Well Readers, it appears like it's time for me to impart of my wisdom and answer some of the questions and comments that I've received here in NBA Reality land.Q: Is it clear now that Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player on the planet? He has the most skill and plays the best defense on team USA. He's the difference, so he's the best.
Mike, Chicago
A: Well, no. I don't think that Kobe has been the difference this year. I mean, LeBron has more steals and blocks, but is also shooting 73% for the tournament with a higher ppg than Kobe. Carmelo and Michael Redd are scoring more than him. In fact, more scoring isn't really the thing that team USA was lacking.
I think the additions that make this team better are Jason Kidd and Amare Stoudemire. Kidd is the best point guard that America has to offer, and Amare was first team all NBA this year. Poor point guard and interior play have been the weak spots, and those player are a healthy remedy on any squad.
Amare, by the way has seen his numbers drop, and I wouldn't say it was his fault. Pay attention next time you watch, and notice that he almost always plays with Billups, one of the league's perennial overrated players. LeBron is better at the point than Chauncey.
Q: Yi Jianlian finally signed with us. So who's out of the playoffs in the east now that Milwaukee is in?
Bryan, Milwaukee
A: Ouch Bryan! Milwaukee isn't in. It's actually very rare that a rookie can lead his team to the playoffs in his first season, even if he's really good. Take LeBron for instance. He took his team to the finals in his fourth season, but still missed the playoffs in his first, despite being rookie of the year. I just think that the Bucks are still behind Boston and Miami, so playoffs feel like anything but a guarantee. I do like Yi as a player, though.
Q: How can you say that the Blazers don't make the playoffs this year? With LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden? That's just stupid. Mark my words that they win the Northwest, if not the western conference. GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!
Paul, Portland
A: Sorry Paul, but I had to put this one in purely for entertainment. Portland is behind Denver, Utah and Seattle in the northwest, and when you don't make the playoffs it gets really hard to win the western conference title. Oden just won't be that kind of impact player in his first season, end of story.
Q: Jackdady, can you settle something for me? My dad says that the current team USA isn't good enough to even compare with the 1992 dream team, but I think they are. I say there better, but I porbably just like them more.
Nick, Seattle
A: Well Nick, here's what I can do.
With special thanks to ESPN.com for this info, we know that this team USA is better offensively than the 1992 dream team. A lot of people will say that the old team was better, which a lot of which you'll have to attribute to people treasuring the past. This team really could be better than the old one, especially due to the increased athleticism and youth.
We really won't be able to tell who's better until the USA wins gold in Beijing next summer, and even then, I'm sure no one will agree. But do tell your dad that with all due respect this team is comparable to any team ever assembled.
You can email your questions or comments to the JackDaddy at jackhoops@gmail.com
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