Durant pulls out of FIBA.

[Hey Yo]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 4m
Hearing Kevin Durant is poised to announce his withdrawal from Team USA's World Cup trip to Spain. NOT Paul George related, I'm told

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 2m
Durant, I'm told, will cite mental and physical exhaustion when the decision to leave Team USA for this summer is made official

[Rodmantheman]

beta

[AboutBuckets]

****.

[Smook A.]

Won't be surprised if a couple other players do the same

[Jon_Koncak]

what a freakin joke.I hope Collangelo never calls him again.Soft ass beta

[JT123]

fcking pu$$y! :facepalm
Mental exhaustion from what? Choking in the playoffs every year? :lol

[navy]

:biggums:

[Rodmantheman]

fcking pu$$y! :facepalm
Mental exhaustion from what? Choking in the playoffs every year? :lol

:roll:

[navy]

Sounds like Presti's doing.

[Jon_Koncak]

****in idiot that's absurd..lost all respect for him.At least have some sensible excuse..mental exhaustion?:banghead:

[qrich]

Not surprised. Dude is the definition of a chicken.

[hawkfan]

Parsons gets in.

[KBaller33]

That's bull. He saw what happened to George and didn't want any of that. Can't blame him, he looked traumatized after George's injury.

[EllisGW]

i was surprised he was playing in the first place. He is the second best player in the game, let other people play.

[Hey Yo]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo 4m
"(Durant) felt coming out of camp that he was not prepared to fulfill the commitment he made to the team,” said USA's Jerry Colangelo.

[jzek]

KD should teach Howard a thing or two about pulling out.

[PJR]

Good. Not worth it for him.

[Rodmantheman]

KD should teach Howard a thing or two about pulling out.

:lebronamazed:

[protox]

Wonder if UA had a hand in this with his suppose deal?

[outbreak]

Wonder if UA had a hand in this with his suppose deal?
wouldn't they want him to play and promote the brand worldwide?

[jzek]

Wonder if UA had a hand in this with his suppose deal?

Gotta lock in the $320 million before playing.

[Haymaker]

Good. Hopefully other countries start taking that phony tournament less seriously.

[JT123]

[QUOTE=Hey Yo]Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo 4m
"(Durant) felt coming out of camp that he was not prepared to fulfill the commitment he made to the team,

[fpliii]

We're going to lose now. :facepalm

[Mr. Incredible]

Not surprised. Not a great leader IMO.

[Jon_Koncak]

this USA team is gonna be worse than 2002 one.:facepalm

[Rodmantheman]

We're going to lose now. :facepalm

what Team is better?

[KyleKong]

Legit worried that we won't win now.

[bdreason]

Do we even have a starting SF anymore?

[JT123]

Not surprised. Not a great leader IMO.
Not a leader at all. For some reason people confuse scoring the most points with being the leader, but those of us who actually pay attention realize that Westbrook is the undisputed leader of the Thunder.

[Clyde]

what Team is better?

Spain

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Not the Olympics, so who cares?

After that freak injury to PG, I don't blame Durant one bit.

[fpliii]

what Team is better?
In terms of talent none are, but Spain is going to bend us over with their bigs, and we don't really have any tall outside shooters to draw them away from the basket now.

[Bernkastel]

Pillow soft.


KD should teach Howard a thing or two about pulling out.

:oldlol:

[dubeta]

beta

[Hey Yo]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo 4m
Durant: It was a "extremely difficult decision" & "I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time & energy standpoint"

[Hey Yo]

I'm guessing it's more about the probable deal with Under Armour.

[Rodmantheman]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo 4m
Durant: It was a "extremely difficult decision" & "I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time & energy standpoint"

:facepalm

[Sarcastic]

It would be a lot more respectable if he just came out and said he was scared to play after the Paul George injury. This is a bitch ass move.

[JT123]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo 4m
Durant: It was a "extremely difficult decision" & "I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time & energy standpoint"
Dude is 25! :biggums: :facepalm
I lose more and more respect for this dude every time he opens his mouth.

