By Nick Creech
World Championships, USA Team: Final Cut
As the 2010 FIBA World Championship rapidly approaches, the Team USA selection committee owns the unenviable task of making one final roster cut prior to the tournament’s start date. While neither Chairman Jerry Colangelo nor Coach Mike Krzyzewski has given any verbal indication as to who might be the unlucky candidate, many believe that the selection will invariably come from the team’s pool of talented guards. This comes as no surprise due to squad’s well-reported concern over the team’s lack of size in the frontcourt. Although Jerry Colangelo has already stated that all 13 players will travel to the team’s next round of exhibition games, speculation has already begun as to who will make the official twelve-man roster. Some reports have gone as far as to say that the decision has been narrowed down to a competition between Warrior’s guard Stephen Curry and the Clippers’ Eric Gordon. However, if Saturday’s friendly with France is any indication, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love should consider waiting before booking any tickets to Istanbul. The former-UCLA teammates received only seven and eight minutes of playing time, respectively, the fewest minutes allotted to any two players on Team USA.
Assuming the final cut will be one of those four players, each man made a relatively strong case for himself during Saturday’s exhibition.
Kevin Love’s Chances- In reality, Love is the least likely of the four men to be cut. It is no secret that Team USA is going to be very thin in its frontcourt, making Love the sensible insurance policy at center. Tyson Chandler started the exhibition against France, but other than him, Lamar Odom is the only player that logged significant minutes at the five on Saturday. Knowing Chandler’s history with ankle and foot problems, one with think that the selection committee has at least considered potential situations should he sustain any type of injury. However, Coach K has repeatedly shown no hesitance employing unconventionally small rotations, leaving many to wonder if the team would consider cutting Love. Although the T’wolves young pivot would probably be considered by many the least physically gifted out of the four players, he offers a unique skill-set from a currently under-manned position. He has repeatedly shown that he is the best outlet passer in the game, an ability which shouldn’t be overlooked considering Team USA’s blinding quickness across the board. His penchant to find rebounds coupled with his outlet passing means that he is essentially a one-man fast break starter. Since the United States likely won’t be able to manufacture many easy points in the half-court–at least from the perspective of dumping the ball in the post and scoring—open court opportunities will come as a premium and Love has the capability of creating multiple ones. It should also not be forgotten that the selection committee has a history of picking at least a few guys who, while they might not be the most talented, fit within the team structure, such as Tayshaun Prince or Carlos Boozer. Love fits right up that alley.
Stephen Curry’s Chances- Along with Billups and Rondo, Curry is one of Team USA’s best passers. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s an absolute assassin from downtown. Through watching various interviews and media statements, Krzyzewski seems to think highly of Steph, whose younger brother—it shouldn’t be forgotten—will be playing at Duke this coming season. By most accounts Curry has already made the squad, but his liability on the defensive end against bigger guards is a serious concern. Several times France exploited this match-up, isolating Nicolas Batum against Curry in the post, where Batum was able to shoot over him with no challenge. However, if Team USA stays with the same starting backcourt of Rondo and Billups that they showed Saturday, then Steph’s ability to run the second offense might prove too valuable to ignore.
Eric Gordon’s Chances- Anybody following Team USA this summer has likely heard about Eric Gordon’s impressive showing thus far. Gordon, a player who many thought would have a difficult time making the team, has certainly made a very strong case for himself to be included among the final twelve chosen. Like Steph Curry, Gordon is a lights out shooter, hitting at close to a 50% clip from deep throughout the team’s four scrimmages. Unlike Curry, he is built like a brick house. With the US’s documented problems getting good shots when the game is slowed down, Gordon’s versatility makes him a very tough guard for opposing defenses. His shooting acumen makes him a must guard at all spots, and, thanks to his strong physique, he should excel at getting to the rim in international play despite the increased physicality under FIBA rules. Although there are those who think Gordon will ultimately be the odd man out, his performance has certainly made him a very difficult name to cut, and one that I ultimately don’t see happening.
Russell Westbrook’s Chances- Despite entering late in the fourth quarter and not until long after the game had already been decided, the Thunder lead guard was able to show that he is a pitbull on defensive. Westbrook arguably did the best job shackling French guard Yannick Bokolo, who was one of “Le Bleu’s” few notable performers. His athleticism is otherworldly, as he might very well be the best athlete on the entire squad, and he gives Coach K one more weapon to tinker with in his up-tempo offense. Also, don’t think Westbrook’s relationship with Kevin Durant and his effect on Durant’s comfort level hasn’t come into account with the selection committee. With Coach K recently making statements to the media calling for Durant to become more assertive, having a familiar presence around to push him might prove to be a good idea. Being the only teammate of Durant’s following the cut of Jeff Green, Westbrook could very well find himself in an advantageous position to make the cut solely because both he and Durant are on the Thunder. However two things really stand in the way of Westbrook making this team: his shooting and his passing. Knowing full well the quickness of Team USA’s guards, other teams will eventually back off, slow the game down and force the United States to beat them from the outside. This makes outside shooting an extremely valuable commodity come selection time, and few will deny that Westbrook is not nearly the same caliber shooter as a Steph Curry or Eric Gordon. Most would also probably agree that although Westbrook led his team in assists this past NBA season, his ability to create for others in the half court is limited, meaning that he will find himself dared to shoot by teams who will simply back off him and crowd the paint. Westbrook will have to show that he is able to make teams pay for backing off him if he hopes to secure a spot on the team.
