By Chris Carbot / Miami Florida

Sixth place? SIXTH PLACE? That was the most common reaction upon hearing the news that the U.S. national team finished a morbid sixth at the World Championships this past summer. Is the United States of America, the birthplace of the most enjoyable game in the world (fine, after soccer), only the sixth best country at playing it?

Of course not. The idea is absurd.

The U.S. still has the best players in the world, but the problem is they don’t want to play. The rest of the globe is inching (not racing, but inching) closer to us when it comes to basketball, but there is still a gap. The magnitude of that gap, however, cannot be seen unless the U.S. sends its best players. Some players (read: Allen Iverson) are repeatedly left off of national teams because their images are not what the U.S. selection committee would like the rest of the world to perceive American players as. Well, said committee, Charles Barkley wasn’t exactly the picture of sainthood, was he? He was more Howard Stern than Al Gore, yet he was a major cog in the ‘92 Olympic team that steamrolled opponents by 40 points/game.

Last week Karl Malone called out arguably the game’s two best big men, Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Garnett, to play in Puerto Rico this summer and in Athens in 2004. The Mailman is dead on. The U.S. needs to send a message to the rest of the world, let them know that the travesty of Indianapolis was nothing more than a fluke, and that the best players in the world still sport the red, white and blue.

So who should be on this team? I’ll start with those already named, then fill out the rest.

Already Named:

1. Jason Kidd: Unarguably the best floor leader in the game today. Kidd will be the glue that holds this team together. The perfect choice to run the show. Superb defense, ball-handling, and passing skills.

2. Tracy McGrady: One of the two best swingmen in the league. Unstoppable scorer who could also play some point-forward in a big lineup. Long, athletic, and one of the most complete players around.

3. Tim Duncan: The Big Fundamental was a no-brainer for the selection committee. One of the top three big men in the league, and he has that "character" the powers-that-be like. Could play either big position.

4. Ray Allen: One of the best pure shooters you’ll ever see, Allen will stretch the defense and make a huge killing off of the shorter international 3-pt line. Will stretch the floor and open up the paint for teammates.

Soon To Be Made Official:

5. Kobe Bryant: The other of the top two swingmen. Bryant’s killer instinct and all around game will make him a key asset to the team. With him and McGrady on the wings, opponents will have to pick their poison.

6. Mike Bibby: Another pass first point guard in the mold of Jason Kidd, Bibby also proved he can take matters into his own hands. Will probably be a backup, but don’t let that fool you. Bibbs can play.

7. Karl Malone: Grandpa Mailman adds a much needed level of toughness and "take no ****" attitude this team will need. A veteran of the trenches, he will have as much value as a leader as a player.

The Other Five:

8a. Shaquille O’Neal: The most dominant player in many years. Nobody in the world can stop him one-on-one. His presence alone will command opponent’s attention and open up opportunities for his teammates.

8b. Chris Webber: If O’Neal doesn’t play, Webber should be selected. Has multi-faceted skills for someone his size. Can play both inside and out, and will excel feeding off of Duncan and Garnett

9. Kevin Garnett: The most versatile player in the game, and he also happens to be an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor. Passion and competitive fire are intangibles that will greatly boost his value.

10. Allen Iverson: Please, USOC, look past AI’s tattoos and realize what he’ll bring to the table: fire, heart, and an unquenchable will to succeed in the face of adversity. Plus, he’s quicker than anyone on any other team. He'll be happy to give the ball up now that he has teammates that can shoot.

11. Ben Wallace: Just rebound and defend. He would be a specialist of sorts. Makes the hustle plays and dives on the loose balls whether the score is 90-90 or 120-70.

12. Michael Finley: Another versatile swingman with a well-rounded game, Finley was one of the few players who played well in Indy. Iron Mike does whatever is asked of him without complaint.

That's a team that will regain the respect of the rest of the world. A team that will announce loud and clear that American Basketball still reigns supreme, and is still the bar by which all others should measured. A team that will make us proud. Let the games begin.


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