[lakerfreak]

Its a free country and he can do whatever he wants. He signed a contract to be committed to the thunder. If this is going to help him rest, he needs to take advantage of this time off and listen less to other clowns that use words like "beta".

[Denitron]

Rose's team :bowdown:

[Cocaine80s]

Time for Hayward to dominate

[Lebronxrings]

Mr ****ing unreliable, ****ing beta.

[flipogb]

All NBA 1st team caliber players aren't there, don't know why he was even at the camp

[Oly BC]

Marc J. Spears ‏@SpearsNBAYahoo 4m
"(Durant) felt coming out of camp that he was not prepared to fulfill the commitment he made to the team,” said USA's Jerry Colangelo.
Scared shitless because better players would expose him.:facepalm

[Rocketswin2013]

****

[KingLeBronJames]

Too much pressure for him. He can't do it without LeBron and Kobe.

[HylianNightmare]

Bitchmade

[Oly BC]

what Team is better?
What team isn't?


Ok, some aren't but still.

[O_City_Thunder]

Nothing I can really say to defend my boy KD. I keep hearing that it has something to do with the Under Armor situation, but either way I glad he's not playing. He can't use the I'm tired excuse when the Playoffs come around next season though.

[konex]

Such a beta :no:

[Rocketswin2013]

Rose
Curry
Harden
Durant
Davis
Was the starting lineup.

What is it now?

[K Xerxes]

This is not even a relevant competition. Dude has nothing to gain by being there except fatigue and a possible injury. Maybe a classless move, but he shouldn't have even been there in the first place.

[Cocaine80s]

inb4 Coach K pulls out too

[Levity]

a little too much overreaction in this thread.

[Oly BC]

One average shooting night for the US and Slovenia/Lithuania easily win after the group stage is done.
It's that simple.

[HomieWeMajor]

Where them fools that want to take Plumlee :roll: :roll: :roll: .
"Plumlee ISO ISO !" CLANK
My boy DMC gon' put USA on his back like he was getting a tatoo

[Beastmode88]

Not gonna lie russwest0 is gonna get a shit ton of slack for this but fiba doesn't even matter. :roll:

[KNOW1EDGE]

After seeing what happened to Paul George I don't blame him.

Plus he's about to sign a massive sneaker deal with Under Armour.

And he's about to be a free agent in 2016.

No reason whatsoever to risk your livelyhood

[#number6ix#]

Damn I was looking forward to KD dominating this tournament... Oh well I guess curry gonna have to show the world what he's made of

[KBaller33]

Pretty sure Kobe and LeBron stopped playing FIBA at his age too and only played in the Olympics.

[hawkfan]

Rose
Curry
Harden
Durant
Davis
Was the starting lineup.

What is it now?

Hayward or Parsons.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Cue Derrick Rose the take over

[Angel Face]

Rose gonna carry this team, no need to worry.

[USABall]

I love international competition, and I feel tournaments like these are excellent for the association and the players. As an OKC fan, I really wish KD would have kept up his commitment, and I'm quite upset he chose not to go :(

The only positive I can think of, is he will be more prepared and rested for the season, however, it's pretty tacky the way he handled this.

I wonder how much the coaching staff will change the offense

[Angel Face]

Cue Derrick Rose the take over

You reading my mind brah? we posted the same time.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Pretty sure Kobe and LeBron stopped playing FIBA at his age too and only played in the Olympics.
Kobe committed for the 2003, and 2004 team but couldn't make it for obvious reasons. He played in FIBA 2007 so he was about to be 29.

[9erempiree]

I see a lot of people overreacting. The fact of the matter is, this is not relevant tournament. Who cares about it.

I am glad he stood up to them. He has already won a gold medal. Take care of yourself KD and make a bigger legacy in the Nba.

[robert de niro]

After seeing what happened to Paul George I don't blame him.

Plus he's about to sign a massive sneaker deal with Under Armour.

And he's about to be a free agent in 2016.

No reason whatsoever to risk your livelyhood
better stay in a fallout shelter until 2016 then, wait no he might cut with some anchovies can in there

[scandisk_]

No one believes that BS, KD. Chickening out after the PG injury!

