I know they took a lot of criticism early, but I'm starting to like this team. I think its actually a very solid international team. It's got a ton of great guards and big guys that can handle. Durant and Odom playing the four gives us a great advantage.

I've always thought we made mistakes when we tried to go with athletes alone. We've normally lacked great shooting. This squad has Billups, Curry, Gordon and Durant to knock down shots. Then we still have the athletes Rose, Iguidala, Gay and Westbrook. They're going to be tough to beat.

The shooters are huge, almost everyone on the team can knock down the international three consistently, and to our good shooters it might as well be a layup. It's hard to defend that.

Gordon has really impressed so far. Too bad for him he is stuck with the mediocrity that is being a LA clipper.

Agreed. This team is legit

Agreed. I like the new USA formula for international basketball success.

In addition to what you said, I like that we play athletic, 6'8 swingmen at the four that can knock down threes (like Gay and Durant, even Iggy). It's all about keeping the floor spread out for our drivers and slashers.

Once Ray Allen retires, Eric Gordon will have sole ownership of the prettiest shooting stroke/form in the NBA.

the quickness on D has been killer!!!!!

Just reminds you how much talent the Clippers really have. Mike Dunleavy and that organization is so messed up. Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Blake Griffin, etc.... that's a really talented squad.

I love Kevin Durant

quote:

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Just reminds you how much talent the Clippers really have. Mike Dunleavy and that organization is so messed up. Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Blake Griffin, etc.... that's a really talented squad.

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Or how cursed the team is. I think they will be a much improved team this year, assuming a healthy Griffin, and a healthy and motivated Baron Davis.

Again, my favorite recounting of a Baron Davis interview with Kenny Smith.

Kenny Smith and Baron Davis interview:

Kenny: "On offense, is there anyone who can stop you on the basketball court?"
Baron: "No."
Kenny: "On defense, is there anyone who you can't stop on the basketball court?"
Baron: "No."
Kenny: "Then why aren't you one of the ten best players in the league?!?!"

Kenny touches upon the underrated aspect of Baron's lost potential: defense. In 2008, Devin Harris was asked about which point guards were the best at different elements of the game (best shooter, best penetrator, best handle, etc.). For best defender, part of his answer was this: "Baron is a major pain when he's motivated."


All underaciever team:
http://thepaintedarea.blogspot.com/2009/12/nba-all-decade-2000s-underachievers.html