So, i know on various threads we have talked about the state of NBA hoops and how many of us think the new brand of basketball is garbage. Does anything prove our point more than the $hit show happening at the Olympics?

I think its one of those things that we know (or at least believe) we are the best basketball country far and wide and for the premium players, there is just no incentive to go and win a gold medal, risking injury and not taking advantage of the time the every narrowing offseason provides.

This year they were still playing the finals while Team USA was playing there warmup games.

They got one last drop of gold out of Olympic basketball with the Coach K era and his ability to recruit and sell the players on the Olympic experience.

Quite simply, if we try, we will dominate, but no one cares enough to try because there is no great benefit.

(07-26-2021 10:09 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Quite simply, if we try, we will dominate, but no one cares enough to try because there is no great benefit.

Winning the gold for your country should be a GREAT benefit. And if it isn't they don't need to be there replace them with college players who care. And i don't buy the not trying argument. They have tried, difference is they are a team full of individuals, other teams actually play as a team. I can't the exact quote from a France player but i read it and it was spot on, something along the lines of "individually they are more talented, but we play together as a team"

(07-26-2021 10:17 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:09 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Quite simply, if we try, we will dominate, but no one cares enough to try because there is no great benefit.

Winning the gold for your country should be a GREAT benefit. And if it isn't they don't need to be there replace them with college players who care. And i don't buy the not trying argument. They have tried, difference is they are a team full of individuals, other teams actually play as a team. I can't the exact quote from a France player but i read it and it was spot on, something along the lines of "individually they are more talented, but we play together as a team"

Eh, ive become quite cynical the past decade. The Olympics are a money making scheme like college athletics where those at the top get a lot of money on the back of non/underpaid athletes. Maybe it used to have a greater ideals, but now it certainly does not.

As for playing as a team, yes USA basketball would be better off sending collegiate athletes who know how to play as a team than throwing together a bunch of C List NBAers, who while are very talented, don't care about team ball.

Well. The head coach, while successful in the past with loaded Spurs teams, is more of a political hack these days than a successful basketball coach.

I have zero interest in the NBA. I stopped giving two measly diarrhea shites about them once they all started with their political drivel, but then bent themselves over to China for the dollar.

Nobody should have to be "sold" on the "Olympic experience" as a reason to represent their country. That BS isn't a thing in other countries. They have pride in their national representation, as they should. We live in and are citizens in the best country in the world, where for the most part we can express our opinions freely.

My apologies that this post comes off so angry, but I lose respect for anyone who disrespects our nation based on who's sitting in a chair at 1600 Pennsylvania. My life is just fine without the NBA in it. It's not just about sports for me either. I've told family they can go pound sand and sky scream somewhere else for the same reasons. I had an uncle who was invited to dinner with the VPOTUS, and turned it down because of political opinions. I find that attitude and lack of respect for the country/office a lowest form of pathetic. I may not agree with all the policies of various Presidents and senior politicians, but if I'm ever invited to something at that level, out of respect... I'm going. I get it though, everyone has their own opinions and they're entitled to them. I just don't have to support them.

(07-26-2021 11:42 AM)B_Hawk06 Wrote:  Well. The head coach, while successful in the past with loaded Spurs teams, is more of a political hack these days than a successful basketball coach.

I have zero interest in the NBA. I stopped giving two measly diarrhea shites about them once they all started with their political drivel, but then bent themselves over to China for the dollar.

Nobody should have to be "sold" on the "Olympic experience" as a reason to represent their country. That BS isn't a thing in other countries. They have pride in their national representation, as they should. We live in and are citizens in the best country in the world, where for the most part we can express our opinions freely.

My apologies that this post comes off so angry, but I lose respect for anyone who disrespects our nation based on who's sitting in a chair at 1600 Pennsylvania. My life is just fine without the NBA in it. It's not just about sports for me either. I've told family they can go pound sand and sky scream somewhere else for the same reasons. I had an uncle who was invited to dinner with the VPOTUS, and turned it down because of political opinions. I find that attitude and lack of respect for the country/office a lowest form of pathetic. I may not agree with all the policies of various Presidents and senior politicians, but if I'm ever invited to something at that level, out of respect... I'm going. I get it though, everyone has their own opinions and they're entitled to them. I just don't have to support them.

You highlighted one thing at the end there, "Respect" and that is lacking in our society big time. I wouldn't agree more.

(07-26-2021 11:42 AM)B_Hawk06 Wrote:  Well. The head coach, while successful in the past with loaded Spurs teams, is more of a political hack these days than a successful basketball coach.

I have zero interest in the NBA. I stopped giving two measly diarrhea shites about them once they all started with their political drivel, but then bent themselves over to China for the dollar.

