Report Card: TEAM USA BASKETBALL

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Breaking down the road to redemption

Charlie Rosen
August 25, 2008, 4:38 PM EST

It may have ended with redemption, but more than anything else, Team USA's 118-107 victory over Spain resembled a Phoenix Suns intra-squad game.

Miserable defense inside, outside and on the weak side.
But seeing as how the Americans found themselves standing on the highest part of the podium after settling for back-to-back bronzes in the last two major international competitions, we'll overlook the harder-than-expected time the U.S. had with Spain.

Instead, we'll focus on the 12 men who returned the "dream" to the "team" and hand out grades for the entire Olympic competition.

KOBE BRYANT: Sure, he forced some shots early on and he gambled too much on defense, but his several ultra-clutch plays in the fourth quarter of the gold-medal game reinforced his standing as the very best player in the world.
GRADE: A-plus

DWYANE WADE: Another hero of the gold-medal game. His hustle, power drives, and shot-making signal that he's returned to his super-star status.
GRADE: A-plus

LEBRON JAMES: Did a lot of everything — blocking shots, rebounding, passing, driving, hitting his treys, and demonstrating why he's an unparalleled finisher even in an angry crowd.
GRADE: A-plus

CHRIS PAUL: Played sniping defense, made judicious passes, and his speed always gave the team a jolt.
GRADE: A

TAYSHAUN PRINCE: Hit some bombs, hustled, played his usual superior defense, and was a quiet, mature presence.
GRADE: B-plus

CARMELO ANTHONY: Played the best defense of his career, but failed to fulfill his prediction of snatching 10 rebounds per game. Showed some disturbing signs that he's not quite the grown-up he needs to be, yet his outside shooting was important.
GRADE: B

JASON KIDD: Moved the ball with precision and unselfishness, shot extremely well, but had trouble keeping up with several of the younger, quicker guards he faced.
GRADE: B

DERON WILLIAMS: Hit some big shots and overcame his tendency to over-handle the ball, but played erratic defense.
GRADE: B-minus

CHRIS BOSH: His straight-up defense got worse as the tournament progressed and the competition stiffened, but was still always active.
GRADE: B-minus

CARLOS BOOZER: Wasn't asked to do much and did exactly that.
GRADE: C-minus

MICHEAL REDD: Didn't play enough to keep his stroke well-honed, but did no damage.
GRADE: C-minus

DWIGHT HOWARD: Dunked with admirable authority against inferior opponents. Played miserable defense and was a liability at the stripe.
GRADE: D-plus

Biggest surprise performance: D-Wade's dynamic comeback from his injury-plagued season in Miami.

Most disappointing performance: Dwight Howard's failure to dominate the paint.

Conclusion: Team USA did what they set out to do, and for now, at least, that's all that matters.

Outlook: LBJ, D-Wade, CP3, not-so-mellow-Melo, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard and perhaps a 34-year-old Kobe Bryant will probably re-up for the London Games. It can also be expected that many more NBAers will be eager to be part of the program, which could make the 2012 squad even stronger and deeper.




I agree with this report card from top to bottom...2012 should be cool (if we're still alive)

[Don Jacob]

yeah i'm really disappointed in dwight howard now after these games...he use to be one of my faves in the league but not so much now. chris bosh moved up more and more IMO.

[tempo2]

yeah i was quite disappointed in dwights performance to be honest but they won gold so whatever. But what dwight did highlight was the difference between big men in america and big men in europe, under fiba rules big men who can hit a jumpshot have an advantage rather than someone who only dunks and put backs.

[PLANT]

Agree for the most part, I think Bosh shoulda had a higher grade since he went above and beyond what was expected of him.  Bosh also led the team in Rebounds and Field Goal %....That alone deserves an "A"....

[Don Jacob]

Agree for the most part, I think Bosh shoulda had a higher grade since he went above and beyond what was expected of him.  Bosh also led the team in Rebounds and Field Goal %....That alone deserves an "A"....

i'd give him a solid B

[OG Hack Wilson]

Bosh gets a B bc he wasnt as effective as the tourney went on