Prediction: Although crazier things have happened, I still don’t see Love being cut. That brings it down to the three guards. If things keep going as they are, expect Russell Westbrook to be asked to return home. Ultimately, Westbrook’s biggest attributes, his defensive prowess and athleticism, are assets duplicated by guys such as Rondo and Derrick Rose, both of whom are currently slated to receive minutes ahead of Westbrook. The selection committee certainly seems to harbor a similar opinion too, or else he wouldn’t have received the fewest minutes of any player on Saturday, right?
Nick Creech is a contributing writer for NBADraft.net and can be reached at: [email protected] regarding any questions, comments or suggestions.
Good article. Unlike that
Good article. Unlike that article by ButIDon’tHaveTheMoney, it was well thought out and on point.
Westbrook is an athletic and exciting young guard who really gets out in transition and can get after it on D, but I don’t think it’s THAT difficult of a decision to cut him. He can’t shoot, over penetrates and turns the ball over. He’s not a great fit for FIBA.
Not to mention, Rondo and Rose can do what he does. They can pressure the ball full court and get out in transition as well, while making better decisions with the ball.
Good article. Unlike that
Good article. Unlike that article by ButIDon’tHaveTheMoney, it was well thought out and on point.
Westbrook is an athletic and exciting young guard who really gets out in transition and can get after it on D, but I don’t think it’s THAT difficult of a decision to cut him. He can’t shoot, over penetrates and turns the ball over. He’s not a great fit for FIBA.
Not to mention, Rondo and Rose can do what he does. They can pressure the ball full court and get out in transition as well, while making better decisions with the ball.
us depth
If team usa take the trophy this summer. they will possiblely send another team(C-deem team) to london 2012, players will be as follow;
john wall,westbrook,teryke evans,brandon roy,ray allen,oj mayo,joe johnson,joe smith,paul pierce,blake griffin,stoudamire,andre bynum.
us depth
If team usa take the trophy this summer. they will possiblely send another team(C-deem team) to london 2012, players will be as follow;
john wall,westbrook,teryke evans,brandon roy,ray allen,oj mayo,joe johnson,joe smith,paul pierce,blake griffin,stoudamire,andre bynum.
edit access denied,sorry
point guards;John wall and westbrook , athletically gifted ball hawks
off guards;evans and brandon roy , very skill-wise,ability to play ponit guards
shooters;ray allen and mayo
fiba 4; john johnson,josh smith, paul pierce, johnson and paul kown as physical #3 players at NBA.both have range and handles. josh will be a fiba #4 beast.
low post; griffin and stoudamire will cause mis-match for fiba #5, bynum is a legit paint existance.
2012 is a bit premature
Nick here, the author of the article and new contributor for NBADraft.net. I’ll be trying to post on here time to time and in the meantime I definitely appreciate all the posts and feedback keep them coming by all means.
Will4li, I think you’re roster might be a better prediction for the 2014 roster. Carmelo, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, and Deron Williams are all scheduled to play in 2012 at London. LeBron and Dwayne Wade are also solid bets to be returning for Coach K, and conventional wisdom puts Durant on that team as well. That’s eight right there, and competing for playing time with those players is no easy task. Derrick Rose should have a good chance, as should Brandon Roy. Its way too early to be including Wall on that list, but even if he does live up to expectations, he will have to work his way up the point guard hierarchy. 2012 may be pushing it in that case, but 2014 would certainly be a realistic prediction. Anyone else you listed I could also see playing in 2014, with the exception of Paul Pierce. I’m pretty sure he still has a bitter taste in his mouth from the last time he competed, and he’s getting a little too old to be participating in a rigorous off-season.
edit access denied,sorry
point guards;John wall and westbrook , athletically gifted ball hawks
off guards;evans and brandon roy , very skill-wise,ability to play ponit guards
shooters;ray allen and mayo
fiba 4; john johnson,josh smith, paul pierce, johnson and paul kown as physical #3 players at NBA.both have range and handles. josh will be a fiba #4 beast.
low post; griffin and stoudamire will cause mis-match for fiba #5, bynum is a legit paint existance.
2012 is a bit premature
Nick here, the author of the article and new contributor for NBADraft.net. I’ll be trying to post on here time to time and in the meantime I definitely appreciate all the posts and feedback keep them coming by all means.
