If Team USA basketball selected its team like the Little League World Series determines its U.S. champion, who would win? That is the question we set out to find, and for the past few weeks we’ve been previewing some of the hypothetical teams based on regions. The idea is to gather the best talent in the region, and have that team represent America. Then, determine which team would actually win in a tournament.
With just two regions remaining, we turn our attention to the Southwest, which consists of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. See which players made the cut in another very strong region.
Guards
Deron Williams, Dallas Mavericks
In what seems like ages ago, Deron Williams was once in the conversation of best point guards in the NBA. Now injuries have taken their toll, but he is still an excellent point guard who was part of the 2008 and 2012 gold medal winning Olympic teams. He has tremendous ball control and can work the pick and roll, a skill vital to the international game.
Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers
Clarkson is a young point guard who emerged with the Lakers last season. He is athletic and has a good feel for the game. In time, he can become a great guard, and his athleticism will be welcome in a backup role on this team.
Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mo Williams seems to be a journeyman in the NBA, but his talents on the offensive side are still widely coveted. He can shoot threes and run an offense, and his best trait is how explosive a scorer he still is. In a shorter game, Williams’ points off the bench could be crucial.
Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Jimmy Butler is becoming one of the most complete players in the NBA. His defense has always been outstanding, and he is now figuring out the offensive side of the ball. He would be the lockdown defender on the wing this team needs and can still take over on the offensive side.
Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Joe Johnson is an elite isolation player, and that might not always work in the international game but he is still a great asset. His shooting is streaky but when he gets going he can absolutely take over a game. He can play small forward as well as shooting guard, an important factor given how weak at small forward this team is.
Monta Ellis, Indiana Pacers
Finally, Monta Ellis is the spark plug that allows this team to go small. He can dominate a game with the ball with his explosiveness and ability to attack. He proved in Dallas that with solid players around him, he can be a stud. On this team, he has exactly that.
Forwards
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Blake Griffin leads off a loaded frontcourt, as a tremendous offensive player who can legitimately score from the post. He has added an above average jump shot, and is still supremely explosive and athletic. Griffin was forced to withdraw from the 2012 team, but given a shot he would be a matchup nightmare.
LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
Backing up Griffin would be another legitimate offensive stud, LaMarcus Aldridge. The new Spur is a focal point offensively, and will benefit from having less defensive attention on him than he did in Portland. The fact that Aldridge is a reserve shows just how deep this squad is.
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
Finally, Paul Millsap is the most versatile of the forwards on this team. He can stretch the floor and play either power forward or small forward, and plays much bigger on the boards than his side might indicate. He is the jack-of-all-trades every team needs, and would be an important add on this team.
Centers
Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Chris Bosh gave up his alpha dog status to win a couple of titles, and was also a key contributor on the 2008 gold medal team. Bosh reinvented his game to be able to score in a variety of ways, and is still a solid defensive presence. Though he’s only a center on paper, he can still play either frontcourt position.
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Contract issues aside, DeAndre Jordan is still a dominant defensive player and rebounder. Every team needs a player like him as he would be a force inside to deter opponents’ drives and stifle opposing big men. His free throw shooting is a concern, but with only 5 fouls per player it might be less of an issue.
Al Jefferson, Charlotte Hornets
Finally is Al Jefferson, an unorthodox player who has proven throughout his career that he can score when relied upon. His role on this team would increase with injury, but for now he remains a very capable 11th or 12th man.
Just Missed the Cut
Greg Monroe, C.J. Miles, Wesley Johnson, Reggie Jackson
The biggest concern for the Southwest region is figuring out who gets the minutes at the forward and center positions. With so much depth, at least one or two players wouldn’t be able to make an impact. The point guard is probably the weakest position in terms of star power, but the depth is there to make a difference. Later this week we’ll preview the final region, the West region, and then move on to the actual tournament itself.