Beijing '08 Olympics Update

(One in an occasional series provided during the run-up to the ’08 Summer Games in Beijing, China. Archived posts in this series can be accessed by entering “Olympics” in the blog search box above).

The U.S. Olympic basketball roster for Beijing ’08 was unveiled today and the lineup reflects the reality of international ball: spreading the floor, dribble drive penetration and perimeter jump-shooting. A reality is lost on commentors to story here.

Here’s the squad:

Carmelo Anthony (Denver)
Carlos Boozer (Utah)
Chris Bosh (Toronto)
Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
Dwight Howard (Orlando)
LeBron James (Cleveland)
Jason Kidd (Dallas)
Chris Paul (New Orleans)
Tayshaun Prince (Detroit)
Michael Redd (Milwaukee)
Dwyane Wade (Miami)
Deron Williams (Utah)

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is the only player on the squad that fits the classic definition of an NBA center. The two other “big men” Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh can both step out to knock down the 17-footer.

Injured Chauncy Billups and Amare Stoudemire withdrew themselves from consideration last week. We believe Billups opting out freed-up the roster spot taken by J-Kidd, the oldest player on the team. Were he available, Stoudemire would’ve bumped either Prince or Bosh, though there is no guarantee as both those guy’s games would appear to be more valuable to team USA in international competition.

Here’s our starting 5:

PG – Chris Paul
SG – Kobe Bryant
SF – LeBron James
PF – Chris Bosh
C – Dwight Howard

'Melo and Wade will be coming off the bench in short order. 'Melo loves international competition as he has been the U.S.'s best scorer the last couple of international competitions.

This has been in the works for a while as the committee approach to selecting the team was scrapped and put into the hands of ex-Phoenix Suns GM, Jerry Colangelo who is for all intents and purposes the CEO of USA Basketball. Duke coach, Mike Krzyzewski will coach the team and most likely had quite a bit of input into the roster selection.