Team USA vs. Argentina for a shot at gold, Andrew Bogut is OK, and why isn’t Allen Iverson in Beijing?
Chris Bosh, Dime #33Friday morning we’ll see the third major checkpoint of this whole USA Basketball “Redeem Team” project. With Spain and Greece having already been disposed of (although Pau Gasol and Co. could resurface in the gold medal game), the last big dog in the Olympic yard is Argentina, the reigning gold medalists. With the way Kobe, LeBron, Chris Bosh and the rest of the U.S. squad played for the last 20 minutes against Australia — coupled with the fact that Argentina hasn’t been as impressive as a lot of people expected throughout the tourney — another blowout could be in the cards. But Manu was dominant in Argentina’s last outing against Greece, and Luis Scola has a 37-point game under his belt in Beijing. Argentina’s biggest problem is that Andres Nocioni got hurt in the Greece game, and last we heard his status is still up in the air. If he can’t go, Argentina’s chances take a huge hit … Come back to DimeMag.com during the game (10:15 a.m. EST), as we’ll be keeping a running live blog from tip-off to the final buzzer, along with instant halftime and post-game analysis … Breathe easy, Milwaukee fans (all 14 of you); MRI results confirmed Andrew Bogut’s ankle injury that he re-aggravated against Team USA isn’t anything too serious. Bogut and his gigantic contract extension should be healthy come training camp, so he can help torture Joe Alexander with the rest of the guys … From a PR standpoint, is anyone in the League having a worse spring/summer than Josh Howard? He hasn’t done anything to call the feds over, but we all know NBA teams start getting nervous when their guys’ names start turning up in off-court incidents that get negative media attention. The Mavs have shown they’re still behind Howard all the way, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt things if he cranked out a big-time season on the court … Most of the people we know like the Hornets’ new uniforms, which are kind of a throwback to a time when Muggsy was running the break, feeding Larry Johnson and ‘Zo with oops and hitting Dell Curry on the wing. Tell us what you think … E-mail from Cass: “My boy is at the Phillies game and just saw a guy wearing a ‘Mo Cheeks, Less Problems’ shirt.” Good to see the Philly fans think their coach is a genius again. How long will that last? … NBA TV replayed the ‘93 All-Star Game yesterday, the one in Salt Lake City where Karl Malone (28 pts, 10 rebs) and John Stockton (9 pts, 15 asts) picked up co-MVP. Incredibly stacked squads on both sides that year: the West had Malone, Stockton, Barkley, Hakeem, The Admiral, Drexler, Tim Hardaway and Shawn Kemp to name a handful, while the East roster included Jordan, Isiah, Scottie, Ewing, LJ, Shaq (his rookie year), ‘Nique and Joe Dumars. And how about the Cavs having three All-Stars that year? Mark Price, Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance all made the cut. That Cleveland team went on to win 54 games, but of course Jordan would ultimately crush their souls again in the playoffs … Is there any current player who continually owns one opponent the way Mike owned the Cavs? Maybe LeBron and the Wizards, or Dwight Howard and the Bobcats. CP had a few 30-point games on the Grizzlies last year, but they barely count as an NBA franchise … We’ve all heard about MJ and Isiah’s personal beef, but at least during the pre-game intros at the ‘93 ASG they seemed to get along fine. And this was after the infamous Dream Team incident where MJ allegedly insisted that Isiah be kept off the team … Speaking of legends getting the Olympic snub, we haven’t forgotten about Allen Iverson. Say what you want about his style and ability to be a team player — and some of you said plenty yesterday — but the fact that A.I. didn’t even get a Team USA tryout while guys like Luke Ridnour and Adam Morrison did is just ridiculous … Also during that All-Star Game, Magic Johnson was doing color commentary and told a funny story about his rookie year. Magic said in his first three NBA