NBA Team Previews: Knickerboxing

New York Knicks Preview

The quest in search of sublime mediocrity after nearly a century of damned disappointment and mockery, the New York Knicks are sluggishly progressing.

 

New York, Madison Square Garden, the epitome of a well-recognized and respected basketball franchise. But the tragedy immediately emerged on September 20th, 2000. The Knicks were a force to be reckoned with in the East-side throughout the 90’s, hitting the playoffs each season was mandatory. The only opposing cancers that prevented the team to form a dynasty were Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller. There was that one season where Jordan was absent from spoiling another Knick’s post-season, New York went on to crawl into the Finals that same season, to then blow it in Game 7 against Houston. These numerous seasons who all ended in turmoil were lead by personal heroes such as Allan Houston, Sprewell, Larry Johnson, Starks, Ward and most notably, Patrick Ewing. Ewing was eventually traded away from the Knicks in September 2000, ending his era in New York, in hopes of finding an alternate roster to push the city further. Ewing’s departure lead to the Knicks never getting past the first round of the playoffs to this day. The root of the seemingly unavoidably dispair wasn’t merely because of the Ewing-trade, but the Knicks front office. With endless erratic headlines surfacing throughout that time regarding coaching swaps (Pat Riley, Jeff Van Gundy, Don Chaney, Lenny Wilkins, Larry Brown, Isiah Thomas) and senseless player transactions (Shandon Anderson, Eisley, Marbury, Francis, Crawford, Eddy Curry, Jerome James, Jalen and Malik Rose, Penny Anderson, Zach Randolph).

The Jabs

All of these moronic moves certainly leave permanent cuts and bruises to the franchise, turning many fans against the organization. But the franchise isn’t completely knocked out of its feet, slowly recovering from Isiah Thomas’ anarchy. The first rebound jab from the Knicks organization came in April 2, 2008, when the team owner James Dolan, signed former Indiana Pacers’ CEO and president Donnie Walsh, to take over Isiah’s role as team president. The second jab came when Walsh fired Isiah Thomas from his head coaching job after the 07-08 season. The firing of Isiah was widely approved by fans of the dying Knicks fanbase. Thomas’ mistakes included his generous contract signing that generated frustration among everyone besides the money-hungry players themselves. Thomas managed to bring expensive players to the team such as Marbury, Crawford, Francis leaving the payroll over a whopping $160 million, while still carrying one of the worst records in the league.

The Hooks

Through all the chaos, there were a few positives that should have Knick-followers attatched to what the future holds. First is, David Lee. Lee is the sole original hustler of this team. His stats have progressed through all three years, last season he averaged 10.8 point and 8.9 rebounds per game, while only starting 29 games. Some other honorable mentions in that nature include, Nate Robinson and Renaldo Balkman. In the 2008 Draft, the Knicks shocked their desperate crowd by selecting 6′9” forward from Italy, Danilo Gallinari. This was a severe thing to grasp for the fans, considering they don’t follow overseas ball, and they wanted a player more reassuring. But it appears that the Italian rookie isn’t going to be such a bad fit for the team after all, adding more athleticism to the stiff players they already have on the floor. Another good hook comes in with the rumors swirling about Stephon Marbuy leaving New York to go play overseas. If true, this clears up some headaches and any distractions for the Knicks. The third hook isn’t major but has its separate tap on history for the traditional Knick fans, the recent acquirement of Patrick Ewing Jr. The Knicks’ trade to bring in Ewing Jr. grabs a healthy amount of positive vibe and some limited happiness for the New York hopeful. The 24-year-old forward stands at a steady 6′8”, 240 pounds, with some small essentials to his game, Ewing Jr. could have his lasting effect on what was his father’s franchise at one point. The strongest hook comes in with the addition of Chris Duhon to the roster. Duhon, a strong floor general with great range and defense will tremendously help this team for the following season.

