Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Krzyzewski likes his players but realizes they have shortcomings -- starting with the fact that they're kind of short.
"We like the team that we're developing, but it's not a powerhouse. It'll be very much a developing team," Krzyzewski told The Associated Press last week during an interview in New York, where the Americans were training. "We hope that we'll have our best product by the medal round."
NBA.com: Krzyzweski says current US Team 'not a powerhouse'
Rajon Rondo and Team USA face some challenges... no doubt.
First of all... all 12 players from the Olympic win aren't playing... so these guys are completely learning how to play with each other from scratch. Second: These aren't even their first 12 choices. Guys are hurt. Brook Lopez and David Lee got hurt (well, Lopez has mono...) so some much-needed rebounding isn't there.
But, USA Basketball has done a great job of adjusting and creating a new style. Everyone talks about Team USA not constructing a typical international team. But why do they have to? They're showing up with a cohesive unit with an entirely new approach. They're going to attack, attack, attack... and they're starting with the guards in Rondo, Russell Westbrook, and Derick Rose. Then they've got attacking wings like Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay and Danny Granger.
So there's no rule that says you have to construct a "typical" international franchise. USA will hit them with something they're not used to and make them adjust to our style of play.
It's not guaranteed to work. But the folks at USA Basketball have made the best of a less than ideal situation.
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By the way, I hopped on to ProjectSpurs.com "Spurscast" to talk Team USA for the entire show. I teamed up with Jeff from Project Spurs to cover the World Basketball Festival in NY... so this is the culmination of that coverage. In fact, our coverage wouldn't have been possible without them, so it'd be great if we showed them some love by checking out their show and their coverage.
On Page 2: The trailer for NBA 2K11
Yes, that's Michael Jordan alright (at the :30 mark, he's driving on Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale). And Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, James Worthy, Shawn Kemp, Dominique Wilkins and other legends... plus Rajon Rondo, LeBron in a Heat jersey, and the John Wall dance.
So let me join all the other video game addicts in requiring a change of pants right now. Head over to the 2K11 website for much more. You can pre-order the game on October 11.
Hey 2K11 folks... I'd be happy to preview the game for you (hint hint). I've got the Wii. (hint hint).
Ahhh...screw the hints. Can you please send me a free copy? Thanks.
The rest of the links
ProBasketballTalk: If Doc hadn't returned, the band would have broken up | Ever want to smell like Lamar Odom? You'll soon be in luck | Herald: US Hoops enters brave new world | Fernandez fined for comments | BBJ: Luxury seat sales rebound as local teams play ball on pricing | Mass Live: Massachusetts lottery players are good sports | North Station: Celtics learning from the mistakes of 2010 | CSL: Gang Green episode 102 | CelticsBlog: Follow Friday: Celtics Twitter guide