Perhaps it has something to do with the Love trade, jowk!

Bran is goin to own his ass :lol

[KBaller33]

Kobe committed for the 2003, and 2004 team but couldn't make it for obvious reasons. He played in FIBA 2007 so he was about to be 29.

Didn't know that about Kobe. Thanks. I know LeBron wasn't committed to FIBA in 2010 because all of his decision stuff and he's not playing now.

It's pretty clear KDs excuses are BS because he practiced with Team USA and participated in the scrimmage. His heart wasn't in it after seeing George's injury.

[SamuraiSWISH]

D. Rose bought to go Captain Steve Rogers in this MFer

[scandisk_]

D. Rose bought to go Captain Steve Rogers in this MFer

:rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

but he has to tone it down a bit though. We don't want that 'thing' ya know :mad:

[SamuraiSWISH]

Didn't know that about Kobe. Thanks. I know LeBron wasn't committed to FIBA in 2010 because all of his decision stuff and he's not playing now.

It's pretty clear KDs excuses are BS because he practiced with Team USA and participated in the scrimmage. His heart wasn't in it after seeing George's injury.
That and even possibly the Under Armour contract as well. Westbrook out, Love out, PG injured ... He pussed out. It's all good though, Rose got this ...

Allow me to reintroduce myself ...

[edrick]

Who gives a shit. I think all of them should tell FIBA to **** off.

[Natureland]

I honestly never wanted him to do it. He played nearly 4000 minutes this season including the playoffs and broke 3100+ minutes the last two regular seasons. Even '09 and '10 LeBron played less minutes at 24 and 25 than Durant did.

And he'd already won gold at the World Championships/Cup in 2010 as the best player so it's not like it was some challenge he needed to overcome.







I mean, uhh...F*CK KD THAT BETA. :mad:

[nathanjizzle]

Knowing rose, hes going to overplay to carry this team,which is dangerous

[KG215]

Not surprised. Dude is the definition of a chicken.
Come on, you're better than that. What are you even basing this on?

[Legends66NBA7]

We're going to lose now. :facepalm

How ?

The team still has more than enough talent to win. But I do wonder who starts now. Both Geroge and Durant were both going to start.

[KG215]

Scared shitless because better players would expose him.:facepalm
Who? LeBron isn't playing so Durant was going to be, easily, the best player in the tournament. Not to mention he's essentially the ideal FIBA player. As good as he is in the NBA, he's arguably even better in FIBA play because his game is ideally suited for it.

[KG215]

This is not even a relevant competition. Dude has nothing to gain by being there except fatigue and a possible injury. Maybe a classless move, but he shouldn't have even been there in the first place.
It's ISH. Overreaction should be part of the forum description. I get it to an extent but, as a Thunder fan, I'm actually kind of happy he's going to get some rest and not risk an injury. Really can't blame him for doing this. He's played deep into the playoffs pretty much four straight season, played more minutes than anyone else in the NBA this year then followed that up by playing 45ish MPG in the playoffs through the WCF. But, like I said, this is ISH. The trolls (which are the majority) aren't able to step back and see how draining this past season was on him. Nearly 4,000 minutes total, more than anyone else in the NBA. Fatigue is a perfectly logical, understandable reason to withdraw. But expecting the insane inmates who run the asylum to understand that is expecting too much.

It stands to reason he's probably a little drained. I also think the George injury spooked him a bit and Presti and the OKC front office had something to do with this but who can blame them? Durant had no reason to be there anyway. Let the less established guys get their run for Team USA in the World Cup.

[russwest0]

Thank god.

After playing all them minutes last season he needed a rest.

[dubeta]

Who? LeBron isn't playing so Durant was going to be, easily, the best player in the tournament. Not to mention he's essentially the ideal FIBA player. As good as he is in the NBA, he's arguably even better in FIBA play because his game is ideally suited for it.

Even you have to admit that this was a bitch move :facepalm

Who else does USA have to play SF now?

