Hoops

USA team 2012

Pfft, time for the better lineup:

C: Howard
PF: Durant
SF: Anthony
SG: Iguodala
PG: Paul

5: Rose
6: Curry
7: Aldridge
8: Griffin
9: Wallace
10: Odom

The USA team is deep enough that Lebron isn't even needed. Starting 5 has 4 of 5 people who can score 35pts+ each on any day, great passing, excellent rebounding, excellent fast break team.

Bench is deep with rebounders, defenders, a versatile role players. And you have 4 player rotations at the 3, 4 & 5 spots; and a 3 player rotation at the point.

So many combos right there and nearly 2/3rds of the team are or have been capable role players.

5 - Dwight Howard
4 - LeBron James
3 - Kevin Durant
2 - Andre Iguadala
1 - Chris Paul

6 - Dwyane Wade
7 - Tyson Chandler/Blake Griffin
8 - LaMarcus Aldridge 
9 - Derrick Rose/Russell Westbrook
10 - Stephen Curry/Jimmer Fredette
11 - Carmelo Anthony 
12 - Lamar Odom/Danny Granger

As long as each of the starters make themselves available I think they'll be locks. 
Dwyane Wade came off the bench at the last Olympics and was their best player. If he can do the same  and play that filler/plugger role where he lifts them in any area that they are lacking then they will not lose.
I think the they got with just 3 true big men and I think that Aldridge fits the team perfectly so the final toss up is between Chandler and Griffin. Chandler plays far superior defense and they do not need this player to score so I'll give him the nod over Blake. 
With Paul playing that pure point guard I see them going for a scoring point guard as his back up. Rose is a better scorer and so I'll just give him the spot. Russell is probably just as deserving and it's because of this that I think that there's a chance both might make it. 
Every team needs a pure shooter to come off the bench. Neither are renowned for there defense but Curry and Jimmer could come in and shoot lights out. Curry is more experienced but damn Jimmer would be exciting!
Along with Durant and Wade, Carmelo has been one of the USA's best at international level. His pure scoring and ability to rebound the ball allows him to play both the 3 and the 4 he to I'd a lock. 
The final spot is open to almost anyone. Could go to the loser of the Westbrook Rose spot, another shooter like a Danny Granger or a player who can play and guard multiple positions like Lamar Odom. Any will be deserving. 

maybe Jo Johnson could get a start if they need a big 2 guard to back up Iggy

Lopez or Love have to get a center spot.
Both would suit the International game perfectly.

@anonymous - I just googled Drummond and watched some of his clips, wow. Very very athletic for a big man, and looks like he does not mind getting nasty down low as well. I realise he is playing high school but hopefully he comes through. The lack of big men in the NBA right now is appalling.

I think Rose is a great point guard, but with this team I felt they needed more of a distributor. He is a score first guy IMO, so I went with Paul instead

Listening to Brett Maher on Talking Hoops tonight, he revealed that both Copeland and Nash are unlikely to play either games this week due to slight injurys.

Copes pulled up sore during the Tigers game in his back as there are worries it could lead to another Hamstring strain.

Nash jagged his back slightly today at training.

Hopefully wont affect the team greatly as Alan Black (who was also interviewed) said this will be the first game of the season that Cairns have their full outfit.