Word has it that the King (LeBron James) has played his last game for Team USA and will not suit up for another go at a gold medal. You know what? There is nothing wrong with that, he along with Kobe Bryant helped return American basketball to its rightful spot atop the world's rankings. This speculation comes during the second day of the Team USA mini camp and on the same day that Kevin Durant and Kevin Love both pledged to participate in future international competitions. It's safe to say that the King has left the program in good hands. Its very reminiscent of Jordan and Magic handing the keys to Shaq and Grant HIll during the 90's. Now it's time for a new era and that is why Coach K, Jerry Colangelo and 29 of the best young talents in the world are in Las Vegas.
The group is highlighted by the NBA's closest thing to Charles Barkley in terms of stature and drama DeMarcus Cousins. The hyper talented big man from the Sacramento Kings should be a lock for a team that always needs size. If I were to guess, of those in Vegas he will be joined by Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Klay Thompson and John Wall. Loop those guys in with the likes of Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kevin Love and that should be the core group for 2014 and 2016. Not a bad blend of talent a cross the board. This of course is all speculation from my imagination, but I can't imagine their would be a better blend of talent than what I have named barring injury. Their will of course be a few additions and subtractions because of normal wear and tear from the upcoming season, but that is why you audition players a year out and make them commit for 4 years.
Many of the players in attendance already have ample international experience because of how the program has expanded in recent years. Colangelo has created a farm system starting at 16 and generally keeps a core group through a 4 to 6 year period. This helps younger players adjust to the different rules and dimensions of international play, so by the time they make the Senior National Team they are on par with the other countries that regularly abide by FIBA regulations. Ever since Colangelo took over the program has been uber successful and it probably helps to have one of the best coaches ever in Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
The Canadian Cold Front
Team USA should be primed for another successful two year run to Olympic Gold, but many of the same teams remain strong. Spain, Argentina, France and Russia have all continued to develop talented players both here and abroad. They will all pose a threat to Team USA, but one country not traditionally known for their basketball talents is on the horizon.
Team Canada may make the biggest leap in terms of progress and talent prior to the 2016 Olympics. They are led by Steve Nash who is that countries equivalent to Michael Jordan in terms of basketball royalty. They will be led by Andrew Wiggins, the biggest thing to happen to Canada since Warren Moon joined the CFL. They will also have 2013 lottery picks Anthony Bennett and Kelly Olynyk, Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson and thats just the pros. Current college players Kyle Wiltjer, Nick Stauskas, Kevin Pangos and Brady Haslip are all elite shooters that will bolster the roster. The future of basketball is bright for a country known more for comedians (Jim Carey, Mike Myers and Seth Rogen are all Canadians) and hockey.
With the countries like Canada, Russia and Lithuania surging, the US National Basketball program must remain strong and continue to dominate the competition. This is only possible by ensuring the best young players remain committed like LeBron, D-Wade and Carmelo have done through the years to solidify a "Golden" Future.
Draft Fanatic
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