[Legends66NBA7]

Who else does USA have to play SF now?

Parsons, Thompson, Korver, DeRozan, and Hayward can all play SF.

Even Harden can play SF is they wanted him too.

[UK2K]

What a vag.

I hope Harden quits too lol we need him to play this season.

[Fudge]

Good decision, Kev. :applause:

[bballnoob1192]

im actually disappointed. you just lost a fan KD. no trolling

[stephanieg]

He gets plenty of rest at the free throw line.

[LongLiveTheKing]

Quitter.

[Im so nba'd out]

its so hard to pull out :applause: him for being able 2

[dubeta]

He tried to negotiate with refs for FT's but realized he couldnt so he shrewdly pulled out due to *fatigue at the age of 25*

[b1imtf]

What a puss.

[Hey Yo]

He gets plenty of rest at the free throw line.
:applause: :applause: :applause:

[JohnFreeman]

mental exhaustion? :roll: :roll:

[Pointguard]

KD should teach Howard a thing or two about pulling out.
Haha!!!

[Keno]

overrated ass leader, no surprise he left. and lmao at exhaustion, acting like he's 30+ years old and going to deep playoff runs/finals appearance every year.

[3peated]

if you'll quit on team usa you'll sure as fk quit on okc

[SamuraiSWISH]

It's ISH. Overreaction
No it's not. He was expected to be the team's best player. Plays during all scrimmages, practices, etc then bails on the team right before the real stuff begins?

He wasn't injured, he wasn't recovering from surgery or major injury. He's young, willing, able, and healthy. Quitting on his teammates, and his nation at the last second.

Stupid soft.

[FKAri]

Disappointed. Should make the competition much closer. Durant was way too dominant in FIBA.

[JohnFreeman]

Didn't LeBron go to three finals and Olympics?

[SamuraiSWISH]

:rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

but he has to tone it down a bit though. We don't want that 'thing' ya know :mad:
Forget all that soft ish, I want to see the home town boy pull off the legendary feat and lead Team USA to gold on his broad shoulders when the soft ass former best player quit.

He didn't get injured because his tone was too high. Just a freak injury, after a season of too many minutes on nagging injuries. Thus overcompensation. Same goes for last year. Mentally wasn't ready or confident in his body yet. When you "tone it down" or play not to get injured ... that's when you get injured. Go hard or go home.

[chazzy]

Surprised he was going to in the first place TBH. For context, it would've been like Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Melo playing in 2010 FIBA.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Didn't LeBron go to three finals and Olympics?
2004 - Bronze (barely got PT)
2006 FIBA - LeBronze
2007 FIBA - Team USA dominated thanks to Kobe / Kidd
2008 - Team USA dominated, Kobe saved USA v.s. Spain
2012 - Team USA dominated, LeBron saved USA v.s. Spain, and Lithuania

[Legends66NBA7]

No it's not. He was expected to be the team's best player. Plays during all scrimmages, practices, etc then bails on the team right before the real stuff begins?

He wasn't injured, he wasn't recovering from surgery or major injury. He's young, willing, able, and healthy. Quitting on his teammates, and his nation at the last second.

Stupid soft.

Pressure falls on Derrick Rose now, I would assume. If Team USA doesn't win it all, I'd think he gets the blame (right or wrong).

[JohnFreeman]

LeBron




Westbrook
Durant

[chazzy]

LeBron




Westbrook
Durant
Plumlee







Cousins
Fixed :lol

[SamuraiSWISH]

Pressure falls on Derrick Rose now, I would assume. If Team USA doesn't win it all, I'd think he gets the blame (right or wrong).
Why would Derrick get all the blame? He's coming off multiple major knee injuries. He's not coming off an MVP season. Nor was he as great as KD to begin with ... or are you trying to bait a stupid argument? Rose didn't come into Team USA as the best player, then quit on them at the last second while being ABSOLUTELY healthy. That's a new breed of soft.

