From ESPN, http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2525515

Teams can have chemistry and still stink. Teams can have talent and still finish sixth [or finish 23-59], which is what the USA did in the 2002 World Championships, or finish third, which is what the USA did in the 2004 Olympics. Wade and James were on that Olympic roster, as were Carmelo Anthony, Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire. Now the five of them are back on the '06 Senior National Team roster.

But according to James and Wade, this feels different than the hurried and, in retrospect, oddly configured '04 team coached by Larry Brown. The extra preparation time helps. So does the absence of Brown, who doesn't have a history of embracing young players (James averaged just 11.4 minutes per game under Brown, Wade 17.5). So does the presence of veterans such as Billups and Elton Brand.

Just some more Brown bashing. Of course this isn't exactly relevant since LB did play our youngs.

The way they put this team together just makes more sense. Players like Shane Battier, Luke Ridnour, Bruce Bowen are going to keep other guys grounded. This has much more of a TEAM-atmosphere.

Posted by metra:

What's the chance those guys actually make the team though?

Didn't they already make the team? I'm pretty sure everyone made the team, it's just some won't play ever.

I could be wrong though.

Posted by metra:

From ESPN, http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2525515

Teams can have chemistry and still stink. Teams can have talent and still finish sixth [or finish 23-59], which is what the USA did in the 2002 World Championships, or finish third, which is what the USA did in the 2004 Olympics. Wade and James were on that Olympic roster, as were Carmelo Anthony, Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire. Now the five of them are back on the '06 Senior National Team roster.

But according to James and Wade, this feels different than the hurried and, in retrospect, oddly configured '04 team coached by Larry Brown. The extra preparation time helps. So does the absence of Brown, who doesn't have a history of embracing young players (James averaged just 11.4 minutes per game under Brown, Wade 17.5). So does the presence of veterans such as Billups and Elton Brand.

Just some more Brown bashing. Of course this isn't exactly relevant since LB did play our youngs.

Imagine, trying to put LB and Marbury together to win the gold!

No Marbury there this time either!