I am the Program Director at 1410 WING ESPN Radio in Dayton, Ohio...also host of Dayton Sports Scene weekdays at 5p! Find me on Twitter @ESPNMark!
My 2012 Olympic Men's basketball team for 2012
by Mark Neal,posted May 11 2012 2:41PM
With the 2012 Summer Olympics in London fast approaching, it got me thinking about our men's basketball team. Our group in Beijing in 2008 dominated their way to the gold, as so should this year's edition. The core from four years ago was young, and will be a major part of the roster in 2012. This is what my roster would look like if I were putting this group together. Keeping in mind injuries to Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard are the only things keeping them both off this collection of the world's best...in no specific order
1. LeBron James: The world's best player will lead the world's best team to gold in 2012. On top of his game, LBJ is a dominant International player. What else needs said, it's LeBron!
2. Dwyane Wade: High level scorer that can get to the rim with the best in the world. As athletic as anyone the team will play too...can defend 3 positions
3. Kevin Durant: Best scorer in the world, end of discussion. He hits 3s, medium range jumpers, and gets to the cup. No one can guard him...maybe the best International player in the US.
4. Russell Westbrook: He scorers, he defends, he can play both guard positions...sounds like the perfect International player. He might be the best defender on the US squad, and will wreak havoc in opposing back courts. A must have on this 12 man roster.
5. Chris Paul: Simply the world's best point guard. Good luck guarding him! He gets to the cup and distributes with the best in the world. My starting point guard without question, and would get a lot of minutes.
6. Deron Williams: Steady #2 point guard for the team. Went to Beijing and shined, and has since developed into one of the best guards in the NBA. With Williams, and throw in Westbrook, the PG position is secure.
7. Kobe Bryant: The Mamba is still one of the world's best. Incredible International player who scores at will. Is towards the end of his career, but if he is healthy, and wants to go to London, I take him and probably start him...like LeBron, it's Kobe Bryant, you have to take him!
8. Carmelo Anthony: At one time, regarded as the best International player among the Americans, Melo can still score with the best. he can't guard a lawn chair, but who cares...no one in teh world can guard him either. He doesn't start, but he comes off teh bench to add scoring...Anthony is a must have
9. Kevin Love: He can rebound, and add a big frame, which is always at a premium in basketball at any level. He can do it all as a big guy, maybe the most skilled in teh world. He shoots, he passes, he fits right in on this team.
10. Andrew Bynum: With Howard back home, you have to take the 2nd best American center in Bynum. He is big and can defend and rebound. With all of the offense on this team, a big man that does the dirty work is all you need. Bynum can be petulant, but Olympic glory might override that for a few weeks.
11. Blake Griffin: I know, his game doesn't fit the International game at all. He can't shoot, does defend very well, and does dribble...but it's Blake in his athletic prime! He will sit on a French guy's head and we will forget his offensive game is about 4 feet and in...#highlightreel
12. Chris Bosh: My final player is the 7th member of the 2008 team in Bosh. He is a very good player, and perfect fo rteh International post. He can score, rebound, and is a very smart player. I value intelligence in players, and Bosh brings that and then some.