The Uppercut

The concluding uppercut for the Knicks is the signing of former Pheonix Suns head coach, Mike D’Antoni. The deal leaves D’Antoni as the Knicks’ coach for 4 years for $24 million. The Knicks, a franchise known for they’re attraction towards high-profile head coaches, pulled the trigger quickly, allowing D’Antoni to set up some pieces (Duhon, Gallinari) for his offense before heading into the season. D’Antoni, like many previous coaches, isn’t in the best position for success when trying to encourage this deadbeat roster into a winning attitude before heading into the 2008-2009 season. But his unbelievably strong and strict showings in the past is sure to change everything in New York and give the Knicks the change the franchise craved.

 

Live Blog: Spain v. USA Gold Medal Game

For once, I’ll actively be tracking an Olympic game without being interrupted. So what better than a roughly organized live blog during the biggest game for team USA.

2:20 a.m. – The intro begins with a brief image of the failed ‘04 USA team during the Olympics in Athens. Bittersweet to see A.I. with a long face on that team, his isolated play killed the USA that year, as did everyone elses, but did anyone forget his game winner during an exhibition game against Germany?

2:26 a.m. – Speaking of Ivey, anyone ever see him clown Dwight with this rainbow?

2:28 a.m. – ‘Bron starts the game by swishing a 3 pointer, and Gasol responds with an and1. Could this game start any better?

2:30 a.m. -  Alright, I’m done asking questions.

2:30 a.m. – Disappointing to not see Calderon play in this game. Interesting to see the 17-year-old, Ricky Rubio get more playing time.

2:31 a.m. – Speak of the devil, Rubio just flashed us a nifty no-looker that startled the US fastbreak defense.

2:33 a.m. – Back to back 3 pointers hit by Carmelo and Jimenez to make it 10-9 Spain. I think God is blessing me with an actual, competitive, real basketball game.

2:35 a.m. – Kobe fouls Navarro behind the 3pt line, 13-9 Spain. Eh, 13-11 now after Wade drives into the heart of the lane for one of his fearless, commercial lay-in’s in his opponent’s face.

2:37 a.m. – CP3 against Ricky Rubio, of course Paul respectively holds an upper-hand, but soaking match-up to watch.

2:39 a.m. – Christ, tear drop by Navarro, CP3 flies back the other way and scores an and1 before Spain could even get back.

2:40 a.m. – USA is playing sloppy. Relying on bare skill to overcome Spain, instead of ball movement and defense.

2:41 a.m. – Paul slaps another and1 against Spain. 22-20 Spain.

2:42 a.m. – Pau Gasol literally just nabbed 4-5 rebounds off continuously tapping the ball to the rim, failing to drop it in once.

2:44 a.m. – After sitting down for a couple minutes while holding his wrist, Rubio checks back into the game. Spain can’t afford to lose anymore engine guards.

2:45 a.m. – Rubio nearly completes the feat of crossing Deron Williams. Something that has it’s reverse effect as Deron has been burning guards in Beijing.

2:48 a.m. – Marc Gasol muscles in a bucket against the U.S., then pulls a reverse on his next possession. I can’t wait to see this big guy in Memphis next season. I can see this Gasol attract more fans in Memphis in a couple years.

2:50 a.m. – Bryant and LeBron were immediately benched early in this game due to their fouling and stupid play. Wade has been doing all the scoring for USA to keep them ahead since then. 31-38 USA at the end of the 1st.

2:54 a.m. – ‘Bron and Kobe are back in. In USA’s first possession, James feeds Kobe for a swoosh 3, good way to rebound back into this game flow.

2:55 a.m. – Dwight Howard nearly rips off Pau Gasol’s head after Pau got Dwight to bite his pump fake. Unsportsmanlike foul called immediately. This game’s beginning to get spicy between the two, common trait in a healthy basketball game.

2:57 a.m. – USA continues to rain three-pointer’s. 33-46.

2:59 a.m. – Rubio gets fouled while trying to go solo on a fastbreak against LeBron and Kidd. It appears as though Ricky is attracting the main attention in Spain’s offense. We all know Spain is loaded with their weapons, but with Rubio controlling the ball for most of the time when Spain is offense is leading to everyone’s eyes to be glued to see what this guy pulls out of his sleeve.

