Minnesota Sports Forum

I'm shocked how many guys are turning down the Olympics. It's a cakewalk of a tourney and the practice in the USA program has helped players take the next step to stardom because of the competition and there just won't be as good of competition this year. It's disappointing to see. It won't matter for the tournament because our B squad is still better than everyone else, but this is the biggest international tournament there is and some of our best are just skipping it. Making this roster used to be a big deal and now guys are turning it down like it's a burden to win a gold medal for their country.

Or it could be because of the Zika virus in Brazil. It's not something to play with -- health and safety, that is. Not to mention a lot of the guys turning it down have been there, done that, have just went through vigorous playoff series. I can't blame them.

If I was in the players position I would do the same thing. Think if you are Westbrook and you just lost in the WCF and have already done the Team USA thing. You have nothing to gain from it at this point or you have less to gain then rest and really prepping for next year.

Considering all the circumstances I don't really have a problem with anyone that has bowed out so far. I addition in the team USA context of I was some of these guys I might also look at it as giving some other very deserving guys their opportunity.

khans2k5 wrote:It won't matter for the tournament because our B squad is still better than everyone else

How quickly we forget 2004. That was the last year all the top stars begged out, we won the bronze that year.

Cam--Or it could be because of the Zika virus in Brazil. It's not something to play with -- health and safety, that is.

I agree with Cam, this is a serious consideration

I would consider withdrawing regardless of sport, especially if I were a swimmer.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bacteria-brazil-olympic_us_575b43fae4b0e39a28adb62c

MikeAz wrote:

khans2k5 wrote:It won't matter for the tournament because our B squad is still better than everyone else

How quickly we forget 2004. That was the last year all the top stars begged out, we won the bronze that year.

I remember those days well. We struggled internationally for several years. The days are gone where you can roll out a B squad and expect to dominate.

CoolBreeze44 wrote:

MikeAz wrote:

khans2k5 wrote:It won't matter for the tournament because our B squad is still better than everyone else

How quickly we forget 2004. That was the last year all the top stars begged out, we won the bronze that year.

I remember those days well. We struggled internationally for several years. The days are gone where you can roll out a B squad and expect to dominate.

After 2004 is when they realized they couldn't just roll out whoever to win and started a real national team program. The "B squad" will be more prepared than just some somewhat lesser squad. Don't be shocked if some guys from other countries bow out also for various reasons.

papalrep wrote:Cam--Or it could be because of the Zika virus in Brazil. It's not something to play with -- health and safety, that is.

I agree with Cam, this is a serious consideration

I would consider withdrawing regardless of sport, especially if I were a swimmer.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bacteria-brazil-olympic_us_575b43fae4b0e39a28adb62c

I have a good friend that knows some US Olympic athletes or some that are in a good position to qualify for the games this summer. I will be curious to ask him what their feelings are on the Zika virus and competing there. It's a bad situation.

They finalized the team today. I'm guessing they will be favorites. I'm kind of surprised they didn't pick Kenneth Faried (unless he turned them down too).

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/6/25/12031578/2016-summer-olympics-team-usa-basketball-roster-list-rio-de-janeiro