Team USA won the first game against Venzuela by a wide margin of 43 points (112-69).  I saw a bit of the game and although it might seem like this is a good sign for team USA, I think they still havent figured it out.  I am not talking about just the players...the coaches and the selection committee. First things first, they stunk it up from the three point line (which is only five feet further back than the free throw line).  Venezuela's defense was atrocious, so US still scored 112 points.  Against better defenses that know how to play team usa, they arent going to do so well with that starting line up.

Lebron is the least fitted for international game cause he dribbles too much and everything revolves around him (not in the good magic/larry bird sort of way).  More importantly, his outside shot is not consistent. Carmelo has sort of figured it out more than lebron and is good at scoring a bunch of points but is a lousy defender and not much of outside shooter. Jason kidd has no outside shot whatsoever and the three headed monster of Howard, Stoudemire, and Chandler doesn't seem to be scaring many because they don't execute well.  It will be interesting to see if Chandler scores any baskets at all this whole tournament.  He should be able to get a tip in or something at some point.  

I think they should have Redd and Miller play more because they can shoot.  Also have Tayshaun play instead of lebron because he doesn't need the ball and he plays better defense.  Kobe and Melo should be the two go to guys when they need points. Whatever happened to the we need role players instead of superstars philosophy?  They will qualify now but they should restructure the team and fill it up with role players that can shoot and are better suited for international games.  Heck, even throw anthony parker into the mix.  

As an aside: Here's a truehoop post about kobe:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-27-94/Kobe-Bryant-is-Not-Messing-Around.html

He seems to really really really want to prove everyone wrong.  He might also be auditioning for the bulls.  Or maybe hes just motivated by the fact that he is playing on a team that has a chance to win and it might be his last chance for any sort of championship.  Either way, the guy has spectacular work ethic along with all the physical tools.  Anyone who doesn't want him on their team is crazy.
Kobe is like all the positive things about nocioni/deng/gordon/hinrich combined.  Except for the flopping/taking charges part.