3:00 a.m. – Kobe lays in an alley-oop while facing Spain’s basket. Ridiculous lay-up.

3:04 a.m. – Another steal by Wade, he then dunks with authority, spawning a time-out called by Spain. 42-52 USA.

3:05 a.m. – Wade’s shot is kush. 3-pointers by Wade and LeBron, USA up by 14.

3:07 a.m. – Bryant and James sit down after a 3 by Rudy Fernandez, coach K appears to be saving those two heavyweights for the second half. 51-60 USA.

3:09 a.m. – Wade stabs Another three pointer. Holy shit he’s evolving.

3:14 a.m. – 60-67. Funny, Germany scored 57 points total, against USA before getting eliminated in the preliminary round.

3:14 a.m. – We’re given a short glimpse of David Stern reclined in his seat watching this one. His face appears to be calm. I’m sure his insides are screaming “GARHH, GAHH, NBA players are decreasing. Childress, Kristic, Boykins, Arroyo. LeBron, Italy. I need solution. No salary cap. Yes.”

3:22 a.m. – 61-69 USA. It is now halftime in this gold medal game. Some small bullets to digest.

• Despite losing Calderon, an offensive spark and motivator, Spain as held together pretty strong against the US. Rubio, Navarro and Lopez haven’t let this one slip away.
• Dwyane Wade has 21 points. This is halftime. This is an Olympic game. Who ever still negates his comeback, please, say you didn’t see this game.
• Don’t be surprised if Spain throws the kitchen sink at USA and begins to play zone. Though it’s still a close one, if USA begins to notably pull away, Spain will take their chances with USA shooting from long range, something that has been up and down for this superior squad in this tournament.
• Kobe and LeBron have both shared limited minutes but have had their effect when they stepped in. Expect the two to continue to play 2 on 5 against Spain in a couple of drives.
• Where is Carmelo Anthony?
• Howard’s quietness has been something to worry about. Only attempted one shot for a miss and only 3 boards. His play has been a game-changer for USA in the past few games.
• The impact of the Gasol’s have been tolerable for USA thus far, the big men could have the final say in how this one ends.

3:33 a.m. – It’s the beginning of the third quarter. Kobe attacks early for US, but Spain has been able to respond on offense.

3:39 a.m. – Juan Carlos Navarro drains two teardrops over the U.S. defense, Spain has crept into a 71-75 game.

3:41 a.m. – Isn’t it refreshing and satisfying to see the best players in the country go at it live at this our if you’re nocturnal?

3:42 a.m. – Kobe to LeBron again, James is starting to have his effect into this ball game. 75-81 USA.

3:44 a.m. – Dives for loose balls, hard fouls, blocks. This game remains competitive, which is a good sign for Spain, bad for US.

3:45 a.m. – Marc Gasol’s nickname: “The Tank”. Wow factor: 3/10.

3:47 a.m. – Dwyane Wade at the baseline is like a fat kid at a Dunkin’ Donuts. Automatic.

3:48 a.m. – The Spain bench continues to get warned by the refs as they cry for the weak officiating.

3:50 a.m. – The Deron and Paul backcourt is in to close the third quarter. Marc Gasol continues to score inside for Spain.

3:52 a.m. – Navarro closes the third quarter with a smooth lay-up. Navarro had the bulk of the ball-handling for Spain after his two tear-drops in the beginning of the quarter. 82-91 USA.

3:54 a.m – Money quarter is in. LeBron picks up his 3rd foul. Five fouls and you’re out of the game, bad time to eff this up.

3:55 a.m. – You can just sense the extreme change of the game flow in the fourth. USA knows how important all this is, after all the hard work.

3:57 a.m. – Spain sparks a 7-0 run by the Gasol’s and a Rudy Fernandez three. 2 point game. USA failed two consecutive long range shots. They must put the ball on the floor and bring it inside or this could be a disaster finish for USA.

3:59 a.m. – Bryant drills a big shot in the key to end the run. USA up by four.

4:00 a.m. – LeBron fouls, again. That’s four.

4:01 a.m. – 89-96 USA. Kobe is doing everything from scoring to playmaking, he dishes a pass to a wide open Deron for a three.

