US Olympic Team Announced

This is a special feature by guest blogger Christopher Sells.

Though most of the team’s members were leaked through the media last week, the official Olympic team was announced today by Jerry Colangelo. The players are, in alphabetical order:

Carmelo Anthony
Carlos Boozer
Chris Bosh
Kobe Bryant
Dwight Howard
LeBron James
Jason Kidd
Chris Paul
Tayshaun Prince
Michael Redd
Dwyane Wade
Deron WIlliams

The first thing that stands out is the team’s lack of size. While Boozer and Howard are your typical post players, with broad shoulders and plenty of weight to throw around, the only other true post player is rail-thin Bosh. It looks as if James and perhaps Anthony and Prince will be expected to spend some time playing the four spot.

There are also three point guards on the roster in Kidd, Paul and Williams. This is obviously a position of importance, and it looks as if the selection committee wanted to make sure someone was there to keep the American offense moving. There is also athleticism on the wings in Bryant, Anthony and James and the requisite shooter in Redd. Prince is the defensive stopper. It remains to be seen what Wade will bring to the table, after two seasons of fighting injuries.

With this said, look for the Olympic team to do quite a bit of running, looking to attack the other team instead of settling for what the defense gives them. While they will probably be viewed as the favorites, there is no certainty anymore that the US will come away with a gold medal.

The basketball portion of the Games starts August 9.

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