Goodbye, FIBA Las Vegas
Okay, so there is such a thing as too much Vegas. After the All-Star Game and the past two weeks here for the FIBA Americas Championship, I've had my fill and don't need to come back here anytime soon (I'm still upset this thing wasn't in Puerto Rico). I was able to hold up until this weekend, when the dry heat finally declared war on my allergies and the lack of sleep had me sniffling and sneezing until no end. I'm blowing my nose as I write this.
It didn't help that I went to see Keyshia Cole in concert at the House of Blues late Saturday night. The show didn't start until 1:30 a.m. I showed up at 12:45, and had to wait an hour just to get through the line. So yes, I missed the start of the show. I could only hang until 3 before I had to "let it go." Good show, but the people in attendance were more entertaining. Did you know brothers are still wear Jheri Curls? I saw another dude who looked like a homeless man's T-Pain. Many laughs.
Anyway, I'm sick, tired and can't wait to get back to D.C.
But before I say goodbye to FIBA Las Vegas, I wanted to leave you my final observations from here.
Melo and Bron-Bron got robbed
The funniest sight of the medal ceremony Sunday was when Argentina's Luis Scola received the MVP award. Scola gave an embarrassed, sheepish grin as if he had just been caught making out with someone else's girlfriend. He knew that the award should've gone to someone on the most dominant American team since the Dream Team in 1992.
I mean, seriously, the U.S. won by an averaged of 39.5 points per game.
If I was allowed to vote, I would've picked Anthony, but I wouldn't have had a problem with James. They were consistently the two best players for the U.S. almost every night. There were a few Kobe Bryant moments, Jason Kidd was a great floor general but Anthony was an unstoppable scoring machine, averaging 21.2 points. James was second in scoring (18.1 points) and led the team in assists.
They have obviously learned from past failures in international hoops, and their experience was evident with the relative ease with which they scored. Yet, when the ballots were turned in, Luis Scola received eight votes, Carmelo got six, Kobe got three, LeBron got two and Leandro Barbosa got one.
When the word got out about the final results, the immediate conclusion among most reporters was that most of the Latin American writers chose Scola, while the Americans split the votes. Then, I found out that two Americans actually voted for Scola.
How un-American is that? I jokingly approached one of the American writers about voting for Scola and he said, "I sure did. Argentina wouldn't be here without him." I won't out the writer unless he outs himself. I have to respect him for sticking to his guns. Doesn't make him right, though.
Scola is nice, but you mean to tell me that Carmelo wouldn't have dominated this tournament if he played for Puerto Rico; that LeBron wouldn't have been amazing playing for Canada or the Virgin Islands? I know those guys couldn't play for those countries, I'm just trying to put what they did into perspective. They shouldn't be discredited for being surrounded by superior talent. The U.S. would not have been that dominant without them.
Those guys were phenomenal. At least they got gold medals, I guess.
The United States Was Bananas
When you break down how the United States obliterated the field in this tournament, the numbers are completely mind-boggling. You couldn't make up this stuff on a video game.
Check out these:
* The Americans shot 58.7 percent overall, and Chauncey Billups, Mike Miller and Tayshaun Prince were the only players who didn't hit at least half of their shots.
* Dwight Howard shot 81.4 percent.
* LeBron James shot 11 for 15 on Sunday, while scoring 31 points - and his shooting percentage actually dropped to 76 percent.
* The U.S. averaged 116.7 points per game. No other team averaged more than 91 points.
* Carmelo Anthony scored 191 points in 175 minutes played.
* The U.S. hit 147 three-pointers in 10 games, connecting on 47 percent of their shots.
* Americans shot 67.9 percent inside the three-point line.
I could give you more but I don't want to completely bore you with numbers.
Deron Williams really needs to get a good look for next summer
Jerry Colangelo, managing director of the senior team, spoke after the game about how tough his decision will be next summer trying to select 12 players for Beijing.
Well, from what I can see, barring injury, here are the locks: Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire.