4:02 a.m. – Another assist by Kobe to Dwight for a dunk. Spain scores, Kobe hits another three.

4:03 a.m. -  92-103 USA. But Fernandez slashes inside and dunks on (?) Dwight Howard for an and1 to make it 95-103.

4:06 a.m. – Howard makes 1/2 of his free throws after getting fouled, US gets in the penalty by fouling Pau Gasol. Unlike Dwight, Pau sinks both to put them down by seven.

4:07 a.m. – The game continues to get scrappy and amplified.

4:08 a.m. – Whoaa. Kobe hits a three after getting fouled behind the 3pt line with 3 minutes left in the game! But that’s countered by a Jimenez three pointer for Spain! But that’s also countered by a three by Wade! 104-111 USA with two minutes left. This is pay-per-view type of stuff.

4:11 a.m. – Spain becoming ridiculously clutch, with quick ball movement and smart shots. They stop the ball for some free throws and manage to make one.

4:14 a.m. – Bryant hits another one of his multiple daggers, extending the lead to eight.

4:15 a.m. – “U.S.A.” chants begin. Ricky Rubio’s 17-year-old age settles in. He stomps his feet towards the ref after a delayed foul call to stop the clock and Rubio is tagged with a technical foul giving the US four free throws and the obvious victory.

4:18 a.m. – It’s going to be hard to let go of this Olympic team. With the buzzer sounding, Team USA have legitimately become the actual “Redeem Team”. 107-118 is the final score.

Behind the late game heroics by Kobe Bryant, USA holds off Spain to reclaim the Gold Medal. Dwyane Wade held the team together with his strong scoring leadership throughout the game. Spain never disappeared in this contest, making it a memorable one. With 1:12 left, Kobe Bryant hit a mid-rang jump shot that fittingly stamped redemption for team USA.

Heat Flashbacks

Injuries, turnovers and no long range shot have been the only negatives surrounding Dwyane Wade’s game. Banging out a championship season alongside Shaq for Miami back in ‘06 immediately put his name alongside many greats. Wade’s killer instinct was never rattled before heading into the the playoffs in 2006, averaging 28.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game before hoisting that Larry O’Brien Trophy above his head. Sure, being accompanied by O’Neal draws forth questions regarding whether DWade could ever lead a team so far, but never forget his rookie campaign. Dwyane’s rookie season has it’s longevity, teammates such as Eddie Jones and Lamar Odom stood still with their season on the line, as the 22-year-old flew by Baron Davis and tear-dropped a game winner during a critical playoff game against the Hornets. His name then became the hottest topic in any basketball talk with his ridiculous composure and clutch play after that season.

MJ comparisons settled, as they usually do when a ball player dazzles in the big stage and brings home victories like Michael would. This satisfaction has become a natural necessity to common basketball fans who are thirsty for relative greatness all over again. Due to Wade’s decline flogged by injuries, Bryant has become the leading candidate for the MJ comparison, with much respect. Such talk is no where close to what Wade has been trying to accomplish, which is bringing home more rings while creating his own legacy.

The legacy couldn’t of been written with a better introduction, but the last few pages have been something to forget. The 2008 Olympics have been the perfect stage for redemption, when people called USA the “Redeem Team” the nickname is represented best whenever Dwyane steps on to the court. Coming off the bench while still being the team’s second leading scorer has proven Wade’s comeback to the game of basketball. Dwyane Wade’s game has notably improved in all parts and most importantly his slashing explosiveness is definitely still there.

Think Jay-Z or the man behind #45. Just like both of them, Dwyane Wade has never left us, he’s always been there, the significant amount of missed games have left us the impression that he was gone. But check, www.miamiheat.com for the use of any evidence. Dwyane remains the same, but this time with stronger cuts, haircuts and dunks.

