There’s no (A)I in Team (USA)
The preliminary roster for Team USA was announced the other day and including 22 NBA players. The Usual Suspects chosen to represent the United States included Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Amare Stoudemire. However, Allen Iverson was left off this list of 22 players, while players such as Bruce Bowen, Josh Howard, and Luke Ridnour made the squad. I agree with Enrico from the 700level blog, in that I’m not stunned by Iverson’s absence on the roster but I’m more or less discouraged that they didn’t give him a shot. Team USA apparently decided they found the Answer to their previous Olympic struggles but unfortunately the Answer was not part of that solution.
What makes Iverson’s absence even more surprising is the fact that Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal, Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Jason Kidd, Tracy McGrady, and Richard Hamilton aren’t on this list. Those players all decided they weren’t interested in competing in the 2008 Olympics. To see Inquirer writer Ashley Fox’s opinion on these declinees and more, read her Column. So how could Iverson be left off a list of 22 players that didn’t even include those 7 players? Iverson is one of the top 30 players in the NBA without a doubt. Let’s also take into consideration that about 8 international players if not more are among the top 30 players in the NBA. I have mixed feelings about Iverson being left off Team USA’s final roster of 15 players, but I don’t have mixed feelings about Iverson being left off a 22 man preliminary roster. It doesn’t seem fair thatIverson doesn’t get a chance to prove his worth to the team.
Since Iverson is among NBA’s elite, why wouldn’t he make the preliminary roster? Team USA is trying to change it’s image from a Dream Team to an actual squad. Yet, the team still consists of mostly shooting guards that can score all night long but can’t play a lick of defense. The problem with leaving AI off the team is that he truly expressed an interest in representing his country. The only reason why I can understand Team USA leaving Bubba Chuck off the roster is simply the excess of guards on the roster. When you have Carmelo, Arenas, LeBron, Wade, Billups, Kobe, Joe Johnson, Pierce, and Redd, then maybe you should focus on beefing up the other parts of your lineup. Iverson would have been one of the most devoted players on the squad and would have given everything he had to help this team bring home a medal.
Furthermore, don’t be surprised if the Americans don’t bring home a gold or silver medal in 2008. The United States no longer has a stranglehold on professional basketball. Case in point, look at how Team USA’s team compares to the rosters of other countries in 1992, then in 1996, then in 2000, and finally in 2004. Other countries are developing better players and are playing more like a team than the US during Olympic play. International players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobli, Pau Gasol, and Yao Ming are making the Olympic tournament more competitive.
- Kyle Garis
Let’s hear your thoughts on Iverson being left off Team USA
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Posted on March 2, 2006 by Kyle Garis | Filed Under Philadelphia, Sixers
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I think it’s a total slight and it makes me furious.
On the other hand, Iverson’s complete and utter lack of effort on defense this season certainly has to have effected his stock in Coach K’s mind. Why do you think KO is starting these days?
As much as it may surprise you, I’m giving Coach K the benefit of the doubt on this one. I’m not convinced that the decision was arbitrary. Iverson is notorious for not sharing the ball and not playing team basketball. Well, you might say that Kobe has the same notoriety. True. But compound Iverson’s ball hogging tendencies with the fact that he doesn’t matching up defensively, and that he’ll be 33 and its hard to justify bringing him on.
The USA got bronze in the last summer olympics. Changes needed to be made. I’m betting that a lot of analysis went into this and that in the end, a decision was made to go with Bigger, skilled, strong defensive players, and wherever possible emphasizing team chemistry.
We’ve gotta think about this strategically, and doing so requires that we have strong matchups at every position. The Europeans can shoot from the outside. If you don’t have big defenders, you’re in for some surprises.
Iverson just has too many weaknesses going into 2008.
I don’t think its a slight, I think its probably a good choice. Iverson really isn’t a team winner. He is fun to watch, but he doesn’t make the players and team better for having him.
I think, though, this is about sneaker contracts, not who is good.
Iverson is a much different player than he used to be. Now I know hes playing as the point guard so hes bound to get more assists, but I have seen a player who will do anything for his team and if he got the chance his country. He carried a team of nobody’s to the Eastern Conference Championships, and he currently is making a team with even less talent look at least decent. Iverson has done everything he could, and he is one of the best players to ever play the game. I have also never seen a player who plays with more heart in any sport. His desire to win is what USA needs. It does not make sense to leave him off the roster, he would pump that team up like none of the players chosen would. If you have ever been to a game when Iverson goes off, you know how insane the crowd goes. There is something to be said about that. Iverson has done everything right, unfortunately there are always people telling him he isn’t good enough. Despite all the people who tell him he doesnt have what it takes, he doesnt get discouraged and it only motivates him more. I am not surprised Iverson is shooting over 50% since his name wasnt mentioned on the roster. He was also named player of the week, I also am not expecting this prodcution to go down. At least some good has come out of him being snubbed, hes playing as good as he ever has now that he has something to prove.
IVERSON SHOULD BE ON THE TEAM! I ONLY SAY STUPID CALL!