna's who are getting what they deserve, IMO.

A lesson in humility.....a lesson in BASKETBALL FUNDAENTALS. :hitout:

Originally posted by LionelHutz
Don't forget World B. Free! Ahhh, my bad. How could i let his high trajectory missiles go unacknowledged?

Originally posted by Seth Gecko
pre-madonna's

I swear I'm not doing this to be an ass, but the term is "prima donna."