Will4li, I think you’re roster might be a better prediction for the 2014 roster. Carmelo, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, and Deron Williams are all scheduled to play in 2012 at London. LeBron and Dwayne Wade are also solid bets to be returning for Coach K, and conventional wisdom puts Durant on that team as well. That’s eight right there, and competing for playing time with those players is no easy task. Derrick Rose should have a good chance, as should Brandon Roy. Its way too early to be including Wall on that list, but even if he does live up to expectations, he will have to work his way up the point guard hierarchy. 2012 may be pushing it in that case, but 2014 would certainly be a realistic prediction. Anyone else you listed I could also see playing in 2014, with the exception of Paul Pierce. I’m pretty sure he still has a bitter taste in his mouth from the last time he competed, and he’s getting a little too old to be participating in a rigorous off-season.
Jesus
Jesus, Tezo. That was a little harsh.
Jesus
Jesus, Tezo. That was a little harsh.
Cutting Gordon would be a
Cutting Gordon would be a huge mistake…no other guard can duplicate his blend of strength,shooting ability,ability to finish with contact,and athletisism! He’s a good compliment to whoever is playing point guard at the time
Cutting Gordon would be a
Cutting Gordon would be a huge mistake…no other guard can duplicate his blend of strength,shooting ability,ability to finish with contact,and athletisism! He’s a good compliment to whoever is playing point guard at the time
allen and pierce
It’s unlikely for ray allen and paul pierce to be able to keep the current game level at 2014, 2012 is the limit.
The reason to post this roster is—; I just wonder how many fiba-champion caliber teams can USA assemble under coach K’s program structure.I predict my C-deem team will be the same caliber at 2012 as the current team,wall and griffin will be franchise players in 2 years time(not consider injury issue).
By the way,dear nick,I’m looking forward to read your article about your prediction how team USA perform this tournament.
allen and pierce
It’s unlikely for ray allen and paul pierce to be able to keep the current game level at 2014, 2012 is the limit.
The reason to post this roster is—; I just wonder how many fiba-champion caliber teams can USA assemble under coach K’s program structure.I predict my C-deem team will be the same caliber at 2012 as the current team,wall and griffin will be franchise players in 2 years time(not consider injury issue).
By the way,dear nick,I’m looking forward to read your article about your prediction how team USA perform this tournament.
@butidonthavemoney
It’s
@butidonthavemoney
It’s nothing personal. I didn’t agree with quite a few things in your last article though. You said that Granger was ball dominant… Even more so than Gay and Iguodala, which isn’t true at all. You predicted McGee, Green and Westbrook to make it over Rondo, Granger and Gordon…
It looks like Rondo will be the starter at point guard due to his playmaking and defense. Granger is one of the best shooters/scorers on the team and doesn’t need the ball long (hence being non-ball dominant) to be effective. Gordon’s game is perfect for FIBA and he’s proven that he’s just as good as a shooter as anybody else on the team, while also being able to get to the rim.
I look forward to your next article though.
@NDC121085
Welcome to the site! I look forward to reading your next article as well.
@butidonthavemoney
It’s
@butidonthavemoney
It’s nothing personal. I didn’t agree with quite a few things in your last article though. You said that Granger was ball dominant… Even more so than Gay and Iguodala, which isn’t true at all. You predicted McGee, Green and Westbrook to make it over Rondo, Granger and Gordon…
It looks like Rondo will be the starter at point guard due to his playmaking and defense. Granger is one of the best shooters/scorers on the team and doesn’t need the ball long (hence being non-ball dominant) to be effective. Gordon’s game is perfect for FIBA and he’s proven that he’s just as good as a shooter as anybody else on the team, while also being able to get to the rim.
I look forward to your next article though.
@NDC121085
Welcome to the site! I look forward to reading your next article as well.
How is a 25 PPG Small Forward
How is a 25 PPG Small Forward who shoots 20 shots a agme (7 threes per game; 7 trips to FT line; 43% FG) not ball dominant?
How is a 25 PPG Small Forward
How is a 25 PPG Small Forward who shoots 20 shots a agme (7 threes per game; 7 trips to FT line; 43% FG) not ball dominant?
If he had a good point guard
If he had a good point guard on his team last year maybe he wouldn’t have to be so ball dominant, but when the pacers starting PGs are Travis Diener, AJ Price, TJ Ford (he played horrible last season) then what other choice does a number 1 option in Granger have?
But if you argue that Rudy Gay is more ball dominant.. Yes. But on a depleted Pacers roster, so is Danny Granger
If he had a good point guard
If he had a good point guard on his team last year maybe he wouldn’t have to be so ball dominant, but when the pacers starting PGs are Travis Diener, AJ Price, TJ Ford (he played horrible last season) then what other choice does a number 1 option in Granger have?