Kobe erupts, USA advances

Deron Williams’ pull-up trey to beat the buzzer before half time sank a deep dagger into Australia. The 3-point bucket off an outlet pass by Bosh with only three seconds left on the clock gave USA a 12-point cushion heading into the half. The rest was history. USA then went on a 12-0 run to break away from the Aussies and begin to prepare for the semifinals. This game seemed balanced for the first set of minutes, just like most of USA’s match-ups in the Olympics, but the Americans eventually overpowered their opponent on many faces of the game. USA was unstoppable on all sides of the ball, out-rebounding Australia 57-28. Their dominance of the boards and the flow of the game was undeniable. Even Chris Paul had his share of rebounds with seven. LeBron led the pack in rebounding with 9, with players such has Anthony, Bosh, Wade, Dwight and Kobe at least five boards each. Jason Kidd was finally used throughout the game, running for nearly 16 minutes and helping US push the ball across the court at a smart speed.

The storyline was simple. America held the upper-hand in all parts of the game against Australia. The only way the Australians managed to keep a respectable score at times would be by occasionally hitting the three. Anytime Australia executed a play that could potentially grow confidence, USA would immediately push the ball across the floor and respond, with a three or a powering dunk. Every American scored for the team once again, with Bryant being the leader with 25. Kobe woke up from his solid play to explode all over Australia through difficult jump shots and jams.

I set my alarm for 8:00 a.m. to catch this one, but I immediately fell asleep before tip-off. A couple hours later, I woke up to a close Greece v. Argentina game. Spanoulis’ failed game-winner for Greece at the buzzer set up a watchable Argentina v. USA meet. Unlike Australia, Argentina has their set of stars, lead behind Ginobili with 20.3 ppg. After catching the Australia-USA game on the Internet, my necessity to catch their match against Argentina is nearly as big as a next House episode. Unfortunately, my job schedule will once again shot down all hopes like it has all summer. No matter who comes out victorious, the finals will be a game to see for anyone who know/enjoys Anything about Basketball.

This year’s Olympics have been magnificent to say the least. From swimming to running, the achievements and victories earned by all athletes are eternally appreciating. Basketball has evolved into a much more interesting sport than it usually was with USA becoming a team you can’t go all-in on. Watching different countries pitch in their style of play against each other has become eye-candy. Watching USA basketball continue to slowly overcome their feats presented have been gripping for me to continue to follow and write on. Therefore, their future events will continue to flog the page.

Preliminary Round-Up

Carefully well-played, aggressively earned, the USA’s latest two games against Greece and Spain represent their powerful caliber.

This team is serious. Everyone knew that coming into the Basketball Olympics, but their level of seriousness towards gaining gold was to be determined. From early lashings about their poor play off pick and rolls, and their questionable size, team USA has overcome all the feats to this point. All of these wins have done nothing but help reassure their dominance in this Olympic tournament. After destroying Germany, USA’s next set of games will be the cream of this whole tournament. One simple loss and their dreams for Gold are quickly diminished. It definitively hurts to see your chances at Gold go down the drain after all the hard work, players such as Carmelo and LeBron know the feeling.

Such an experience has only evolved their explosive play and leadership throughout this road. LeBron’s effect while playing as a power forward for the US has been something to write a book on, he has been all over the floor in Beijing, resulting in the media and online bloggers to only write about nonsense and avoid spurning any negative regarding his play. Sure, Kobe had his signs of mortality by failing to sink in a handful of three-pointers against Greece and of course the media has jumped on that one immediately, but Bryant’s collective dominance in certain parts of the last two games have dissolved any other bites towards any poor play. Carmelo has been consistent. Wade has been a leader. Deron Williams and Chris Paul have been fulfilling. Howard and Bosh have both been treats. Boozer has been questionable. Jason Kidd has provided specific leadership at best, continuing his undefeated all-time record throughout the Olympics while maintaining his pass first style of play. They’re 5-0 run through the preliminary rounds leads me to run isolated reviews on the dirty dozen.