[Hey Yo]

2004 - Bronze (barely got PT)
2006 FIBA - LeBronze
2007 FIBA - Team USA dominated thanks to Kobe / Kidd
2008 - Team USA dominated, Kobe saved USA v.s. Spain
2012 - Team USA dominated, LeBron saved USA v.s. Spain, and Lithuania
So in other words, LeBron was carrying Cleveland, Team USA and Miami for the last 8yrs.

[SamuraiSWISH]

So in other words, LeBron was carrying Cleveland, Team USA and Miami for the last 7yrs.
LeBron only carried Team USA in stretches in 2012. Also didn't carry Miami in 2011. So not entirely accurate, so no ...

[Legends66NBA7]

Why would Derrick get all the blame? He's coming off multiple major knee injuries. He's not coming off an MVP season. Nor was he as great as KD to begin with ... or are you trying to bait a stupid argument?

Nah, man. That's not my intent.

I'm assuming how the media would angle it (if the team lost) because Rose was a former MVP. Off course, IMO, he wouldn't get all the blame. It's a team game.

[JohnFreeman]

LeBron only carried Team USA in stretches in 2012. Also didn't carry Miami in 2011. So not entirely accurate, so no ...
Still turned up to the Olympics though

[SamuraiSWISH]

I'm assuming how the media would angle it (if the team lost) because Rose was a former MVP. Off course, IMO, he wouldn't get all the blame. It's a team game.
Three years ago MVP, yet hasn't played the last 2x season? Umm not even modern BSPN is that stupid with the narrative. It will still be blamed on KD's soft ass for bailing on Uncle Sam at the last second like a coward.

[ThunderKat]

Hmm... if you were about to lock up a $300 million dollar shoe deal would your risk injury that could jeopardize that?

It's a business decision, but he can't say that, or a PR war would be started. Beta lol... nah.. just being smart.

[Hey Yo]

LeBron only carried Team USA in stretches in 2012. Also didn't carry Miami in 2011. So not entirely accurate, so no ...
One series (Finals) when Wade suddenly became first option doesn't = not carrying the Heat in 2011.

[navy]

Pressure falls on Derrick Rose now, I would assume. If Team USA doesn't win it all, I'd think he gets the blame (right or wrong).
Not really. They'll blame the PG injury for shaking the confidence.

Unless of couse someone like Rose literally chucks the ball up selfishly. Which is unlikely.

[chazzy]

One series (Finals) when Wade suddenly became first option doesn't = not carrying the Heat in 2011.
How was he carrying the Heat in 2011?

[SamuraiSWISH]

One series (Finals) when Wade suddenly became first option doesn't = not carrying the Heat in 2011.
Are you serious bruh?

Their regular season numbers were nearly identical

26 / 6 / 5
27 / 8 / 7

That's carrying the Heat? Wade wasn't even a true sidekick that season. They were borderline equals. Wasn't until 2012 he firmly became a sidekick (still not carrying the Heat) ... 2013 / 2014 with Wade, Bosh's games reduced, injured, regressed did he truly start carrying Miami.

At that point it didn't matter though given how historically weak the conference they played in was ... and also at that time the surrounding roster pieces were much better than they were in 2011, or 2012.

[Legends66NBA7]

Team USA should still win, they just have to consider what type of lineup they are going to use. With 2 of their most versatile players out, it's a good bet they go big and keep guys like Cousins, Faried, and Plumlee, while sliding Davis back to PF.

[JohnFreeman]

Imagine if LeBron pulled out this late? He would be getting hammered. I suppose Durant isn't the same caliber.

[fragokota]

I lost some respect for him after that.

[dazzer87]

What a quitter..........Born loser.........:facepalm

[D-Rose]

I get the criticism because it's late into the process. I'm sure the Under Armor offer has to do with this.

Also, Durant has played the most minutes of any guy in the league in the last 4 years.

Team USA just got a whole lot more interesting.

[KNOW1EDGE]

Kevin Durant does not owe it to the people of ISH to play in FIBA.

Very smart decision. He's not the only one who's made the decision not to play in the FIBA tournament. He has the right to change his mind. Good for him.