But if you argue that Rudy Gay is more ball dominant.. Yes. But on a depleted Pacers roster, so is Danny Granger
Ball Dominance vs. Number-One Option
I think some people are misinterpreting these two terms to be mutually exclusive, which in fact they are not. Granger is certainly the teams number one option, as is evidenced by the fact that he takes the majority of the team’s shots and is the leading scorer. However, when we talk about ball dominance think of players that primarily succeed with the ball in their hands and the floor completely spaced out in isolation. This is more like an Iverson or Gilbert Arenas type, guys who have a penchant to over-dribble, etc. Sure Granger has the ball in his hands a lot, but a lot of his getting open comes from his use of screens in the half-court looking for quick shot opportunities. Sure, like any great player in the NBA he has many times where he will find himself isolated and looking to score one-on-one, but that’s not the primary way that he looks to get the ball.
Jrdaphilipino- I completely agree with you. If the Pacer’s had a better point guard then Granger’s life would be much easier. Ray Allen has proven that if you can stretch the floor that you can still be a force just coming off screens, provided that you have a guard who can get you the ball ready to shoot. At this stage in his career Granger brings so much more to the table than just his shooting; however, that’s been hidden by the fact that he has never had a good floor general. Having a good point guard to help him get easy looks will, in my opinion, only magnify his versatility by allowing him to showcase his other talents instead of having to work so hard to look to score. Verdict remains out on whether Collison is what the Pacers need, however.
Ball Dominance vs. Number-One Option
I think some people are misinterpreting these two terms to be mutually exclusive, which in fact they are not. Granger is certainly the teams number one option, as is evidenced by the fact that he takes the majority of the team’s shots and is the leading scorer. However, when we talk about ball dominance think of players that primarily succeed with the ball in their hands and the floor completely spaced out in isolation. This is more like an Iverson or Gilbert Arenas type, guys who have a penchant to over-dribble, etc. Sure Granger has the ball in his hands a lot, but a lot of his getting open comes from his use of screens in the half-court looking for quick shot opportunities. Sure, like any great player in the NBA he has many times where he will find himself isolated and looking to score one-on-one, but that’s not the primary way that he looks to get the ball.
Jrdaphilipino- I completely agree with you. If the Pacer’s had a better point guard then Granger’s life would be much easier. Ray Allen has proven that if you can stretch the floor that you can still be a force just coming off screens, provided that you have a guard who can get you the ball ready to shoot. At this stage in his career Granger brings so much more to the table than just his shooting; however, that’s been hidden by the fact that he has never had a good floor general. Having a good point guard to help him get easy looks will, in my opinion, only magnify his versatility by allowing him to showcase his other talents instead of having to work so hard to look to score. Verdict remains out on whether Collison is what the Pacers need, however.
NDC, do you think the Ball
NDC, do you think the Ball dominant player and the number 1 option will be the same person on Miami?
NDC, do you think the Ball
NDC, do you think the Ball dominant player and the number 1 option will be the same person on Miami?
^
Wow, what a great question
^
Wow, what a great question lol.
I still argue that Granger is ball dominant… guys like Allen, Reggie Miller, AllanHouston.. some of the best shooters the NBA has ever seen, they were 20 point scorers but were never ball dominant, scoring primarily off screens and jump shots.. now unless you want to put Granger into that class of shooters, or as a catch and shoot player, I don’t know what else you would label him as. A scorer, yes, but if you’re not coming off screens and shooting, banging down in the low post, then you have to be somewhat ball dominant especially for someone who scores at a high rate as Granger does. In your defense, he is definitely one of the, if not the most, least ball dominant top 10 scorers in the NBA today.
Oh and its Filipino, not philipino lol
^
Wow, what a great question
^
Wow, what a great question lol.
I still argue that Granger is ball dominant… guys like Allen, Reggie Miller, AllanHouston.. some of the best shooters the NBA has ever seen, they were 20 point scorers but were never ball dominant, scoring primarily off screens and jump shots.. now unless you want to put Granger into that class of shooters, or as a catch and shoot player, I don’t know what else you would label him as. A scorer, yes, but if you’re not coming off screens and shooting, banging down in the low post, then you have to be somewhat ball dominant especially for someone who scores at a high rate as Granger does. In your defense, he is definitely one of the, if not the most, least ball dominant top 10 scorers in the NBA today.
Oh and its Filipino, not philipino lol
Yes and no.
JrDaFilapino,
First I apologize for the typo. Second, yes I completely agree that in Indiana’s offense Granger appears much more ball dominant, and unarguably he actually is. However, on Team USA’s squad, at least from what I have witnessed thus far, Granger is utilized more as a stretch-4 and isn’t the primary option to handle the ball, even with the second team..
As far as Indiana’s offense goes, I think people forget how limited that team is outside of Granger. The Indiana offense typically follows the following format: look for Granger coming off a screen for a quick scoring opportunity, and then should he not have anything the team will attempt to run some kind of set where Granger can either create a good shot for himself or a teammate. The first problem is that teams completely key in on Granger to prevent him from catching the ball in a scoring position. Although I’m definitely not putting Granger in the same category with Ray Allen or Reggie Miller at this point in his career, those guys had at least one other guy on the floor who could take attention away and allow them extra space to catch and shoot.
