London 2012: Is this the last great USA Basketball team? - jmik58's Blog

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London 2012: Is this the last great USA Basketball team? Stuck

Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:23 AM.

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Two wins through two games. A forty-two point average margin of victory. Perhaps Team USA Basketball could take the gold with only four men on the court.

Realistically, of course, international basketball isn't quite that easy -- even if the best USA squad since the Dream Team makes it look that way.

While the one-hand-tied-behind-my-back braggart might argue that our four is better than your five, a more realistic and serious situation is starting to develop that could mean an end to elite USA Olympic basketball as we known it.

Could Team USA take down the best the world has to offer without LeBron James?

The honest answer is yes -- even though it would take a lot of fun out of the games. The same would be true for Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, and every other player on the squad. But what if we make the question plural? How would Team USA fair without all of those men?

The answer may only be four years away.

NBA owners are starting to become vocal once again about pulling stars from international play. Their multimillion dollar assets (see players) are competing for various countries around the globe in London, but national pride is the least of their worries.

Players continue to risk injury with each practice and every game of these 2012 games. For NBA players not on Team USA, the worry is even greater. Owners have stated their concern about the medical care and competency of athletic trainers for various small-country teams. Add to that the pressure and minutes required of stars like Tony Parker, and the physical stress to carry one's team can wear down bodies worth much more than their weight in Olympic gold.

Owners have also hinted at the possibility of players taking on risk of losing money should they become injured while competing internationally. Hitting them where it hurts could scare away young NBA stars who depend solely on their contracts. If the NBA were to reach an agreement with FIBA to lower the competition age to under-23, such a decision might create a gap between the age limit and that of the actual players.

While players new to the NBA and under the age limit would qualify, the risk would be too great a personal responsibility financially, leaving us with unpolished kids fresh out of high school or in the midst of a developing college career.

As rough as that sounds for the future of USA Basketball, the owners aren't stopping there. If you want to know what makes rich businessmen more angry than simply risking assets with no chance at gain -- throw in the fact that the IOC makes a fortune off the performances of NBA players throughout the Olympic games.

How much of that money does the NBA see? Zilch.

Feeling used and abused, NBA owners are on the cusp of thrusting their power. Making sure that you see your favorite superstars in their respective NBA uniforms for years to come, this may likely be the final time you see them together for the red, white, and blue.

Get ready for the college all-stars Dream Team tour of 2016.

Do you side with the NBA owners or should stars be allowed to compete in the Olympics? Could the USA win Olympic gold with an under-23 basketball team?

Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.

Comments

# 1 Kentucky_Wildcat23 @ Aug 2

I feel that in order for the USA to be the best in the world we should be sending out our best. If LeBron, KD, and company want to play in it then they should be able to. It's their decision. I hope that in 2016 these Stars are still able to play for the Red, Blue, and White!

# 2 Kentucky_Wildcat23 @ Aug 2

*Red, White, and Blue!

# 3 scottyo60 @ Aug 2

If the other players are not sending their pros I'm all for it. Otherwise we'd probably get smashed... Heck last time we didn't win gold that tea, was incredibly young. Young LBJ, Carmelo, Amare, Wade etc... Great in the future yes... Then just good.

# 4 Joobieo @ Aug 2

If they put a age limit on team USA then yes this is the last great team that will be considered a dream team .

# 5 eye guy @ Aug 5

It's obvious that if there's going to be an age limit, then this will be the last great team., but not for long. As long as the importance of representing your country is very well known during their High-School and College careers then there will be more great teams to come.

And I have to disagree, the international stage would be a perfect proving ground for young up-and-comers and will only serve to make them better players resulting in better competition in the League.

In my opinion, the pride of playing for ones country should be more important than any financial gain. But then again, I grew up in the 80's and 90's watching the All Blacks win a World Cup as(some if not most) unpaid amateurs and times have most definitely changed : )