games, he was lit up for 46 points by World B. Free, 38 by Paul Westphal, and 40 by The Iceman. “After that,” Magic said, “I called my Dad and said, ‘Pops, this is gonna be a long season.’” … Instead of taking a chance on the decrepit Jamaal Magloire or highlight-reel staple D.J. Mbenga, why didn’t the Heat just re-sign Earl Barron? He’s got the size, youth and athleticism that usually gets guys jobs in the NBA, but Miami let him walk and sign with Fortitudo Bologna (Italy). Barron will be on the same team as Qyntel Woods, Joe Forte and — here’s a name from back in the day — Dante Calabria … We’re out like USA Track & Field …
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:02 am
young fed says:
1st bitch-ass…take that
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:18 am
chester says:
2nd
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:55 am
josh tha roc says:
Trying to think of a catchy name for a basketball tournament for 11-12yr old kids from different schools in my city. We don’t have many tournaments like this ‘down under’, thought you blokes might have a few suggestions.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 am
luke says:
The Hornets logos are niiiiice. If any of you guys watched GRE/AARG you witnessed Delfino raining 3s and just generally having me wondering why he isn’t at least a decent starter in the league. He’s got talent that’s for sure… I have nmo problems with USA gold but we’d (Non Amerricans anyway hehe) like to see a close game or 2, GRE/ARG was the best game I’ve seen all tournament and it isn’t close.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:17 am
the_done_mega says:
“Most of the people we know like the Hornets’ new uniforms, which are kind of a throwback to a time when Muggsy was running the break, feeding Larry Johnson and ‘Zo with oops and hitting Dell Curry on the wing.”
- ya’ll got it right!!! that’s my team back in NBA JAM!!! LJ n ZO all the way… used to remember a cat back in school who used the Spurs (worm n admiral) but he still got destroyed by my Hornets!!!! is that you FED?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 am
A Pimp Named SlickBack says:
Good Morning Niggas and Hoes.My name is A Pimp Named SlickBack. I would like to point out that today is a glorious day for the pimpin of the hoes. Now with that in mind, I will prophetisize that Team Usa will not only win, will not only blow out, but will also bitch slap Ar-gen-ti-na. Team USA will pray the pimp’s pray and it goes like this:Lord, please pray for the soul of this bitch and guide my pimp hand and make it strong lord! so that she might learn a hoe’s place, AMEN!. I would also like to point out that Spain is going to make Lithuania its bitch. Have a good day, Niggas and Hoes.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 am
sans says:
Man, that year, 93, the Cavs actually beat the Bulls for the Central Division….then got took in the 2nd Round. Jordan is like John Elway–breaking hearts every time they visit Cleveland.
For the kids tourney, give it a name that reflects a cultural kid nickname (whatever that is in Australian) or grab a sponsor to pay for it and name it after them. Try and grab Joe Ingle’s for a day. “Ingle’s Invitational” sounds pretty legit. “Champion’s Tournament”, “Getting Buckets Tournament”, “On Fire Kid’s Invitational”, or just name it after where your at.
Actually, “Kid’s on Fire Invitational”, would be some funny ass shit to put on t-shirt. “On Fire Invitational” would be dope. Or “ballin’”.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 am
sans says:
@A Pimp Named Slickback–were you Gangstalicious yesterday. Just come legit as Riley Escobar. Or drop some supreme knowledge as Huey Freeman.
Wait….is that you doc? Y’all typed pretty similar.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 am
Soopa says:
Loving the new Hornets unis.
And sure the US has got to contain Manu/Scola, but if Delfino is on fire again (2 days in a row hes gotten zero credit in smack after playing is heart out) Kobe might have to go get him and let Wade/Deron/maybe Lebron take care of Manu.