A-List

Dwyane Wade

92 Min/16.2 PPG./2.4 SPG./3.6 RPG./77.2% FG (31/43)

The man comes out of the bench to ignite immediate fire. Dwyane Wade has covered all the essentials needed by the USA throughout the preliminaries. From mind-bobbling passes to deadly finishes that ridicule the opponent. Wade has bounced back from his shoulder injury stronger than ever, leaving Miami drooling for the upcoming season. Wade has evolved his staggering attack through steals and slashes to the hole. Flashes from his early days during the Miami’s Championship run are all over the place every time Dwyane steps on to the floor. His unexpected offensive surge off the the bench destroys any existing positive flow created by the opponent. It is critical that Coach K continues to let the teams current MVP come off the bench, which he will, leaving ongoing success for the team’s momentum.

LeBron James

118 Min/15.8 PPG./4.4 APG./4.4 RPG./60.8% FG (31/51)

‘Bron has been ‘Bron throughout the preliminaries and some more. While playing as a power forward, LeBron has made many international teams gasp at what freakish abilities a power forward could ever posses from team USA. His exclamation blocks gives a laughing stock for viewers who thrive off the embarrassment of others. Predicted poster boy of the Redeem Team, James brought forth what most expected from him; his natural talent.

B-List

Chris Bosh

78 Min/8.8 PPG./5.2 RPG./81% FG. (17/21)

The only disappointment surrounding Chris Bosh during the Olympics is his playing time. Bosh has been electric down low. His stats would be along the lines of any other international stud, such as Ming, Scola, and Minghas. His lengthy stature smoothly blends with the other big men he’s matched up with and his aggressiveness results in more rebounds for USA.

Dwight Howard

83 Min/12.2 PPG./5 RPG./0.8 BPG./75.8% FG (25/33)

Howard has had is small slumps throughout some games but majority of the time he’s back to his powerful attack. There were games where Dwight was absent, considering none of the plays were directly designed for him. But Howard overcame such issue with his pursuits to earn his own points through rebounds and quick feeds down low from the guards. His latest explosion against Germany (22pts/10rbs) settles down any doubts regarding USA’s need for size.

Chris Paul

110 Min/7.4 PPG./4.6 APG./3.2 RPG./2.4 SPG./52% FG. (13/25)

Paul has become the main point guard to run the floor, once Kidd’s small share of minutes are over. He’s been playing no different than his near MVP season last season in the NBA. The defense is definitely there for Paul. CP3 has been able to take advantage of some of the poor ball-handling a group of guards have internationally. He’s hasn’t been shooting magnificent but that’s nowhere close to being a factor with the players he’s surrounded by every time he’s running the floor.

Kobe Bryant

104 Min/12.6 PPG./2.4 RPG./1.8 APG/27.6% 3PT FG. (8/29)

KB24 has been the main attention of this team since day uno. His worldwide affection is felt throughout Beijing, resulting in his performance to be magnified. So, it wasn’t soon before long everyone began to quickly point at his weak 3-point shooting. Shooting 1/7 from the perimeter in the opener against China, and 0/8 against Angola, questions swirled his ability to drain the 3-point shot that’s closer than NBA range. Anyhow, Bryant has recovered slowly by attempted less from the arch and focusing more on working the ball closer to the basket. His defense hasn’t been as stellar as the exhibition games, but it’s more than enough to this point. Many still await his big game, which could be soon.

Deron Williams

104 Min/8.2 PPG./3.2 APG./2.6 RPG./44.1% FG (15/34)

When paired up with Chris Paul, the two are close to unstoppable. Deron’s mesh with Paul is like none other, when isolated as a prime point guard, he does more than sizzle. His handles are too much for the guards he’s defended by and he’s been able to find the open man when necessary. The most effective guard out of the three.

Carmelo Anthony

87 Min/8.6 PPG./4.8 RPG./1.2 SPG./46.7% FG (14/30)

Anthony has puzzled a few with his slack throughout this preliminary round. His minutes are down and so is his shooting. The fire from the exhibition has fizzled-down, resulting on him becoming a barely solid forward for USA. His rebounds are nothing to bash about, but his shot selection has been ridiculously questionable at times.