[Noob Saibot]

Kevin Durant's gone to omega status here. there must be something going on behind the scenes for him to take time off. if not, then he's begin a wuss.

[bballnoob1192]

i just don't see how this usa squad can win. durant literally carried the 2010 team on his back. now who's gonna carry the 2014 team. the only elite lvl talent left on the team are PGs and idk if PGs can carry in international play.

[KG215]

i just don't see how this usa squad can win. durant literally carried the 2010 team on his back. now who's gonna carry the 2014 team. the only elite lvl talent left on the team are PGs and idk if PGs can carry in international play.
The hell are you talking about? Spanoulis has been carrying Greece to international succe....

Oh wait...no he hasn't.

[Dr.J4ever]

Well, Tony Parker carried France to the Eurobasket Gold Medal game last year, and then Batum won the game for them. So it can be done with lesser talent, but now USA will really be tested.

Team USA will have to come up with a real offensive system, and Coach K will have to bring out his main guns, brain power wise.

To me, USA will now be just one of the teams in the field. The tournament is wide open now.

[russwest0]

Hmm... if you were about to lock up a $300 million dollar shoe deal would your risk injury that could jeopardize that?

It's a business decision, but he can't say that, or a PR war would be started. Beta lol... nah.. just being smart.

lol I don't even think it's a business decision. he played over 3000 minutes last year in the regular season and then was overworked in the playoffs as well.

it was a bad choice from the get go to even go forth with the fiba tournament. I'm glad he pulled out now. better late than never.

[hawkfan]

Parsons and Hayward get the opportunity to improve their games.

[gts]

I get the criticism because it's late into the process. I'm sure the Under Armor offer has to do with this.

Also, Durant has played the most minutes of any guy in the league in the last 4 years.

Team USA just got a whole lot more interesting.

Oh I think the UnderArmour deal has a lot to do with this... We may find out this is Durant taking the high road in an ugly game of sportswear supplier politics

[ALBballer]

USA should still win. Parsons and Haywards games should fit well in FIBA.

Though I think DMC needs to stay on the team now.

[LBJ4MVP23]

Imagine if LBJ did this? HE QUIT. CHOKER. QUIT ON HIS TEAM. ALL HE CARES ABOUT IS MONEY. HES MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS BRAND THAN BASKETBALL. COWARD. etc.

[Unstoppabull]

I respect his decision. His workload has been pretty tough the past couple years. And seeing Paul George probably had something to do with this.
After all, The Thunder are the ones paying him big bucks. Playing for FIFA is a low reward high risk move anyways.
Smart Move.

[Euroleague]

****in idiot that's absurd..lost all respect for him.At least have some sensible excuse..mental exhaustion?:banghead:

Like what? Like this?

Dimitris Diamantidis:

Reporter: "Why can't you play for Greece anymore?"

Dimitris Diamantidis: "I have more important things to do. Like spend time with my girlfriend, lay on the beach, and sip cocktails."

[Le Shaqtus]

Well we're f*cked.

[JT123]

Imagine if LBJ did this? HE QUIT. CHOKER. QUIT ON HIS TEAM. ALL HE CARES ABOUT IS MONEY. HES MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS BRAND THAN BASKETBALL. COWARD. etc.
This. But as usual KD gets a free pass for being a soft mental midget. :facepalm

[UK2K]

We got Harden, Rose two years removed from organized basketball, and....?

We are super weak at the SF spot. Hayward/Korver/Parsons.

With Durant out, if Cousins its gonna look ugly.

[Euroleague]

One average shooting night for the US and Slovenia/Lithuania easily win after the group stage is done.
It's that simple.

With fair reffing, they were not beating those teams with Durant.

Now they won't beat Australia either.

The problem is still the FAIR REFFING part.

I have not seen a tournament that wasn't rigged for Team USA since 2006. And they already went as far as to rig the bracket beforehand for them.

It's almost as if they don't even care what team they have, because they already know the refs will make sure they win.

With FAIR reffing, they would not even beat Australia now. But they don't get reffed fairly. That's the problem.