I foresee Bosh having a great game (with Howard in foul trouble after hacking a driving Manu 2 times in the first 5 mins). Whos gonna guard him? Scola? A limping Nocci?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 am
A Pimp Named SlickBack says:
Mr. Sans, may i call you mr. sans? i am not doc. I however have many burleques trying to simulate my flawless, unbroken, unblemished, undamaged vivacity. Good day to you and may you have an egregious day pimpin bitches
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:53 am
A Pimp Named SlickBack says:
Just be joyful for i have blessed this site with my presence
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
smity far away says:
here we go…
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:08 am
daquest?on says:
yoooo this announcers suck! they dont know anything, they said that raul lopez is 20 years old and that hes a rookie. wow. raul lopez is 28 and has played in the nba with the utah jazz. they keep making mistakes on every team, i heard a few days ago the announcers call rudy fernandez rudy rodriguez
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
daquest?on says:
garbajosa doesnt even look like a ball player
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 am
jjankechu says:
dammit, now I’m going to have NBA JAM stuck in my head all day.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 am
daquest?on says:
damn i hate snapper jones
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:46 am
loganlight says:
We’re out like USA track and field…
That’s cold.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
Kingboy D says:
They just don’t make teams like they used to. Hearing those Hornets and Cavs rosters reminds me just how good the rosters were back in the day. Nowadays, it seems that there’s just a few great players and then a whole buncha scrubs on each team. Maybe not everyone back then were superstars, but they could all ball. Like those Hornets - Curry was one of the best shooters, and a lightning quick release. And then add a Kendall Gill in his prime, among other decent players. Damn, that was a nice team!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 am
heartbreaker85 says:
a.i. being snubbed was silly. he wanted in unlike shaq, kg and duncan. plus, the guy plays with heart and energy. its not like chris paul plays better defense than a.i. anyway.
earl barron played a conference in the philippines i think, and looked like a legit finesse big man who could rain threes and jumpshots. he’s no kendrik perkins, but i’d put my money on him over brian cook.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
nerditry says:
@Dime : Would you have rather had AI invited to an tryout that he definitely was not going to get through? The best thing about AI as a teammate is that he is willing to kill himself for everyone else.
The bad thing is that aside from flashes here and there, he’s never done the things to get his team over the hump…like average 10 assists in a season. In fact, the worse his Philly team got after the Finals run, the higher his APG went. And dude would be the old man on the team by 3 years over KB who is their old head.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
Colangelo wanted to get away from what the the ‘00 and ‘04 team did and AI was basically the leader of those squads. I dont blame him taking D-Will and CP over AI because they are superb talents and will be young enough to play in ‘12 and if you have to go with one Vet PG it might as well be the guy with 2 golds that everyone likes and distributes the ball better than anyone else. Enter J-Kidd
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am
Sho-Nuff says:
MJ didn’t allegedly keep Zeke off Dream team. HE DEFINITELY DID! It’s a well known fact that MJ said “if he plays I don’t”. Mike had enough of Zeke’s disrespect from the “freeze out” in his rookie ASG to the walking off the court back in the 90-91 playoffs before the game was over like a bunch of punks.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 am
Luigi says:
wow. intresting..
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:49 am
shake&bake says:
Ha, Qyntel and Forte on the same team. Talk about a couple of guys who never made it in the league. I figure Dante Calabria would have beenin a boy band by now.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
that's whats up says:
damn, on the west coast this week and I cannot see the game that was just blown out by USA. No coverage at all. We need the 2012 games in Chi-Town so we can see this ish real time and in prime time.