Then after that he is forced to initiate the offense as the primary play-maker as well. So while Granger is certainly not the best creator in the NBA, he is arguably the best on his team. Thus, the ball is simply going to be in his hands more by design because it gives his team the best chance to win, even if Granger is doing something that he is necessarily comfortable doing.
Rudy Gay, on the other hand, has the luxury of having legitimate scorers at three of the other four positions on the floor during the Grizz season, yet he still a repeat offender when it comes to killing the flow of the basketball.
Yes and no.
JrDaFilapino,
First I apologize for the typo. Second, yes I completely agree that in Indiana’s offense Granger appears much more ball dominant, and unarguably he actually is. However, on Team USA’s squad, at least from what I have witnessed thus far, Granger is utilized more as a stretch-4 and isn’t the primary option to handle the ball, even with the second team..
As far as Indiana’s offense goes, I think people forget how limited that team is outside of Granger. The Indiana offense typically follows the following format: look for Granger coming off a screen for a quick scoring opportunity, and then should he not have anything the team will attempt to run some kind of set where Granger can either create a good shot for himself or a teammate. The first problem is that teams completely key in on Granger to prevent him from catching the ball in a scoring position. Although I’m definitely not putting Granger in the same category with Ray Allen or Reggie Miller at this point in his career, those guys had at least one other guy on the floor who could take attention away and allow them extra space to catch and shoot.
Then after that he is forced to initiate the offense as the primary play-maker as well. So while Granger is certainly not the best creator in the NBA, he is arguably the best on his team. Thus, the ball is simply going to be in his hands more by design because it gives his team the best chance to win, even if Granger is doing something that he is necessarily comfortable doing.
Rudy Gay, on the other hand, has the luxury of having legitimate scorers at three of the other four positions on the floor during the Grizz season, yet he still a repeat offender when it comes to killing the flow of the basketball.
Miami
As for the Miami question, I agree that is a really tough one. It’s really almost impossible to tell without know what type of line-up the Heat are planning in employing. There have been rumors we could even see LeBron start at the point guard position. I think its obvious that the decision ultimately comes down to LeBron or Wade for both categories, but which one assumes what role or does one accept both tasks? I’d have to put a little more thought into it, but my guess is that throughout the season it will most likely be LeBron. He’s proven he can carry a team to the best record in the NBA and with Wade and Bosh’s history holding up for 82 games, I have to think that LeBron will be the workhorse. Come playoff time your guess is as good as mine, and I really won’t have an opinion on that until I can see the actual on-floor chemistry between the team. It certainly should be exciting though because two superstar players with similar skill sets teaming up like what we will see next year is highly unprecedented. Should certainly be exciting though!
Miami
As for the Miami question, I agree that is a really tough one. It’s really almost impossible to tell without know what type of line-up the Heat are planning in employing. There have been rumors we could even see LeBron start at the point guard position. I think its obvious that the decision ultimately comes down to LeBron or Wade for both categories, but which one assumes what role or does one accept both tasks? I’d have to put a little more thought into it, but my guess is that throughout the season it will most likely be LeBron. He’s proven he can carry a team to the best record in the NBA and with Wade and Bosh’s history holding up for 82 games, I have to think that LeBron will be the workhorse. Come playoff time your guess is as good as mine, and I really won’t have an opinion on that until I can see the actual on-floor chemistry between the team. It certainly should be exciting though because two superstar players with similar skill sets teaming up like what we will see next year is highly unprecedented. Should certainly be exciting though!
LOL
Since the beginning I was
LOL
Since the beginning I was referring to Granger the PACER, not the USA version. On team USA, hell yeah he isn’t ball dominant… with guys like Rondo, Durant, etc, how could he be? I was under the impression you guys were referring to Granger on the Olympic team not his Pacer team. Ball dominant in Indiana? Yes. Ball dominant on team USA? Hell no.
LOL
Since the beginning I was
LOL
Since the beginning I was referring to Granger the PACER, not the USA version. On team USA, hell yeah he isn’t ball dominant… with guys like Rondo, Durant, etc, how could he be? I was under the impression you guys were referring to Granger on the Olympic team not his Pacer team. Ball dominant in Indiana? Yes. Ball dominant on team USA? Hell no.
“I think some people are
“I think some people are misinterpreting these two terms to be mutually exclusive, which in fact they are not. Granger is certainly the teams number one option, as is evidenced by the fact that he takes the majority of the team’s shots and is the leading scorer. However, when we talk about ball dominance think of players that primarily succeed with the ball in their hands and the floor completely spaced out in isolation. This is more like an Iverson or Gilbert Arenas type, guys who have a penchant to over-dribble, etc. Sure Granger has the ball in his hands a lot, but a lot of his getting open comes from his use of screens in the half-court looking for quick shot opportunities. Sure, like any great player in the NBA he has many times where he will find himself isolated and looking to score one-on-one, but that’s not the primary way that he looks to get the ball.”
