There have already been a few rumors about who is on the team.
1. Carmelo Anthony - he has been the best player in international play since 2006 WC. He's probably a fixture until he decides he wants the summer's off.
2. Jason Kidd - although his game is slowing a bit, Kidd has the experience and the ability to get everyone involved. This is probably his last go on the world stage, but he will start at the point nonetheless. Plus, he won't try to force his own offense on a team loaded with scorers.
3. Dwyane Wade - he was banged up all last season, which has to be a serious concern, but he has been on the shelf since March, unlike several teammates that had long playoff runs.
4. Tayshaun Prince - a bit of a surprise to be leaked early, but he is a very good defender who knows how to play and won't bog down the offense or demand "his" shots.
5. Kobe Bryant - even though he looked awful in Game 6, he is still the best player on the planet, and a superb closer. If the game is close, you want him on your team. Plus, international teams won't be able to put a longer defender on him because you have to cover guys like Lebron and Carmelo, too.
6. LeBron James - He can do a variety of things, and he is the most unselfish of the three major scorers (Bryant, Anthony). Also probably the best open court finisher in the game. Nobody steps in to take a charge from him when he's going full speed.
7. Dwight Howard - the most physically gifted big man in the game today. He isn't as sharp skillwise, but most international players will have their hands full with his athleticism. I worry about him getting into foul trouble with international referees, though.
8. Chris Paul - Another tremendous distributor, he could average 12 assists a game off the bench with guys like Howard, James, Anthony, Bryant and Wade on the other end. Pick and roll lobs to D-Ho would be a thing of beauty.
9. Deron Williams - He could move off the ball if necessary, and he's so strong that international guards wouldn't be able to push him around, as they would if they were allowed to clutch and grab Chris Paul. He's also deadly from range, which would spread the floor for James, Anthony, et. al.
10. Carlos Boozer/Elton Brand - More or less the same type of player. Basically a low post big body that could score with their back to the basket, command double teams and rebound in traffic.
11. Chris Bosh/Amare Stoudemire - These guys are more of face up scorers, which is why they both can't be on the team, but they could get into pick and roll, pick and pop situations with Paul/Williams and do quite a bit of damage. Plus they would give us another big body on the interior.
12. Tyson Chandler - This team is so loaded on the perimeter, I think its a must to include another big guy. I realize that he is included in place of Michael Redd, which means there is no designated bomber on this team, but a defensive force inside cannot be overstated in importance. I will caveat that Michael Redd should be on this team somewhere (possibly in place of either Paul or Williams), but that this team also needs another big guy.
