How should the 2016 US Olympic Basketball team, and future Team USA squads, be constructed? Last week, we introduced a new idea: selecting Team USA Basketball by having teams from different regions of the country play against each other for the right to compete. The idea is to assemble the top talent that comes from the region to create the most potent team possible. Then, see how that team matches up against other American regions, as constituted by the Little League World Series.
On Wednesday, we previewed the Northeast region, but today we focus on and the players of the Midwest. All players have to be from, or started playing basketball at the high school level, in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, or Missouri. Who made the cut?
Guards
Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls
Kirk Hinrich has been a savvy veteran for years now, and would be the starting point guard for Team Midwest. He is the most natural ball-handler on this roster, and would be an apt distributor and a lockdown defender at the PG position. He may not provide much in the way of scoring, but his other attributes and competitiveness make him a lock on this team.
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal has dealt with injuries, but when healthy he makes up ½ of one of the best backcourts in the NBA. He is still very young and provides long range shooting, which is vital in the international game. As he grows on the defensive end, and in other aspects of his game, he will without a doubt earn the respect he deserves.
Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
Another sharpshooter, Kyle Korver narrowly missed making Team USA last summer and is a nightmare to game plan against. His knowledge of complex offensive principles makes him dangerous anywhere on the floor, and the shortened 3-point line makes him even more vital. Korver would be a key contributor no matter when he plays, starting or off the bench.
Alec Burks, Utah Jazz
Alec Burks missed most of last year with injuries, but he was much improved when he was on the floor. He would run the show on the second team, but he is a versatile attacker on offense who can get his own shot up. This team would probably have to play small most of the time, and Burks could thrive with mismatches when they arise.
Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
Yet another youngster on the team, McLemore has shown signs of promise for Sacramento, but has yet to put it all together. Team Midwest would love to see him attack off the bench and use his athleticism to their advantage.
Forwards
Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors
Barnes has been thriving in his role with the Warriors as a third or fourth option, and as a small-ball four. He could play that role again on this team, starting at the forward and stretching the floor. It would be a situation almost identical to his current NBA position, and that would suit him and the team well. His continued improvement would do wonders for this young team.
Otto Porter, Washington Wizards
Otto Porter played a huge role down the stretch and into the playoffs, and this team would love to see his confidence grow. Once labeled a bust, Porter has huge shoes to fill now that Paul Pierce walked, and his role on this team would be a similar one. His slashing ability and athleticism are keys for this team, and why he finds himself on it.
Alan Anderson, Washington Wizards
Anderson was brought in to also help fill Pierce’s shoes, and he specializes as a “3 and D” player. He can shoot from distance and lock down opposing wing players. Anderson fortifies the wing spot on the bench, and can fill in as a starter as well for a more experienced starting five.
Tyler Hansbrough, Charlotte Hornets
Hansbrough brings the muscle that is much needed in international basketball. His physicality, rebounding, and defense ensured him a spot on this team, and he would be needed to bang bodies for 40 minutes (international rules) in the paint. “Psycho T” would need to be intimidating and electric for this team to have a chance.
Nick Collison, Oklahoma City Thunder
Alongside Hansbrough, Collison isn’t known for his offense, but is an elite defender and rebounder. He can shoot with some range, but his presence will be felt on the other end of the floor. He is used to coming off the bench, and thrives in that role, one he would have on this team as well.
David Lee, Boston Celtics
David Lee is the opposite of Nick Collison. His offense far exceeds his defense, and that works for this team. Barren of much interior scoring, Lee would provide that either in the starting five or off the bench as he has for many years. He has played key roles on successful teams in the past, and would have to for this team to succeed.
Kris Humphries, Washington Wizards
Finally, yet another Wizard makes the roster as Humphries rounds out the top twelve. He can score and rebound off the bench, and given the playing time he could be a useful piece on this team too. He was underrated and a solid bench player last season for the Wiz, and at the very least is a veteran presence for this predominantly young team.
Just Missed the Cut
Mike Miller, Anthony Tolliver, Doug McDermott, Jon Leuer
The major problems for Team Midwest are a lack of experience, size, and a true point guard. They would be competitive, however, because of the depth and quality of their shooters. The three is king in international play, so this team could make a real run. Stay tuned as we preview more Team USA regional squads, leading up to the LLWS-style tournament to determine who represents the country.