Nobody should have to be "sold" on the "Olympic experience" as a reason to represent their country. That BS isn't a thing in other countries. They have pride in their national representation, as they should. We live in and are citizens in the best country in the world, where for the most part we can express our opinions freely.

My apologies that this post comes off so angry, but I lose respect for anyone who disrespects our nation based on who's sitting in a chair at 1600 Pennsylvania. My life is just fine without the NBA in it. It's not just about sports for me either. I've told family they can go pound sand and sky scream somewhere else for the same reasons. I had an uncle who was invited to dinner with the VPOTUS, and turned it down because of political opinions. I find that attitude and lack of respect for the country/office a lowest form of pathetic. I may not agree with all the policies of various Presidents and senior politicians, but if I'm ever invited to something at that level, out of respect... I'm going. I get it though, everyone has their own opinions and they're entitled to them. I just don't have to support them.

Pop is still one of the best coaches on the planet. Team USA losing is not a coaching issue. And, I understand the resentment toward the NBA. Their stance on Chinese Uyghurs is despicable, and there isn’t a rational explanation other than greed.

In terms of being “sold” on the Olympic experience, I’m not really sure who else we expect to be there. I’m not a LeBron stan, but he’s 36 and I think it’s fair for him to make the decision to allow his body to recover. We still have Lillard, Tatum and Durant, Middleton, Holiday and Booker flew out the day after the finals…I think this experience means a lot to the guys that are there.

It also seems to me that there is a natural let down for Team USA. We know if we bring out best players, we win, and with the group there now we have the most talent (we blew a 7 point led with 3 mins left to a French with a lot of NBA talent). France has never won gold in men’s basketball. It’s going to take their best effort to medal, so perhaps their mental focus is sharper.

(07-26-2021 10:17 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  Winning the gold for your country should be a GREAT benefit. And if it isn't they don't need to be there replace them with college players who care.

The last college team we sent finished with a bronze medal and that was 30 years ago. Think about college basketball players 30 years ago compared to today...if we sent college players, we'd be sending 18-19 yos to compete and we'd have no chance at winning. None at all! We're still the best, but the gap has closed significantly.

I know the topic here is the "state of USA basketball", and before this thread I didn't even realize they had lost another game.

Still don't really care.

Sorry for being the old guy screaming at kids to get off his grass. lol. That's how I feel on this topic.

(07-26-2021 12:12 PM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:17 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  Winning the gold for your country should be a GREAT benefit. And if it isn't they don't need to be there replace them with college players who care.

The last college team we sent finished with a bronze medal and that was 30 years ago. Think about college basketball players 30 years ago compared to today...if we sent college players, we'd be sending 18-19 yos to compete and we'd have no chance at winning. None at all! We're still the best, but the gap has closed significantly.

They should have gotten a silver that year, but thanks to the Olympics dumb system back then they got a bronze despite having a better record than the silver medalist.

They dominated everyone but Canada and the Soviets.

I don't think they would do any worse than they are doing now

I think you're underestimating the talent around the world. In 2016, we only beat France by 3. I still think this team will medal and a group of college kids would absolutely do worse. You also need to factor in that draft-eligible players will opt-out; they're not going to jeopardize generational wealth to play in the Olympics either.

(07-26-2021 01:53 PM)bricksnivy Wrote:  I think you're underestimating the talent around the world. In 2016, we only beat France by 3. I still think this team will medal and a group of college kids would absolutely do worse. You also need to factor in that draft-eligible players will opt-out; they're not going to jeopardize generational wealth to play in the Olympics either.

As long as we beat Iran we will make it out of the group.

I would hope college kids could beat Iran.

As for medaling, we will see.

(07-26-2021 02:20 PM)solohawks Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 01:53 PM)bricksnivy Wrote:  I think you're underestimating the talent around the world. In 2016, we only beat France by 3. I still think this team will medal and a group of college kids would absolutely do worse. You also need to factor in that draft-eligible players will opt-out; they're not going to jeopardize generational wealth to play in the Olympics either.

As long as we beat Iran we will make it out of the group.

I would hope college kids could beat Iran.

As for medaling, we will see.

Read a meme yesterday " Durant will opt out and join France" LOL Priceless

(07-26-2021 10:48 AM)solohawks Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:17 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:09 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Quite simply, if we try, we will dominate, but no one cares enough to try because there is no great benefit.