I think Michael Redd certainly shot himself into a spot, too, after shooting 45.3 percent from beyond the three-point line (You know what's funny. For all the talk of how the U.S. needs shooters, James (62.2 percent), Anthony (57.8) and Bryant (45.9) were the best from beyond the arc).
So that leaves three spots up for grabs for Elton Brand, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Carlos Boozer, Shane Battier, Joe Johnson, Kirk Hinrich and Shawn Marion.
You may have noticed that I left Gilbert Arenas off the list. I regret that I never spoke with Colangelo about Arenas, but I'm not sure where or how he'd fit with the way this team is currently constructed. I don't even think I need to include his past comments about Coach K.
Of the players who were in Vegas the past two weeks, Mike Miller is certainly a goner after a shaky shooting display, with his spot going to Wade. Chandler was the 12th man, but he was an active shot blocker and always made his presence felt when he was on the floor. Prince didn't play himself off the team, providing solid defense and filling his role perfectly.
I really like Billups, but he didn't have the best showing here. He shot a team-worst 37.8 percent from the floor, and with the exception of the win against Uruguay, the U.S. didn't always look the most effective when he was directing traffic.
Williams, however, quietly had a very impressive showing. Of course, most of his playing time came when the game was already decided and he wasn't under any real pressure. But Williams was a solid floor leader and ensured minimal drop-off when he was in the game. Think about this: Williams tied Jason Kidd for second on the team in assists at 46. James led the team with 47. So what? You say.
Well, Williams played 15 minutes fewer than Kidd and 79 minutes fewer than James. Not bad.
If you want a good steak in Vegas. . .
Go to the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Hotel. It's expensive but worth it. I never had a steak melt in my mouth like butter before. I also took time to really chew so that I could enjoy every bite. I was offended by the presence of potatoes and vegetables on the table. They would do me no good.
My friends asked our waitress what made the steaks so good and she explained how they use wet-aged prime beef, as in, they let the meat soak in its juices for almost a month, then they select it at the perfect time to grill. I didn't really understand what she was talking about, but I sure loved that steak.
I'm out of here, y'all. Everything else that happened here, well, you know the rest. . .
By Michael Lee |
September 3, 2007; 3:00 AM ET
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Next: JCN Is OUT
Posted by: KSM | September 3, 2007 3:44 AM
Nice post, Mike.
Posted by: Sixx | September 3, 2007 5:26 AM
The biggest reason why Gilby didn't make this team was because during the trials, he was trying to do something he has almost no knowledge of, and that's playing defense and doing the intangibles. Now, all you Gilby lovers out there should calm down.
Many guys who did make this team suck in defense too, but the key is that they didn't try to change their game to make the team. They played up to their strengths to make the team. Melo focused on scoring, JKidd focused on passing, Lebron focused on passing and scoring. If Anthony Bowen couldn't make this team as a defensive ace, what in the world was Gilby thinking if he was going to try to focus on D? Bad strategy. I think if Gilby focused purely on scoring, then he might have had a better chance.
All that aside, I think this completed FIBA championship brings out a good discussion question. Who made the worse decision, Les BouleS drafting Kwame or Detroit drafting Darko instead of Melo. Looks like the latter. Melo could be the primo star attraction in Detroit right now. Him at 3 and Rip at 2 would have been be a great combo.
Posted by: DC Man88 | September 3, 2007 8:55 AM
I'm with you on Vegas Micheal, might be a nice place to go for a few days to blow off steam, but if you're there for a week working the place does get old!
The USA team was clearly as dominate in this tourney as they've been since 92'. But two little problems could pop up next year. After thrashing everyone in sight this year can these guys come back focused and playing as a team next year? The crowds in Vegas were small for many games and the TV exposure was small time.
When the bright lights of the Olympics are shining and the whole world is watching, can the team play as a team? Or will individuals be more focused on proving they are the best in the world when the whole world's watching?
There were flashes, only short ones, of Kobe reverting to the one on one style that has ruined team USA in past years. Coach K will have a mighty challenge of keeping all of these guys focused and playing as a team when the whole world is watching.