It’s good to know that somebody else understands the difference between being ball dominant and a team’s number one option.
“I think some people are
“I think some people are misinterpreting these two terms to be mutually exclusive, which in fact they are not. Granger is certainly the teams number one option, as is evidenced by the fact that he takes the majority of the team’s shots and is the leading scorer. However, when we talk about ball dominance think of players that primarily succeed with the ball in their hands and the floor completely spaced out in isolation. This is more like an Iverson or Gilbert Arenas type, guys who have a penchant to over-dribble, etc. Sure Granger has the ball in his hands a lot, but a lot of his getting open comes from his use of screens in the half-court looking for quick shot opportunities. Sure, like any great player in the NBA he has many times where he will find himself isolated and looking to score one-on-one, but that’s not the primary way that he looks to get the ball.”
It’s good to know that somebody else understands the difference between being ball dominant and a team’s number one option.
Okay, I’ll let it go if you
Okay, I’ll let it go if you can name me another 25 ppg or more scorer in the NBA (past or present) who was a small forward who would you consider to NOT be ball dominant. Unless Granger is a rarity and the first of his kind.
And another thing
“Granger appears much more ball dominant, and unarguably he actually is” from our friend Nick.
Its good to know somebody else understands that Granger is actually ball dominant.
Okay, I’ll let it go if you
Okay, I’ll let it go if you can name me another 25 ppg or more scorer in the NBA (past or present) who was a small forward who would you consider to NOT be ball dominant. Unless Granger is a rarity and the first of his kind.
And another thing
“Granger appears much more ball dominant, and unarguably he actually is” from our friend Nick.
Its good to know somebody else understands that Granger is actually ball dominant.
Since you like his qoutes so
Since you like his qoutes so much heres more:
“So while Granger is certainly not the best creator in the NBA, he is arguably the best on his team. Thus, the ball is simply going to be in his hands more by design because it gives his team the best chance to win, even if Granger is doing something that he is necessarily comfortable doing”
I’ve already agreed.. on team USA Granger isn’t ball dominant and is primarily a catch and shoot guy, of course with the ability to score on his own.. but on a team he is the best creator, he HAS to be somewhat ball dominant especially for someone who averages 25 plus a night.
Actually forget stats, his team last year sucked, if he wasn’t somewhat ball dominant who would be passing him the rock, oh yeah, travis diener duh
Since you like his qoutes so
Since you like his qoutes so much heres more:
“So while Granger is certainly not the best creator in the NBA, he is arguably the best on his team. Thus, the ball is simply going to be in his hands more by design because it gives his team the best chance to win, even if Granger is doing something that he is necessarily comfortable doing”
I’ve already agreed.. on team USA Granger isn’t ball dominant and is primarily a catch and shoot guy, of course with the ability to score on his own.. but on a team he is the best creator, he HAS to be somewhat ball dominant especially for someone who averages 25 plus a night.
Actually forget stats, his team last year sucked, if he wasn’t somewhat ball dominant who would be passing him the rock, oh yeah, travis diener duh
And obviously he doesn’t
And obviously he doesn’t dominate the ball in the way Iverson or Arenas did, but that doesn’t mean he’s not ball dominant. Iverson and Arenas are in their own class of ball domination to a point it can really hurt there team. I’m not saying Granger is like that, I am saying that his Pacer team to even be competitive in games he would have to take over and handle the scoring load. Yes, he scored a lot off screens, etc, but for a Pacer roster that was weak at PG last year he had to take over and create for himself and others
And obviously he doesn’t
And obviously he doesn’t dominate the ball in the way Iverson or Arenas did, but that doesn’t mean he’s not ball dominant. Iverson and Arenas are in their own class of ball domination to a point it can really hurt there team. I’m not saying Granger is like that, I am saying that his Pacer team to even be competitive in games he would have to take over and handle the scoring load. Yes, he scored a lot off screens, etc, but for a Pacer roster that was weak at PG last year he had to take over and create for himself and others
team guy or not
Ok, we can say that a team’s first option is always ball dominant,especially at NBA. what matters is that ‘ Is he a team guy or not?’ and the difference between ball dominant and over dribble.
Granger do operate lots of isolation 1on1 at pacers,but he never over dribbles .and I think if his team get adequate fire power, his game can easily fit into euro basketball mode,an ever motion till find the open guy mode.his game won’t hurt ball movement fluidity.
team guy or not
Ok, we can say that a team’s first option is always ball dominant,especially at NBA. what matters is that ‘ Is he a team guy or not?’ and the difference between ball dominant and over dribble.
Granger do operate lots of isolation 1on1 at pacers,but he never over dribbles .and I think if his team get adequate fire power, his game can easily fit into euro basketball mode,an ever motion till find the open guy mode.his game won’t hurt ball movement fluidity.
I’ve had a borderline
I’ve had a borderline obsessive man crush on Steph Curry since his freshman year at Davidson (I had them in the sweet 16 that year. They did win their first-round matchup with Maryland, I believe.)
