It’s time for Team USA to step up once again

As the worldwide sports calendar shifts from soccer’s world cup (FIFA) to basketball’s version (FIBA), the United States will be center stage for the second time this summer, and for the third time this year (it began with the Winter Olympics in February).

The scene now shifts from South America (Brazil) to Europe (Spain), and it’s time to switch the soccer kits for basketball jerseys. The United States Men’s National Team is heavily favored heading into the 2014 FIBA World Cup and with good reason.

Over the last decade, the program has been rebuilt under Executive Director Jerry Colangelo, and it has led to a great deal of success. Since 2004, Team USA has won the Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, finished fourth in the 2005 FIBA Americas Cup, got third place at the 2006 World Cup, champions of the 2007 Americas Cup, won gold at the 2008 Olympics, world champions again in 2010, got another bronze at the 2011 Pan American Games, and another gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.

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Their achievements since 2010 have been the most impressive, especially from an offensive stand point. Starting with that year’s World Cup and through the 2012 Olympics; Team USA has averaged over 85 points per game, had an average margin of victory of 20 points, and have outplayed their opponents on both ends of the court.

This type of play hasn’t been seen since the “Dream Team’s” of the 90’s. But it’s the reality of Team USA today, and now they’re under the gun to continue their global dominance. This time around however that won’t be so easy.

The faces of Team USA have changed since 2012, and there have been some more recent changes which could change their approach once they arrive in Spain. Long gone are the faces of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

In their places are the likes of New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and the surgically repaired knee of Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose. Another popular topic of discussion has been the players who won’t be in attendance. Indiana Pacers forward Paul George was expected to have a prominent role with Team USA in Spain.

Derrick Rose out?

That was until he suffered a career-threatening leg injury –the video and pictures of which went viral- in an inter-squad scrimmage back on August 1st. Just one week later, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant withdrew from the team.

Other notable players that declined invites were soon to be Cleveland Cavalier Kevin Love, L.A. Clippers guard Chris Paul, Portland Trailblazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge, and Kawhi Leonard of the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs among others.

Lately there have been rumors that Rose is considering withdrawing as he has missed the last two practices since scoring seven points in an exhibition against Brazil last week.

He’s been sidelined with soreness in that same knee which has been operated on twice since 2012. While losing Rose would be a setback for USA Basketball, they still have plenty of talent on the roster. Some of them are representing the Stars and Stripes for the first time.

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With or without Rose, the U.S. is still ranked number one in the world by FIBA. If they are to keep that ranking, and if they are to walk out of Madrid as World Cup Champions, they will need exceptional performances from the following players…

The aforementioned Cousins, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Houston Rockets guard James Harden, and Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried. Not too many teams on this earth have a dominant big man, and Cousins will need to exploit that weakness within those teams.

Curry will need to take his scoring magic to the next level, Harden will be looked to for leadership, and Faried’s “grime and grit” style of play will go a long way towards proving himself on the international level. There’s no need for concern with Team USA, but if they let the roster concerns get to their heads, it could derail their championship aspirations.