This is killin’ me…
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Ian says:
done mega
hey man i used the spurs also worm and david
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Celts Fan says:
I HATE Joe Forte and am a UNC fan. We drated him over Jamaal Tinsley, Gilbert Arenas (who we’d supposedly guaranteed, which he uses as motivation to hang 40 on us most times we play him,) and Tony Parker (who I knew next to noting about besides being young, a pro since he was 15, and REALLY, REALLY fast. he was who I wanted.) Of all those guys, Tinsley’s the worst, and if you ignore his off-the-court stuff (it’s not THAT bad) he’s still pretty solid when healthy. Coulda had Joe Johnson, Richard Jefferson, and TP/Gil/Tinsley and ended up w/ JJ, Kedrick Brown (a slightly more athletic, COMPLETELY less proven -from comm. college - version of RJ!,) and Joe Forte. I’ve obviously gotten over it at this point, i just bring that up because, shockingly, the man in charge of that calamity is still gainfully employed. Ladies and gentlemen, the GM of your 2008 Memphis Grizzlies, Chris Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaallace…
on AI, I really don’t think he’s a good fit on Team USA at all, but you HAVE TO at least invite him and show whether or not he could be. The man wanted to play and is an absolute warrior. At least give him a shot! It’s not like Marion and Paul Pierce (2 other malcontents from the last team, admittedly, both were very young at the time and seem to have matured) weren’t invited back. So Matrix and The Truth get invited to try out for the toughest position on the team (the 3) but AI gets the Marbury treatment and completely ignored?!? AWFUL. Colangelo did a GREAT job with the team from the jump, but he dropped the ball here big time.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
doc says:
The USA is stinking up the track field.But as long as we got this ball thing on lock Im good.But Spain will get that ass whipped for the 2nd and last time of the year.Question for the day: anybody that was writing how whoever thought we wouldnt get challenged was ignorant and arrogant,how fucking ignorant and arrogant were yall for saying it?
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
D-NICE says:
damn speaking of A.I. he always KILLS the raptors home or away
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Skeeter McGee says:
A.I. deserved an invite but I guess Colangelo didn’t want to beat around the bush when he knew he wasn’t going to be on the team. But you have to commend A.I. for the way he played in ‘04, cause that team was not great and he tried his ass off…
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Celts Fan says:
That’s how he ALWAYS plays, that’s why he shoulda at least been invited. Even if you don’t plan on putting him on the team, bring him in, maybe he wows you in practice (not a game, not a game, we talkin bout practice) and forces his way in. Either way, the guy’s a top 50 player of all time. Give him a shot over Luke friggin Ridnour (I can understand Morrison and Redick, both were about to be rookies and had LIT UP the NCAA, so they were expected to be good. JJ was being hyped up as the best shooter on the planet - something that made NO SENSE before he was a pro - and we needed shooting. I still think he’d be better on Team USA/Int’l ball than he’ll ever be in the NBA. If he ever goes overseas, he’ll be a SUPERSTAR. Regardless, neither was invited back in ‘07.)
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Austin Burton says:
If you invited Gilbert Arenas, what’s wrong with Iverson?
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
GEE...going for the gold in 2012 for pimp slappin 10m says:
How does the ladie’s and men’s relay team BOTH drop the baton? Come on now?
Got to love the way after a USA cat stepped on the line to have his medal taken away, USA then calls out another cat for steppin on the track line also so they can take his medal also. LOL USA be wildin.
China needs to stop trying to get them lil 14 year old girls to win golds for them in gymnastics.
Watching badmiton was the shiznit I won’t lie.
Fencing is cool cause it’s quick and over.
Get rid of the rowing ish, it’s horrible and slow and boring. Just makes you wanna fight someone to have to sit through and watch that. That junk makes you violent.
And never thought I would see the day a cat was sweating in a ping pong game to win gold.
Get me outta here.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! says:
THE THING ABOUT AI NOT IN THE OLYMPICS IS THAT HE WAS THE only one WHO PLAYED GOOD AND WAS TRYING AT THE LAST OLYMPICS…I woke up at 6am to watch those games and being an AI fan I have not watched any games this Olympics. In highlights Melo looks like he lost weight (FINALLY!!! he needs his SU coach Boeheim in his life more…)and good to see Bosh get some love finally…I am not mad at CP3 being there instead of AI but having Kidd there instead is lame…
August 26th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Dan says:
I am completely serious when I say this. My buddy Kenny made the “Mo Cheeks less Problems” shirts for the Sixers playoff game. And I wore it to the Phillies game in question. You may not believe me but that is hysterical and true!
And yes, I used to be a hater. Now Mo walks on water. At least for now!
- Dan Keane
August 26th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Dan says:
It was also Kenny’s buddy Chris. I have been told that he made them too. This is too funny.-DK
November 27th, 2008 at 8:43 am
kaberyuka says:
very good and fintastic players