Aug 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; United States guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Puerto Rico guard Carlos Arroyo (7) during the first quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Though of the Week
Michael Saenz: This past week I found myself being highly critical of our USA Basketball FIBA World Cup roster. Then I realized, with the help of some folks on Twitter, that it doesn’t even matter. No matter what team we field, there’s a more than decent chance that we’re going to win the Gold. We’re the only nation in the world that has the luxury whose “Select” team (aka not good enough team) would probably also medal in the same tournament. We could probably field a team of college players who would have a chance to medal. Yet, we’re out here (or at least I am) criticizing Team USA for electing to keep Mason Plumlee over Damian Lillard.
Irrelevant.
John Armstrong: Now while I just mentioned Indiana as a team not making the playoffs, I would not be surprised to see them play like this past season’s Chicago Bulls or the Sixers in Igoudala’s final season, a gritty underdog team that fights tooth and nail to scrape into the playoffs … and get wiped off the face of the Earth by a superior team (although Philly put up some serious fight).
But really, they should tank and grab one of these upcoming big men since it doesn’t appear the organization is sold on Roy Hibbert.
Morten Jensen: The World Cup is coming up, and several NBA players won’t participate for their respective countries due to fatigue, injuries, etc. This might initially hurt the quality of the cup, however there is a silver lining. Teams will have to rely on new, and likely younger, players to produce, which may result in scouts getting their books filled with additional information on some of the youngsters out there. This is obviously never a bad thing as exposure can make the difference between playing the NBA, or staying overseas for a whole career. For the sake of the game, let’s hope we see several players expand their game and impress the on-lookers.
Bryce Olin: What is going on with Eric Bledsoe? Of course, he thinks he’s worth max money, but four years, $48 million isn’t bad at all? Take a two-year contract, bet on yourself, and play your way into more money after the new TV deal is done. I don’t understand how taking the qualifying offer, playing for one season, and taking a chance in free agency is a good option for him. What if he gets hurt again next season?
Ultimately, yes, Bledsoe will be worth more than $12 million per season eventually, but take the deal for now! Please, Eric, we all want to see you run-n-gun with these Suns!
David Ramil: Many experts predict that the San Antonio Spurs will remain clear favorites to win the Western Conference, if not the NBA title. Traditionally, the Spurs have never been able to win back-to-back championships. They made it back to the Finals in consecutive seasons but a third-straight trip is hardly a guarantee. Without the motivation of revenge and with injuries to key backups to start the season, I don’t think San Antonio makes it out of the West. Look for them to win about 52 games, settle for a 2nd or 3rd seed and lose in the West Semi-Finals.
Brandon Osborne: I’m looking forward to the FIBA World Cup. Team USA has a few more warm ups then it’s showtime. This team has talent but lacks size. How will they fare?