THE SPORT COUNT

With injuries to Dwight Howard (fractured sternum) and Kobe Bryant (torn ligament in his pinkie), should Team USA fans be worried at all?

The Sport Count is concerned that should Howard’s injury keep up — or worsen — Team USA are left with only Bosh and Boozer offering an inside presence.. The lack of bigs is attributed to head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s belief that the international game is won outside the paint:

“I think ball-handling and defending the point – that’s where it all starts,” Krzyzewski said. “We learned that in the 2006 World Championships. We didn’t have the strength or the bodies at the point guard position.”

And plunge at PG they have, including Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd in the 12-man line-up.

A further concern is Kobe’s finger, which won’t be operated on until after the Games. While he has said it has affected his shot, Mr. 81 managed to pour in 663 points at 48% through the play-offs, so it seems this injury is an annoyance more than anything.

While not technically an injury, one can consider the selection of Tayshaun Prince at reserve small forward equally as concerning. WTF. Tayshaun didn’t play badly last season, but here’s a brief list of eligible forwards who weren’t selected in the team:

• Caron Butler
• Richard Jefferson
• Ron Artest
• Antawn Jamison
• Shawn Marion
• Lamar Odom

Which speaks for itself. Tayshaun? He was seriously considered the best back-up small forward option of all available American players? I may not know the intimate machinations of international basketball, but something in my bones suggests I’d rather have Marion on the court than Tayshaun Prince. But that’s just me.

Posted by: Alex