I think he’s better than Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo. There, I said it. And here’s my bold prediction:
Steph Curry will be the first player in NBA history to average 20 points, 10 assists, and shoot 40 percent from 3-point range in the same season.
I’ve had a borderline
I’ve had a borderline obsessive man crush on Steph Curry since his freshman year at Davidson (I had them in the sweet 16 that year. They did win their first-round matchup with Maryland, I believe.)
I think he’s better than Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo. There, I said it. And here’s my bold prediction:
Steph Curry will be the first player in NBA history to average 20 points, 10 assists, and shoot 40 percent from 3-point range in the same season.
@jrdafilapino OK. I
@jrdafilapino
OK. I understand that the Pacers haven’t been a very good basketball team for some time, but have you ever watched Danny Granger play, other than this summer with Team USA?
Granger isn’t a creator. IF you think he was a better creator than TJ Ford, Earl Watson and AJ Price last season… Then I don’t know what to tell you. He wasn’t a better creator than Jarrett Jack during the 2008-2009 season either.
The Pacers run an offense that gets him open looks. He scores most of his points in catch and shoot situations, or one/two dribble pull-ups or quick catch/dribble drives to the basket. He rarely calls for an isolation and probably never calls for the team to spread the floor out and watch him dribble lol… It’s not his game. He doesn’t have the skill-set to be a “give me the ball and get the hell out of my way” sort of player.
IF you want to say Granger is somewhat “ball dominant” because of the amount of shots that he takes and points that he averages, then that’s your perogative. I’ve been to nearly every Pacers game of Granger’s career and I know for a fact that kid doesn’t hold onto the ball, overdribble or need an entire offense to revolve around him.
@jrdafilapino OK. I
@jrdafilapino
OK. I understand that the Pacers haven’t been a very good basketball team for some time, but have you ever watched Danny Granger play, other than this summer with Team USA?
Granger isn’t a creator. IF you think he was a better creator than TJ Ford, Earl Watson and AJ Price last season… Then I don’t know what to tell you. He wasn’t a better creator than Jarrett Jack during the 2008-2009 season either.
The Pacers run an offense that gets him open looks. He scores most of his points in catch and shoot situations, or one/two dribble pull-ups or quick catch/dribble drives to the basket. He rarely calls for an isolation and probably never calls for the team to spread the floor out and watch him dribble lol… It’s not his game. He doesn’t have the skill-set to be a “give me the ball and get the hell out of my way” sort of player.
IF you want to say Granger is somewhat “ball dominant” because of the amount of shots that he takes and points that he averages, then that’s your perogative. I’ve been to nearly every Pacers game of Granger’s career and I know for a fact that kid doesn’t hold onto the ball, overdribble or need an entire offense to revolve around him.
And yes… While Granger
And yes… While Granger isn’t the same class of shooter as a Reggie Miller, Alan Houston, Ray Allen, etc, he does play THAT style of game with a few wrinkles here and there.
And yes… While Granger
And yes… While Granger isn’t the same class of shooter as a Reggie Miller, Alan Houston, Ray Allen, etc, he does play THAT style of game with a few wrinkles here and there.
young 2012
After 2 years I would like to see a roster like this:
Point guards: Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Steph Curry
Off guards: Brandon Roy, James Anderson (Xavier Henry)
3spot: Wes Johnson
4: Blake Griffin, Anthony Randolph, Josh Smith
5: Andrew Bynum, Brook Lopez
young 2012
After 2 years I would like to see a roster like this:
Point guards: Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Steph Curry
Off guards: Brandon Roy, James Anderson (Xavier Henry)
3spot: Wes Johnson
4: Blake Griffin, Anthony Randolph, Josh Smith
5: Andrew Bynum, Brook Lopez
mobile bigs
Team usa need mobile bigs rather than bulk ones.NBA #5s usaually have difficulty dealing with pickNrolls,which hurt Team usa most in international games.Team usa need their bigs with quick feet either pursue small players’ drive or stay in front of them to challenger shots.
howard,bosh,boozer,odom,chandler are all mobile bigs.Team usa need at most one bulk interiors only as insurance when they face players like greek baby shaq.
Team usa’s beggest advantage is their big and athletic wings,It’s better for the bigs step out to make operate room for wings,or attack from outside in which their quick feet and face-up game will be a mismatch for international bigs.
mobile bigs
Team usa need mobile bigs rather than bulk ones.NBA #5s usaually have difficulty dealing with pickNrolls,which hurt Team usa most in international games.Team usa need their bigs with quick feet either pursue small players’ drive or stay in front of them to challenger shots.
howard,bosh,boozer,odom,chandler are all mobile bigs.Team usa need at most one bulk interiors only as insurance when they face players like greek baby shaq.