Problem number two is we played no where near the world's best in this tourney. I'd agree that if Coach K can keep his team playing like they did in Vegas I don't think anyone could beat them in the Olympics. But next year we will face the best in the world and these players will need to play as a team or even the most talented collection of players in the world can be beat by a good team.
Posted by: GM | September 3, 2007 9:10 AM
My personal opinion on why Gilbert and the USA Team did not mesh is that Gilbert is a shooting pg. The NBA Team does not need another shooter, but they do have need for what a real pg can give them.
As I have posted before, I think Gilbert could be a more effective player for the Wizards also. He should take better shots and set up his teammates more. He had a 41.8 shooting percentage last year. This is way too low. His shooting percentage should at least be in the mid-40's and he should get his assists up to around 8 per game.
Jaosn Kidd and Steve Nash shoot far less than Gibert does and have more of an effect on an NBA game.
BTW, so there is not misinterpretation of the above, Gilbert has many good qualities and I am glad he is on our team. Knowing him he will make improvements next year and maybe even play some D.
Posted by: Tim | September 3, 2007 9:18 AM
"As I have posted before, I think Gilbert could be a more effective player for the Wizards also. He should take better shots and set up his teammates more. He had a 41.8 shooting percentage last year. This is way too low. His shooting percentage should at least be in the mid-40's and he should get his assists up to around 8 per game.
Jaosn Kidd and Steve Nash shoot far less than Gibert does and have more of an effect on an NBA game."
Tim, I couldn't agree with you more. I've been saying this since the dawn of time.
Given that, time will only tell if Gilby will mature and see this as a team game, and not a "me" game. There are so many players younger than Gilby on this team and he needs to set an example for them, which includes playing D, playing team ball, and listening to the coach.
Posted by: DC Man88 | September 3, 2007 10:03 AM
If Gilbert, who is of Cuban descent, had actually been born on the island, he could have averaged 40 points a game for their team in this tournament. Even if he needs to get better on D, he's still one of the best offensive players in the world.
Posted by: John Brisker | September 3, 2007 10:34 AM
its bruce bowen retard
Posted by: Anonymous | September 3, 2007 12:02 PM
I get so tired of folks tryng to compare Gibert with the traditional point guards like Jason Kidd and Steve Nash. Gilbert is a scoring point guard, period. A great combo guard! Two players have made their first all star games playing along side him, (Caron & Antwan) and possibly a 3rd if Larry Hughes had not gotten hurt. What has Hughes done since he left the Wizards, even though he's playing along side Lebron? We finally get a super star on our team and we bash him all the time. Granted he's not the greatest individual D player, but how many in this league are? Team defense win in the NBA. He is a tireless worker, committed to winning. Is a great team mate. He even tried to lie for Kwame to protect him. Then Kwame stabbed him in the back. Come on, back off and give him his just due. We may not get another real talent of his caliber for a while.
Posted by: Garry | September 3, 2007 12:44 PM
uh oh... everyone knows what's coming next!....
Posted by: Anonymous | September 3, 2007 2:22 PM
Don't get me wrong, Garry, I think Gilbert will probably always be a shooting pg. I just think he could be even more effective than what he is now.
Posted by: Tim | September 3, 2007 2:31 PM
FIBA, SHMIBA. I still see the Wiz as most likely one and done this season. I hope to heck I'm wrong, but I just don't see the improvements in bench scoring or overall defense.
As for FIBA, the US may have been bananas, but Argentina sent a bunch of bananas, as in "second bananas." They left their best players home.
Posted by: Mitch | September 3, 2007 3:24 PM
Mitch - I disagree. If healthy, I think they'll get past the first round. I see them coming in the middle of the pack with maybe 44-45 wins. Other teams in the middle, like Orlando, Jew Jersey, Chicago, Indiana and maybe Toronto. The Wiz match up well against Cleveland, and I think they would win a first round playoff against Cleveland, or any of the others I mentioned ; with the possible exception of Toronto - they just can't seem to stop Bosh.
But not the second round. Unless the bench really develops, I can't see us getting past Detroit, Miami (with Shaq) or Boston (assuming KG is healthy).
