Team USA Selected, No Celtics Representing

The team that will represent the United States of America at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for basketball was named today. As it should be no surprise to anyone, there were zero Boston Celtics’ players on the roster. Personally, I’m glad that none of them are on the team so after this long season (108 games) and shortened summer, they can go home and rest up for a shot at defending their title. Here is the list of players that will represent our country at the Olympic games:

• Carmelo Anthony
• Carlos Boozer
• Chris Bosh
• Kobe Bryant
• Dwight Howard
• Lebron James
• Jason Kidd
• Chris Paul
• Tayshaun Prince
• Michael Redd
• Dwyane Wade
• Deron Williams

Gerry Colangelo said that there would be more role players on this year’s team, but the only one is Tayshaun Prince. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have invited Jason Kidd back. You have two premiere point guards in Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Why bring a 3rd, especially at the age of Jason Kidd? That’s just taking away minutes from your younger point guards to gain experience for the next couple Olympic games. I would have given Jason Kidd’s spot to Tyson Chandler. With Dwight Howard the only true center on the team, they could use another big man in the middle, especially with zone defenses allowed in the international game. Also, my personal dislike for Dwyane Wade as well as his injuries this season makes me question his invitation to this team. Why not give it to a player like Kevin Durant? He would probably be a 12th man on this team and would gain some great experience as I’m sure he’ll be invited to play for many years to come.

Cooler Talk Around the League

With the season over, the offseason begins with all the trade talk, draft dilemmas and free agent madness. This is perhaps my favorite part of the season as change is always a good thing. As much as we like to see that superstar player stay with the franchise who drafted him, there’s just not that many Paul Pierce type players in the league. Let’s see the news that’s floating around the the noise that some teams, players, and agents are making.

Trade Talk:

• Blazers are interested in bringing in Leandro “The Brazilian Blur” Barbosa to Portland.
• Trade talks still alive involving Dwyane Wade to Chicago for the #1 pick, Tyrus Thomas and Larry Hughes.
• Carmelo Anthony, heavily rumored to be heading to Detroit, received confirmation that he in fact will not be traded this summer.
• Cavaliers have inquired about 3-point specialist and Olympic roster invitee Michael Redd.
• With Lamar Odom’s inconsistencies over the past three seasons, will the Lakers look to move him this offseason to find a better piece for their championship puzzle?
• Update: Pacers and Raptors in serious talks about swapping Jermaine O’Neal for TJ Ford.

The Draft:

• Miami is still enamored with OJ Mayo and conceivably could take him with the #2 pick if they can’t find a trade partner.
• Sonics, along with other teams I’m sure, are looking to put a deal together to move up to the #2 pick to select Kansas State’s Michael Beasley.
• Brandon Rush reportedly received a guarantee from the Pistons if he is available at pick #29.
• DeAndre Jordan is falling and fast. Some NBA scouts say he may not be selected in the first round.
• Milwaukee very interested in Anthony Randolph at #8.
• With the top 4 players pretty much in place, who’s going to be the 5th overall selection?

Free Agency:

• Reports suggest that Shawn Marion will not opt out of the final year of his contract.
• Pistons very interested in Hawk’s restricted free agent, Josh Smith.
• With Gilbert Arenas opting out of his deal with the Wizards, does he return to DC even if Jamison re-signs?
• Will Elton Brand opt out of his final year worth $16.4 million to test the waters of free agency?

Players Reportedly on the Team USA Olympic Roster:

• Michael Redd
• Jason Kidd
• Dwyane Wade
• Dwight Howard
• Carlos Boozer
• Deron Williams
• Chris Paul
• Tayshaun Prince