Utah Jazz pair have a big point to make as '08 Olympians
Brad Rock
And again there's a point to make.
In 1992 and 1996, Karl Malone and John Stockton were part of USA Basketball's elite club. Monday, Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams were among 12 players named to the 2008 Olympic team.
Here comes American hoops: flashy, fast, strong and — at least on paper — scary. Also selected were Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Tayshaun Prince, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Michael Redd.
"The only thing on my mind is the gold medal," said Williams. "Anything less would be disappointing."
"It's really the world's game," said USA coach Mike Krzyzewski, from a press conference in Chicago. "We think we're the best at playing that game."
Same as the old days, right? America schools and rules.
Not necessarily.
Unless you've been unconscious the past two decades, you'll know things are vastly different than when the original Dream Team appeared. Back then, the Americans decided to include professionals in the Olympics. It worked marvelously. Team USA took gold, winning by an average of nearly 44 points.
That wasn't a basketball team, it was an art exhibit. Aside from winning by ridiculous scores, the Dream Team enjoyed rock star status. One foreign player was so awestruck at guarding Johnson that he openly coaxed a teammate to snap photos from the bench.
Mama Mia! I'm guarding the Magic Man!
Now the (basketball) world is smaller. You know that saying about familiarity breeding contempt?
Foreign teams aren't afraid of the big, bad Americans anymore.
"I don't think they are anymore, after what has happened the last couple of years in international competition," said Jazz guard Deron Williams. "But I feel as a team this year, it's going to be tough to beat us."
While not all 2008 Olympic entries have been determined, and not all rosters are set, one thing is certain: the "gee-whiz" era has passed. This year there were 76 international players in the NBA.
For instance, you won't see Canadian Steve Nash — a two- time MVP — mugging for photos of him guarding Paul. Nor will you see Spain's Pau Gasol genuflecting to Anthony or China's Yao Ming deferring to Howard.
You know that phrase "out of their league?"
They're not.
Russian Olympian Andrei Kirilenko knows the strengths and weaknesses of his Jazz teammates like he knows the route to his driveway.
Recent comments
Deron Williams is going to bring the gold home to Utah. But I don...
obvious man | June 25, 2008 at 12:57 a.m.
D Will is gonna bring home some gold fo sure
bob marley | June 24, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.