If we don't get to the Conference Championship series, I think Jordan will be gone.
Posted by: Rook | September 3, 2007 3:41 PM
How funny would it be if Gilby blew up and won the mvp this year and then wasn't on the Dream Team? Once again people will say that our best player wasn't on the court.
Not saying he fits on the olympic team, but that's a real possibility. Iverson, too.
Posted by: Rock | September 3, 2007 5:15 PM
Garry = Gilbert Arenas
Posted by: Anonymous | September 3, 2007 5:37 PM
If you shoot 41.8 percent as a pg and you have other good scorers on the team, then there is a problem.
Sorry Gilbert.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 3, 2007 5:47 PM
Whether it's Bruce Bowen, Anthony Bowen, Bruce Bowen's twin sons, or Bruce Bowen's grandfather, you don't have to worry that Gilby will out play any of them on D.
Posted by: DC Man88 | September 3, 2007 8:48 PM
My picks:
Derron Williams
Tayshawn Prince
Tyson Chandler
Posted by: Anonymous | September 3, 2007 9:07 PM
USA dominated in Vegas but lets not get too excited yet. As Wilbon pointed out in his article, the other teams were missing many of their top guns. I still think USA will win the gold in Beijing next summer, however expect the competition to be much stiffer. Next year in the Olympics, they may have to cut back on those Globetrotter all-star game tendencies and play a little more conventionally.
Posted by: low | September 3, 2007 9:26 PM
Mike, you got an error in your reporting. In your defense of Lebron or Melo not getting the MVP, you say Lebron led the team in shooting percentage, but then show that Dwight Howard shot 81.4 percent from the field while Lebron shot 76 percent. Just lookin out.
Posted by: LooseCannon | September 4, 2007 10:11 AM
i wanna hear more bout these steaks
Posted by: i | September 4, 2007 10:58 AM
As long as Gilbert still has a spot down Barry Farms, he'll be happy.
Posted by: ScottVanPeltStyle.com | September 4, 2007 1:02 PM
Anthony Bowen...HA
Posted by: Donkey | September 4, 2007 1:24 PM
Wet-aged steaks huh........Gotta love that WaPo per diem.
Posted by: WaPoLiveFan16 | September 4, 2007 1:27 PM
I guess it's a good thing that Les BouleS didn't bring JCN onboard after all, given that he's now got a muscle tear in his right leg. Let's hope DSong doesn't have the same fate.
Posted by: DC Man88 | September 4, 2007 2:34 PM
I'm not surprised Scola got the MVP. Pretty standard for these tournaments, isn't it? There was no one player Team USA couldn't have done without--even without Bron, Melo or Kobe, they would have rolled everyone in the tournament, whereas Argentina would have been nowhere without Scola. I don't think anyone's seriously trying to make the case that Scola's a better player than...well, anyone on the whole Team USA roster.
Posted by: Jake H. | September 4, 2007 2:45 PM
Wow, where did you read about that muscle tear, DCMan? Sounds like Ernie dealt him just in time...
Attaching SI's take on the Southeast. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/paul_forrester/08/30/southeast.reportcard/2.html
Posted by: Prazak | September 4, 2007 5:04 PM
It's in today's sports section, section page.
Posted by: DC Man88 | September 4, 2007 7:26 PM
It's on page E2 in the Sports in Brief section.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 4, 2007 7:35 PM
Great mvp choice! Scola deserved it! He's going to do great on the rockets and win rookie of the year!
Posted by: escola virus | September 4, 2007 10:28 PM
Mike,
As always, thanks for more great articles.
Another suggestion for great steaks. The next time you and the Mrs. travel thru europe - consider Tuscany, Italy.
Thats how they do the steaks 24/7.
Posted by: Robin | September 5, 2007 2:33 AM
lic4tzelta
Posted by: montrch | November 18, 2007 2:46 AM
lic4tzelta
Posted by: montrch | November 18, 2007 2:47 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
You need to call Coach K up and ask him about Gilbert