[dubeta]

Imagine if LBJ did this? HE QUIT. CHOKER. QUIT ON HIS TEAM. ALL HE CARES ABOUT IS MONEY. HES MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS BRAND THAN BASKETBALL. COWARD. etc.

This is so true!:applause:

Durant is like that slow kid in school, who takes 10x longer to learn stuff than his classmates

He finally answers a question right in class, and there's a entire school celebration for him

the smart kid (lebron) answers a question right and gets mocked for not doing it fast enough

different expectations

[leopoldstotch]

Look at this roster:

http://www.usab.com/mens/national-team/roster.aspx

Oldest guy on the squad? Kyle Korver.
The older guys on the team? Rose, Parsons, Curry (1988) followed by Harden, Faried, and Derozen (1989).

What kind of team is this? I would not be surprised at all if USA doesn't make top 3 after next month's tournament.

[JT123]

This is so true!:applause:

Durant is like that slow kid in school, who takes 10x longer to learn stuff than his classmates

He finally answers a question right in class, and there's a entire school celebration for him

the smart kid (lebron) answers a question right and gets mocked for not doing it fast enough

different expectations
:applause: One of the best analogies I have ever heard.

[UK2K]

With fair reffing, they were not beating those teams with Durant.

Now they won't beat Australia either.

The problem is still the FAIR REFFING part.

I have not seen a tournament that wasn't rigged for Team USA since 2006. And they already went as far as to rig the bracket beforehand for them.

It's almost as if they don't even care what team they have, because they already know the refs will make sure they win.

With FAIR reffing, they would not even beat Australia now. But they don't get reffed fairly. That's the problem.

Australia....

[Euroleague]

Look at this roster:

http://www.usab.com/mens/national-team/roster.aspx

Oldest guy on the squad? Kyle Korver.
The older guys on the team? Rose, Parsons, Curry (1988) followed by Harden, Faried, and Derozen (1989).

What kind of team is this? I would not be surprised at all if USA doesn't make top 3 after next month's tournament.

1. They are in a ridiculously weak bracket, because FIBA rigged the bracket for them. The first time in history that ever happened. And YES, the rest of the federations are FURIOUS that happened and EVERYONE says they rigged it.

2. The refs have helped Team USA in every tournament from 2008 onwards. They got help to win the 2008 gold medal game. They got absurd help in 2010. The refs helped them win every single elimination game in 2010. They would have easily lost to Russia for example at the first elimination round in 2010 if not for the refs. In 2012, the refs again helped in the gold medal game. Since FIBA already rigged the bracket for them in this tournament, why is there any reason to think the ref help isn't coming this time? OBVIOUSLY FIBA wants a USA-Spain final.

3. So the USA is missing some player? So are most of the other teams. Other than Spain, most of the other teams are either missing some of their best players, several of their best players, their best player, or all of the above. And the teams that would be most capable maybe of making a challenge like Greece or France have just as depleted rosters as USA does.

And by their rigging with the bracket, they put ALL the contending teams in the OTHER side of the bracket. Like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Brazil, Spain - they put ALL of them on the OTHER side of the bracket.

4. The refs already helped the US win 2 Olympic finals against Spain in 2008 and 2012. This is in Spain. They planned the final ahead of time as already noted. Guess what? USA was not beating Spain no matter what team they sent. Any team USA sent to this tournament was LOSING TO SPAIN. It was simply planned to get USA in the final and that was it.

5. So Coach K already knows he had to plan for next year and the FIBA Americas and get young players playing time and get ready for qualification for next year.

6. So the whole thing is simply rigging it so USA can send a POS team, with giving their good players rest, so they can make the final like FIBA wants. That's it.

If it was based on actual competition, with fair reffing, this USA team would have no chance in hell at a medal, even with being in the weakest bracket in the history of the tournament and even with all the other top teams being on the other side of the bracket.

The tournament is based on getting USA into the final to play against Spain. Spain is at home and already lost two Olympic finals against USA due to refs. So they are getting this one, and would have been gifted it from FIBA no matter what team USA had.