C-List

Jason Kidd

65 Min/1 PPG./3 RPG./1.6 APG./100% FG (2/2)

Jason is doing exactly what he was put here for, to run the team with his overwhelming generosity and continue to spray his leadership among his teammates. His layup against Spain marked his first shot attempt throughout the round, sinking a three against Germany marked his second and last basket to this day. None of that is worth being noted though, Kidd has had his respectable share of dishing the ball at the right moments early in the game. He has more rebounds, blocks and steals than everyone else in the C-List.

Carlos Boozer

39 Min/4.4 PPG./2.6 RPG./56.2% (9/16)

Boozer has played like his rookie days for Cleveland. Nothing horrid. But it becomes a surprise to some because of his huge role back in Utah. He’s slowly been picking it up as the games go on. With Howard and Bosh’s play lately, there’s no worries. He should continue to work hard with the little minutes he’s given at the end of quarters.

D-List

Tayshaun Prince

62 Min/3.8 PPG./2.2 RPG./46.7 (7/15)

It has been a solid run for Tayshaun when he gets his minutes. Team USA is content with his performance thus far. He continues to contest more shots from the opponents and has his small jabs of scoring occassionally.

Michael Redd

58 Min/4 PPG./1.2 RPG/33% 2PT FG (4/12)/25% 3PT FG (4/16)

Redd has defined why it’s never good to solely depend on shooters. The proclaimed “Zone Buster” hasn’t been able to bust anything but his shot. Every shooter has their slump at times, this just isn’t the best time to have one for Michael Redd. It is still early to completely dismiss his weak play for USA.

Be sure to tune in to Team USA face off against Australia in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday 8AM ET.

USA v. China Bullets

The intensity could not be matched on Sunday in Beijing. Team USA held strong after a strong start from China in the first half, and capped off an assuring victory in what was one of the most watched basketball games ever.

• With a final score of 101 to 70, it’s not hard to sit back and appreciate the offensive arsenal team USA has always carried. Every player for team USA had their share in the scoring department besides Kidd and Prince, who both didn’t attempt a field goal and played less than 20 minutes combined.
• NBA and former NBA players for China felt the respectable need to shoot the most throughout the contest. Yai Jianlian went 4/13, Yao Ming was 3/10 and Wang Zhi Zhi shot 4/9 from the field. Unfortunately for China, they ended up shooting 34% from the field and were outscored 11 to 23 in the 3rd quarter.
• LeBron was all over the place. His beastly 2-handed blocks put terror into the mindset of driving the ball past team USA’s guards. James totaled for 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. The amount of maturity and experience compared to his performances in ‘04 for team USA are ridiculously distinct.
• Shockingly, Carmelo Anthony played only 14 minutes after starting the game. Anthony had only 3 points and 4 rebounds. His absence wasn’t much felt throughout this game thanks to ‘Bron, Kobe, Howard and Wade. Him bouncing back against Angola on Tuesday with a strong game is an easy thought.
• Kudos to Deron Williams failed-attempt to dunk over Yao Ming in front of his home country.
• Jason Kidd continues to play a minimal amount of minutes while failing to have any lasting effect (besides leadership skills) on any of the Olympic games for his team. Kidd’s stat-line against China, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block and 3 turnovers.
• Dwyane Wade: 20 Min, 19 points (7/7 FG), 2 assists, 2 steals.
• China’s clean start against USA kept me glued to the TV, as millions of others watched to see how team USA’s composure would remain steady throughout all the momentum.
• For a convicing set of minutes in the beginning of the game, Dwight Howard appeared to be team USA’s dominant inside presence. Howard muscled his way through and1’s and dunks early in the game, giving his team their physical stature. It was Chris Bosh though, who put the cap to USA’s inside game with 9 points and 8 rebounds.

Warning Shots

Yes, the Aussie’s unexpectedly made the “Redeem Team” break the biggest sweat in these exhibition games, but USA’s play against Australia is only one of many alarms set off before opening night. Many questions arise after these exhibition games. Though they’re ranked above all, USA’s flaws have been exposed and will be dissected by hazardous teams such as Argentina and Spain. Not to mention, the critical decisions Krzyzewski has to make before facing China.

