If you could add any ONE NBA player to the team, who would you add? Let's just assume for this discussion that you can't add players who were legitimately unable to play (e.g., Jason Kidd had microfracture knee surgery; Jermaine O'Neal needed up to 6 months to recover from a knee injury; Kobe Bryant knew he might end up in court).

As much as this team needs shooters, I'd have a hard time not picking Shaq. I think even if he were double or tripple teamed down low, he could overpower these thin international players and score a ton of points, block a lot of shots, grab a ton of rebound, and get everyone on the opposing team in foul trouble. I could also understand (and fully agree with) the argument that we need shooters like Michael Red or Ray Allen, though.

[Edited by - Bonn1997 on 08/22/2004 10:27:14]

Team USA (what would have been)

C-The Big Aristotle (I think that nickname would be a big hit with the greeks)
PF-KG
SF-T-Mac
SG-Ray Allen
PG-Bibby

Bench: Tim Duncan, Michael Redd, Lebron James (big pg), Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Kenyon Martin and Iverson.

We got shooters, playmakers and physical players that is essential in the international game. There is no doubt, nobody will be laughing at this team.

Redd.

Posted by Bonn1997:

Posted by KNICKSdom:

Team USA (what would have been)

C-The Big Aristotle (I think that nickname would be a big hit with the greeks)
PF-KG
SF-T-Mac
SG-Ray Allen
PG-Bibby

Bench: Tim Duncan, Michael Redd, Lebron James (big pg), Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Kenyon Martin and Iverson.

We got shooters, playmakers and physical players that is essential in the international game. There is no doubt, nobody will be laughing at this team.

I was just asking what one player you would add

I know but this is the team I would have sent to Athens. Any one NBA player to add to the current team is not gonna make that much difference IMHO. It is a whole team concept and that current team is not doing squat to convince me that they will win the gold.

KG. Him and Duncan on the court together would reek havoc on the other teams.

Posted by flyingvee:

KG. Him and Duncan on the court together would reek havoc on the other teams.

I like the KG choice. He can shoot the ball mid range and is tall and long to be a defensive presence. Plus he can be a leader on the bench and pump up his teammates with his no bs demeanor.

I'd pick Michael Redd or JJ Redick from Duke

for this team Mike Bibby for Marbury. We already dominate inside--it would be nice to have guys like KG Shaq Kobe et al but thast not happening. Mike Bibby is the floor leader with some international experience with a solid jump shot. Marbury has been a catastrophic failure to this team. He cant defend anyone, he's off-balance and is playing scared.

Tyus Edney, Scoonie Penn.

These guys are dominent in Europe. They are stars in that arena and would help. Team USA need not be NBA hot shots to be great again. Just a few pieces.

NBA guy, Yes, Brett Barry for sure!

Other choice, Jason williams of the grizz, just for the fun of it! Outside of Jason Kidd, he pushes the ball up as well as anyone.

or Harold Jenson from the Villanova team who upset Georgetown! I am sure he could have practiced in his driveway for a month before the games started and hit more 3's than these guys.

lol yes..

shooting would be a good way to start