Why our team is starting to suck...
Just watched USA Olympic basketball team edge Germany 80-77 in an exhibition game, on a last-second half-court wild heave by Allen "Bubbachuck" Iverson. That was after the team got blown out 95-78 yesterday. And Germany didn't even qualify for the Olympics. So USA's prospects don't look too good for this Olympics.
Only 12 years ago, the original Dream Team's closest game was by something like 35 points. USA teams have become worse and worse since. NBA players are losing interest in international games. Shaq, Kobe, KG, T-Mac and others declined the invitation. I can't say I blame them because it's a no-win situation- if they win the gold, it's like "but of course" and nobody cares. If they only got silver, shame on them. We have to admire those rare stars like Duncan and Iverson for even showing up.
Another factor I think is that international players are more hungry. Not just to embarrass the Americans, but if they play well against them, they probably will gain attention from the scouts and maybe land a multi-million contract with a NBA team. It's like an audition. They have a lot to gain and nothing to lose.
Only 12 years ago, the original Dream Team's closest game was by something like 35 points. USA teams have become worse and worse since. NBA players are losing interest in international games. Shaq, Kobe, KG, T-Mac and others declined the invitation. I can't say I blame them because it's a no-win situation- if they win the gold, it's like "but of course" and nobody cares. If they only got silver, shame on them. We have to admire those rare stars like Duncan and Iverson for even showing up.
Another factor I think is that international players are more hungry. Not just to embarrass the Americans, but if they play well against them, they probably will gain attention from the scouts and maybe land a multi-million contract with a NBA team. It's like an audition. They have a lot to gain and nothing to lose.
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