Clouds of pessimistic questions hovered over Team USA before they even stepped foot into against Canada on July 25th. Some of them vanished into comforting sunshine, but countless ones arose when USA found themselves leading by a merely 4-points midway through the third quarter against an unsound Australia team who didn’t have their best player, Andrew Bogut playing. At times, USA couldn’t shoot the ball nor defend. Thanks to Wade’s continuing stellar play, USA ended up winning by 11, but Australia definitely held their own against USA. Team USA’s defense was exposed several times throughout the contest, from inside cuts to perimeter defense. Australia’s Paddy Mills scored 13 points off the bench and most importantly, Mills outran Team USA’s defense at times. While the USA team remains positive after the win, unparalleled sports columnists will feast on the game against Australia.

The point guard position for team USA has been one of the steady headlines throughout these exhibition games for team USA. Jason Kidd’s involvement with his teammates throughout the heat of the game has been unavoidably questionable. Kidd, originally named the team’s starting point guard, has played less minutes than his two back-ups, Chris Paul and Deron Williams in all of the exhibition games. Jason has yet to have any noticeable impact into the team’s play. Now, most should take into consideration, this most definitely could be one of Coach K’s strategies for the teams engine. It’s always hard to spark hard criticisms against coaching staff’s game plan considering these “training” games give coaches the freedom to experiment with different strokes. Despite Kidd’s minimal involvement on the court, CP3 and DWill have been maestros at running the stacked offense.

The team’s lack of size have shown their shades of need against these tall international teams. Howard, Boozer and Bosh aren’t expected to make game changing plays, but like any other big men, they’re defensive inside presence is key. The main players that have been nabbing boards for this team though has been Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony. Now ‘Melo’s spot at the power forward position gives no surprise to his numbers and Howard has respectably shared his good source of rebounding, averaging 5.1 with his low minutes. On the other side, players such as Carlos Boozer has averaged only 2 rebounds a game, resulting in him not seeing any action in USA’s last game against Australia. The team’s importance when it comes to their front court could be their back-breaker in the future.

On the positive side, Dwyane Wade has exploded for USA through all these games. He has come off the bench in all of the contests, averaging, 18 points per game, 2.2 assists per game and 2.1 steals per game. His steals have erupted into jaw-dropping dunks. He’s broken down his opponents off the dribble and has taken the ball inside with his patented side-step extremely effectively. Alongside LeBron, Kobe and Melo, Wade is easily in the conversation as USA’s leader, while still coming off the bench.

Team USA faces many historical moments ahead, whether they are good or bad. Any game they take part in will be must-watch TV, especially their match-ups against Spain and Greece in the Preliminaries. Their opener against the host, China is also something critical to witness. USA will finally be in full effect, as will Yao Ming and China.

Uniform Watch: Sacramento Kings

Here’s the latest one I could dig out from the internet, the new threads from Sacramento. The King’s new jerseys are more like a facelift, giving the old purple more of a flavor. While the previous away jerseys for the Kings read “Sacramento” on the front, the new touch for the Kings has the team nickname on the front instead. The black falls hard on the purple and the colors are heavy. Though it isn’t much of a change nor a huge noticable upgrade, the new Kings jersey offers positive simplicity that should last for a healthy set of years.

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

USA vs. Lithuania Recap

Uniform Watch: Minnesota T’Wolves

Minnesota unveiled their new uniforms for the upcoming 2008-2009 season in photo shoot for their rookie, Kevin Love. The jersey, like many of the latest ones, has a sleek look to it. The aspect of it that raises eyebrows is the unavoidable thought that this uniform belongs in a WNBA locker room instead. The definite focus on the jersey’s slimness has been put into complete effect, giving it a more of a typical tanktop look with a bunch of spice. The amount of feminess in this uniform is hard to avoid, especially with the way it’s being portrayed in this pictured by Love. This problem can hopefully be fixed with players such as Al Jefferson and Craig Smith slipping into these suckers and giving this trainwreck a more vigorous look. Anyhow, the uniforms represent a new face to the franchise after the loss of Kevin Garnett. Luckily, these babies won’t be flashed too much this upcoming season with the look of Minnesota’s roster.

Overall Rating: 3.5/10