After writing about John Wall joining the U.S. Men's national program and the potential for a 23-and-under team going forward, I started wondering what a team with that type age restriction could look like this summer.
Of the players likely headed to London for real, only Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love (and the injured and therefore not eligible even in the What If world Derrick Rose) are options. Here's my projected 12-man roster with six alternates, starters in bold:
Showing posts with label John Wall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Wall. Show all posts
Thursday, May 3, 2012
John Wall, future olympian?
The good news: John Wall is reportedly joining Team USA as a member of the select team that will scrimmage against the 2012 men's basketball Olympic squad this summer.
The interesting angle: This opportunity gives the Wizards speedy point guard a potential leg up on making the 2016 Olympic team.
The potential international buzz kill: Notable basketball decision-makers are looking at a 23-and-under roster format for future Olympic games.
Before we look ahead, let's focus on the present - and the present that comes with the invitation, which multiple outlets have reported. Instead of spending a second straight summer time playing in loosey-goosey charity games, Wall should be battling the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook during intense scrimmages.
Actually there was no fear of another summer fun circuit - "Nah, I’m cool on that, " Wall said the day after the season finale win over the Heat. "I’m done. It’s just workouts. I ain’t having none, that was just because of the lockout it was too much time."
Earlier that week, I asked Wall if he was going to attend any NBA playoff games in person and which point guards the maturing floor leader would study during the off-season. Seeing as he intended on doing the bi-coastal thing between D.C. and Los Angeles, Wall said he would hope to catch Paul and the Clippers in addition to the Lakers, who could face Westbrook and the Thunder in the second round.
Now Wall might get some hands-on lessons from those All-Stars.
Even with Derrick Rose's knee injury taking him out of the Olympic mix - big men Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom are also not expected to join the team's training camp - Team USA is still flush with point guard options. Unless Paul, Williams and Westbrook opt out or are injured before the London games, that trio will run the offense.
Team USA will train in Las Vegas July 6-11. After an exhibition against the Dominican Republic on July 12, the U.S. team will move operations to Washington for two days worth of practices before hosting Brazil in an exhibition game on July 16.
But what about future U.S editions?
The interesting angle: This opportunity gives the Wizards speedy point guard a potential leg up on making the 2016 Olympic team.
The potential international buzz kill: Notable basketball decision-makers are looking at a 23-and-under roster format for future Olympic games.
Before we look ahead, let's focus on the present - and the present that comes with the invitation, which multiple outlets have reported. Instead of spending a second straight summer time playing in loosey-goosey charity games, Wall should be battling the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook during intense scrimmages.
Actually there was no fear of another summer fun circuit - "Nah, I’m cool on that, " Wall said the day after the season finale win over the Heat. "I’m done. It’s just workouts. I ain’t having none, that was just because of the lockout it was too much time."
Earlier that week, I asked Wall if he was going to attend any NBA playoff games in person and which point guards the maturing floor leader would study during the off-season. Seeing as he intended on doing the bi-coastal thing between D.C. and Los Angeles, Wall said he would hope to catch Paul and the Clippers in addition to the Lakers, who could face Westbrook and the Thunder in the second round.
Now Wall might get some hands-on lessons from those All-Stars.
Even with Derrick Rose's knee injury taking him out of the Olympic mix - big men Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom are also not expected to join the team's training camp - Team USA is still flush with point guard options. Unless Paul, Williams and Westbrook opt out or are injured before the London games, that trio will run the offense.
Team USA will train in Las Vegas July 6-11. After an exhibition against the Dominican Republic on July 12, the U.S. team will move operations to Washington for two days worth of practices before hosting Brazil in an exhibition game on July 16.
But what about future U.S editions?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Could Wizards Kids Save Flip, Ernie?
As the Washington Wizards near a third straight demoralizing season with an unsightly record, the buzz has grown locally for coaching changes to be made, front office heads to roll.
But at the same time, the franchise's future with John Wall looks hopeful, perhaps deliriously so. Fellow rookie Jordan Crawford has been a scoring machine since entering the starting lineup and now has tacked on a triple-double while running the point in the suspended Wall's absence. The rebounding numbers generated by Trevor Booker's springy legs and work ethic stood out before his injured foot made him sit down.
So, is it possible that the Wizards kids could save coach Flip Saunders and general manager Ernie Grunfeld from being shown the door?
But at the same time, the franchise's future with John Wall looks hopeful, perhaps deliriously so. Fellow rookie Jordan Crawford has been a scoring machine since entering the starting lineup and now has tacked on a triple-double while running the point in the suspended Wall's absence. The rebounding numbers generated by Trevor Booker's springy legs and work ethic stood out before his injured foot made him sit down.
So, is it possible that the Wizards kids could save coach Flip Saunders and general manager Ernie Grunfeld from being shown the door?
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