Obviously Coach K and co believe they can get by without a speciality lock down defender

Battier doesn't fit in that category M Dizzle?

I think they've picked a pretty versatile side, and Bowen is essentially one-dimentional.

As much as people will cry for the need for him to have been included, I think I'd have done the same thing.

Yes Battier is an excellent defender but Bowen is the best of the best. I just think with the team they have they have enough versatility...and if they come up against a dominant perimeter player they can bring Bowen on to contain him. Nothing wrong with having specialist role players on your team

Sure - nothing wrong with a specialist, but who would you leave off that team?

The only one I can think of is Jamison, who could be valuable as a long range shooter.

definately valuable as a long range shooter...No Arenas now, no Bowen, US will have to hope Lebron's shooting is as good as in the warm ups.

I'm sure Melo, Hinrich, Battier, Johnson, Paul and Wade would have something to say about Lebron lighting it up.

I would of dropped Gilbert (if the injury didn't cut him) and Bowen. Bowen is indespensible at the SF position regardless how good is D is. Battier can become the lockdown player.

I can't see Antawn getting much court time.

Anyone want to predict a starting 5???

C: Miller
PF: Brand
SF: Lebron
SG: Wade
PG: Paul

Bowen may be one of the better defenders in the NBA, but the international game is different and despite the fact he can make the three he really is an offensive liability.

It remains to be seen if his defensive style would be tollerated by international referees.

Dwyane Wade is also one of the better perimeter defendaers going around don't forget. His offensive freakness often make people forget this

It's a shame that Amare's knee hasn't come good yet, he would be unstoppable at the 5.
I'd rather see Howard starting at the 5 over Miller, he's stronger and more athletic than Miller and more exciting to watch.

What are peoples thoughts of going big in the backcourt, with Wade and Bron then Melo at the 3?
C- Howard
F- Brand
F- Anthony
G- James
G- Wade

Also, was Shawn Marion injured or did he just get cut? You would've thought he could be invaluable, being athletic, able fill the role of the lockdown defender and is possibly THE best rebounder in the NBA, as well as not needing many shots at all.

I think the starting 5 will include Melo if he is healthy.

C - Miller
Pf - Melo
Sf - Lebron
Sg -Wade
Pg - Paul


Coach K really likes Carmelo and i think youll see him start over Brand when its time for business.

Question : Who do you drop when Kobe gets healthy ? and Billups comes back ?

IMO - Jamison is gone, then Hinrich and then Joe Johnson .

That would leave :

Arenas
Kobe
Billups
Paul
Wade

Howard
Brand
Melo
Lebron
Bosh
Battier
Miller

Anyone think they have a different line-up ?

C: Miller
PF: Melo
SF: James
SG: Wade
PG: Paul

C: Miller
PF: Brand
SF: James
SG: Wade
G: Paul

I don't think its possible for him to be an offensive liability as they could score over 100 points if he played the whole game and didnt touch the ball once...however you all make valid points. Id also start Howard at the 5 as he'll be the best rebounder out of any player there, however coach K will rotate everyone through so i don't think the first 5 is all that vital.

I would cut arenas and jamison, i dont think jamison is any better of an outside shooter than the guys already on the team.

Think Carmelo will definitely start at the 4, with LeBron at 3 and DWade at the 2.

Miller and Paul would be the favourites to start at the 5 and 1, but by all reports Hinrich has outplayed Paul in the warm-up games.

In the end game, I don't think Coach K really cares who starts, as he'll be using most of the 12 players pretty readily.