Now, that is an interesting approach. I think we all could construct an ideal US team, if we try:
1.- We need assists. I think we can have a look at the NBA Assists Leaderboard and pick the three most successful passers. Well, Nash is Canadian. It´s not his fault, but it´s irreversible. Well, let us alone with 10 assists-per-game SuperBaron Davis and 9 assists-a-game Andre Miller, we´ll be Ok.
2.- In the inside. We better take our two best post players. (Damn, Gasol is Spanish) Well, lets send our two best post scorers, then. 22 ppg Jermaine O´neal, and 26 ppg Elton Brand. Leave at home the superhyped and overprotected by NBA refs Tim Duncan, I heard he isn´t even American, he doesn´t want to come, anyway.
3.- Defense: It´s time we teach these soft Europeans what defense Is about. Throw them the American Force of Nature Ben Wallace. He is going to dominate the boards. And allow me to include versatile swingman, 12 rebounds-per-game Shawn Marion.
But hey, this is international ball, they plan to cheat us with this stupid trapezoidal lane. Hmmm… I heard their big men can shoot from downtown. Well, add Raef Lafrentz to the pack, just in case. (We still can beat them at their own game).
4.- Scoring leader. We need a backcourt scorer we can relay on. Let´s just give a glance at the NBA scoring leaderboard: Brick-bomber Allen Iverson… forget it. Pass-first die-second Kobe Bryant… forget it. Dirk Nowitzki… um, he is good, send him a proposal. In case he remembers he is German, send another one to Paul Pierce.
Next to the big ego, we must put a proven veteran, who don´t mind to sacrifice his own numbers for the benefit of the team, someone like Michael Finley.
5.- Perimeter menace. This part is crucial if we want to survive in the international game. Fortunately, we have the best perimeter shooter of all time: Peja Stojakovic.
Now, If he refuses to become a US citizen, we still have the second-to-best perimeter shooter of all time: Reggie Miller.
And that´s it. This is the best possible US National Team. We have assists, we have inside and outside scoring. We have the rebounds, we have the defense, and we have the 3 point menace.
THIS TEAM IS INVINCIBLE.
...or maybe not .
:laugh2: