NBA Pool Players

Team USA basketball is some of the most compelling basketball you can watch. International play brings together some of the best basketball players in the world and sticks them on the same team; is there anything more compelling than great players playing with other great players? Any way, the player pool for the upcoming World Cup has been released and I thought it would be great to analyze the potential roster. Check out the full list of names here.

So there are some obvious player that are locks to make the cut for the Spain World Cup. All signs point to the two Kevin's (Durant and Love) making the trip to Spain later this year. So with the out the way here are who I think we will be sending to Spain to bring back the gold. Or is it a cup now? I can never keep these awards straight.

Guards: Westbrook, Curry, Irving, Rose

Forwards: Durant, George, Iguodala, Harden

Bigs: Davis, Love, Aldrige, Cousins

You may be noticing some big names missing from this roster, namely Lebron James, Chris Paul, Deron Williams etc. Well, I'm operating under the assumption these guys wont be up to international play that does't involve the Olympics. Anyway, here's some quick notes on this roster.
  • Anytime you have the chance to send Stephen Curry to a place with a shorter 3 point arc you take that chance and watch the points rain in.
  • Rose working his way back in international play just seems like the right decision. He wouldn't have to carry a huge offensive load and he could start experimenting with a style of play that won't destroy his knees.
  • Who scores on a lineup featuring Iggy, George and Love? The correct answer is no one.
  • Anytime you can send DeMarcus Cousins to a foreign country to represent your country you should do it.
  • I may be crazy for leaving off Blake Griffin. The more I think about it the more I hate myself. He is having himself a season right now but my big selection is more about them more than its about him. I just like the way those other bigs fit in international play.  
Something more on those last one. Griffin could very well make the roster over DeMarcus but I really think that Cousins could use this experience so much more than Griffin. These past few seasons of international play the young players that make the team have come back and have seen a leap in their play. As crazy as it seems, I could see Cousins picking up some good habits from a team that should be winning a lot. Him bringing that experience back is nothing but a positive.

Anytime you can put together a team of the younger, most talented players in the league its a good thing. No matter who we send the games should be fun and hopefully they can bring back that golden cup medal for America.






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