Team usa’s beggest advantage is their big and athletic wings,It’s better for the bigs step out to make operate room for wings,or attack from outside in which their quick feet and face-up game will be a mismatch for international bigs.
mobile bigs
Team usa need mobile bigs rather than bulk ones.NBA #5s usaually have difficulty dealing with pickNrolls,which hurt Team usa most in international games.Team usa need their bigs with quick feet either pursue small players’ drive or stay in front of them to challenger shots.
howard,bosh,boozer,odom,chandler are all mobile bigs.Team usa need at most one bulk interiors only as insurance when they face players like greek baby shaq.
Team usa’s beggest advantage is their big and athletic wings,It’s better for the bigs step out to make operate room for wings,or attack from outside in which their quick feet and face-up game will be a mismatch for international bigs.
mobile bigs
Team usa need mobile bigs rather than bulk ones.NBA #5s usaually have difficulty dealing with pickNrolls,which hurt Team usa most in international games.Team usa need their bigs with quick feet either pursue small players’ drive or stay in front of them to challenger shots.
howard,bosh,boozer,odom,chandler are all mobile bigs.Team usa need at most one bulk interiors only as insurance when they face players like greek baby shaq.
Team usa’s beggest advantage is their big and athletic wings,It’s better for the bigs step out to make operate room for wings,or attack from outside in which their quick feet and face-up game will be a mismatch for international bigs.
USA vs Croatia
Short preview for this spectacular game from Croatian perspective available on http://www.crohoops.com, web site about the past, present and the future of Croatian basketball. Enjoy it!
USA vs Croatia
Short preview for this spectacular game from Croatian perspective available on http://www.crohoops.com, web site about the past, present and the future of Croatian basketball. Enjoy it!
Looking at USAs roster, its
Looking at USAs roster, its evident that some of the best players aren’t there excluding the 08 team and those who were injured during camp….
Derrick Rose
Chauncey Billups
Russell Westbrook
Stehpehn Curry
Rajon Rondo
Eric Gordon
Andre Igoudola
Kevin Durant
Danny Granger
Rudy Gay
Kevin Love
Lamar Odom
Tyson Chandler
I like the PGs on the squad but theres really only a need for 3. I would obviously like more bigs and maybe another shooter. If I was to choose the team, heres who I’d pick and I took injured guys into consideration but couldn’t put them down guys like Perkins, Bynum, Oden and then putting big time vets like Duncan, Garnett, Allen, Pierce on it either
Derrick Rose
Rajon Rondo
Chauncey Billups
Kevin Martin
Brandon Roy
Andre Igoudola
Kevin Durant
Joe Johnson
Lamar Odom
Blake Griffin
Lamarcus Aldridge
Marcus Camby
The point guard position is set. Rose would be the starter. You have B Roy out there at the 2 with Durant at the 3 with Griffin and Camby at the 4 and 5.
Rondo/Rose/Billups
Roy/Johnson
Durant/Iggy/Martin
Griffin/Odom
Camby/Aldridge
I think this team could win the World Championships. Roy would be a solid #2 option and JJ backing him up would be a lethal combo, Griffin is a low post guy and Camby rebounds and blocks shots while Martin and Aldridges game is solid for international play bc he can step out n shoot. Its just a shame that a lot of the top guys are injured but its a good experience for the squad they have now. Hopefully some of the guys I mentioned above will get consideration for 2012 or next summer if we dont win the Gold in the WC
Looking at USAs roster, its
Looking at USAs roster, its evident that some of the best players aren’t there excluding the 08 team and those who were injured during camp….
Derrick Rose
Chauncey Billups
Russell Westbrook
Stehpehn Curry
Rajon Rondo
Eric Gordon
Andre Igoudola
Kevin Durant
Danny Granger
Rudy Gay
Kevin Love
Lamar Odom
Tyson Chandler
I like the PGs on the squad but theres really only a need for 3. I would obviously like more bigs and maybe another shooter. If I was to choose the team, heres who I’d pick and I took injured guys into consideration but couldn’t put them down guys like Perkins, Bynum, Oden and then putting big time vets like Duncan, Garnett, Allen, Pierce on it either
Derrick Rose
Rajon Rondo
Chauncey Billups
Kevin Martin
Brandon Roy
Andre Igoudola
Kevin Durant
Joe Johnson
Lamar Odom
Blake Griffin
Lamarcus Aldridge
Marcus Camby
The point guard position is set. Rose would be the starter. You have B Roy out there at the 2 with Durant at the 3 with Griffin and Camby at the 4 and 5.
Rondo/Rose/Billups
Roy/Johnson
Durant/Iggy/Martin
Griffin/Odom
Camby/Aldridge
I think this team could win the World Championships. Roy would be a solid #2 option and JJ backing him up would be a lethal combo, Griffin is a low post guy and Camby rebounds and blocks shots while Martin and Aldridges game is solid for international play bc he can step out n shoot. Its just a shame that a lot of the top guys are injured but its a good experience for the squad they have now. Hopefully some of the guys I mentioned above will get consideration for 2012 or next summer if we dont win the Gold in the WC