Winning the gold for your country should be a GREAT benefit. And if it isn't they don't need to be there replace them with college players who care. And i don't buy the not trying argument. They have tried, difference is they are a team full of individuals, other teams actually play as a team. I can't the exact quote from a France player but i read it and it was spot on, something along the lines of "individually they are more talented, but we play together as a team"

USA basketball would be better off sending collegiate athletes who know how to play as a team than throwing together a bunch of C List NBAers, who while are very talented, don't care about team ball.

The US will never win a Gold or just about any other medal if they use your theory. which is old now.

A team of college players would have been smoked by France yesterday. I don't care how long a roster of college players have been together.

If that's keeping you from watching or caring so be it. The IOC is not going back to amateurism.

This US team is poorly constructed and the other countries now have a handful of NBA or Euro league talented players. The world has caught up. Many of NBA's best players (Doncic, Giannis, Embiid) are foreigners.

No LeBron, AD, Harden, Kyrie, Kawhi, Curry, Chris Paul, etc are not playing. I mean you had Booker and Middleton arrive in Tokyo from Game 6 of the Finals. That's nuts.

Combine that with this current roster and it's going to be a struggle for Team USA. I still think they can rally to get into the medal round and win it... but it's going to be a struggle IMO.

(07-26-2021 02:46 PM)geewizNU Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:48 AM)solohawks Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:17 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(07-26-2021 10:09 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Quite simply, if we try, we will dominate, but no one cares enough to try because there is no great benefit.

Winning the gold for your country should be a GREAT benefit. And if it isn't they don't need to be there replace them with college players who care. And i don't buy the not trying argument. They have tried, difference is they are a team full of individuals, other teams actually play as a team. I can't the exact quote from a France player but i read it and it was spot on, something along the lines of "individually they are more talented, but we play together as a team"

USA basketball would be better off sending collegiate athletes who know how to play as a team than throwing together a bunch of C List NBAers, who while are very talented, don't care about team ball.

The US will never win a Gold or just about any other medal if they use your theory. which is old now.

A team of college players would have been smoked by France yesterday. I don't care how long a roster of college players have been together.

If that's keeping you from watching or caring so be it. The IOC is not going back to amateurism.

This US team is poorly constructed and the other countries now have a handful of NBA or Euro league talented players. The world has caught up. Many of NBA's best players (Doncic, Giannis, Embiid) are foreigners.

No LeBron, AD, Harden, Kyrie, Kawhi, Curry, Chris Paul, etc are not playing. I mean you had Booker and Middleton arrive in Tokyo from Game 6 of the Finals. That's nuts.

Combine that with this current roster and it's going to be a struggle for Team USA. I still think they can rally to get into the medal round and win it... but it's going to be a struggle IMO.

I'd rather watch a team full of guys that want to be there Vs. watching this. Watching this morning as US won gold in Surfing, watching her coaches carry her out with the American flag draped around her, THAT'S what it's all about!

(07-27-2021 07:37 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I'd rather watch a team full of guys that want to be there Vs. watching this.

No you wouldn't. One year where we go 2-4 and have no chance at a medal and you'd be desperate for the NBA guys to rescue USA Basketball. We've won 6 of the 7 past international events. If you don't like watching Olympic basketball, that is fine, but there isn't some huge problem where we need drastic changes.

(07-27-2021 08:16 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(07-27-2021 07:37 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I'd rather watch a team full of guys that want to be there Vs. watching this.

No you wouldn't. One year where we go 2-4 and have no chance at a medal and you'd be desperate for the NBA guys to rescue USA Basketball. We've won 6 of the 7 past international events. If you don't like watching Olympic basketball, that is fine, but there isn't some huge problem where we need drastic changes.

I'm torn man, because i don't like the current state of the NBA, it's brand , it's style and the general don't give a F about it attitude.

(07-27-2021 09:01 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(07-27-2021 08:16 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(07-27-2021 07:37 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I'd rather watch a team full of guys that want to be there Vs. watching this.

No you wouldn't. One year where we go 2-4 and have no chance at a medal and you'd be desperate for the NBA guys to rescue USA Basketball. We've won 6 of the 7 past international events. If you don't like watching Olympic basketball, that is fine, but there isn't some huge problem where we need drastic changes.

I'm torn man, because i don't like the current state of the NBA, it's brand , it's style and the general don't give a F about it attitude.

I can appreciate that perspective. To your initial post, if you don't like the NBA because of style, scheme, brand (or politics), it's going to be hard to get behind the Olympic squad, but they still give us the best chance to win (at least IMO). Also, we're also going to enter every competition as the heavy favorite, so the margin of error is going to be minimal.

Have no fear, we just smoked Iran LOL

(07-28-2021 03:22 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  Have no fear, we just smoked Iran LOL

Yep and with that win the team is virtually assured of advancing regardless of a W or L vs the Czech Republic