Which is exactly why USA media has been dropping hints all along that USA "might lose this to Spain". And in all other tournaments they say "USA will not lose any games". Don't be so naive as to think they don't all know how it works and just don't pretend about it all.

[NumberSix]

His heart is broke, but he has some glue.

[SOD 21]

Serge Ibaka needs to follow Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's lead and withdraw from playing in these world championships. He suffered a serious calf injury in the playoffs and just last week admitted that he was not fully healthy yet.

That is the smart move.

[UK2K]

1. They are in a ridiculously weak bracket, because FIBA rigged the bracket for them. The first time in history that ever happened. And YES, the rest of the federations are FURIOUS that happened and EVERYONE says they rigged it.

2. The refs have helped Team USA in every tournament from 2008 onwards. They got help to win the 2008 gold medal game. They got absurd help in 2010. The refs helped them win every single elimination game in 2010. They would have easily lost to Russia for example at the first elimination round in 2010 if not for the refs. In 2012, the refs again helped in the gold medal game. Since FIBA already rigged the bracket for them in this tournament, why is there any reason to think the ref help isn't coming this time? OBVIOUSLY FIBA wants a USA-Spain final.

3. So the USA is missing some player? So are most of the other teams. Other than Spain, most of the other teams are either missing some of their best players, several of their best players, their best player, or all of the above. And the teams that would be most capable maybe of making a challenge like Greece or France have just as depleted rosters as USA does.

And by their rigging with the bracket, they put ALL the contending teams in the OTHER side of the bracket. Like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Brazil, Spain - they put ALL of them on the OTHER side of the bracket.

4. The refs already helped the US win 2 Olympic finals against Spain in 2008 and 2012. This is in Spain. They planned the final ahead of time as already noted. Guess what? USA was not beating Spain no matter what team they sent. Any team USA sent to this tournament was LOSING TO SPAIN. It was simply planned to get USA in the final and that was it.

5. So Coach K already knows he had to plan for next year and the FIBA Americas and get young players playing time and get ready for qualification for next year.

6. So the whole thing is simply rigging it so USA can send a POS team, with giving their good players rest, so they can make the final like FIBA wants. That's it.

If it was based on actual competition, with fair reffing, this USA team would have no chance in hell at a medal, even with being in the weakest bracket in the history of the tournament and even with all the other top teams being on the other side of the bracket.

USA 156
Nigeria 73

That is one hell of a rigged game.

[SOD 21]

1. They are in a ridiculously weak bracket, because FIBA rigged the bracket for them. The first time in history that ever happened. And YES, the rest of the federations are FURIOUS that happened and EVERYONE says they rigged it.

2. The refs have helped Team USA in every tournament from 2008 onwards. They got help to win the 2008 gold medal game. They got absurd help in 2010. The refs helped them win every single elimination game in 2010. They would have easily lost to Russia for example at the first elimination round in 2010 if not for the refs. In 2012, the refs again helped in the gold medal game. Since FIBA already rigged the bracket for them in this tournament, why is there any reason to think the ref help isn't coming this time? OBVIOUSLY FIBA wants a USA-Spain final.

3. So the USA is missing some player? So are most of the other teams. Other than Spain, most of the other teams are either missing some of their best players, several of their best players, their best player, or all of the above. And the teams that would be most capable maybe of making a challenge like Greece or France have just as depleted rosters as USA does.

And by their rigging with the bracket, they put ALL the contending teams in the OTHER side of the bracket. Like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Brazil, Spain - they put ALL of them on the OTHER side of the bracket.

4. The refs already helped the US win 2 Olympic finals against Spain in 2008 and 2012. This is in Spain. They planned the final ahead of time as already noted. Guess what? USA was not beating Spain no matter what team they sent. Any team USA sent to this tournament was LOSING TO SPAIN. It was simply planned to get USA in the final and that was it.

5. So Coach K already knows he had to plan for next year and the FIBA Americas and get young players playing time and get ready for qualification for next year.

6. So the whole thing is simply rigging it so USA can send a POS team, with giving their good players rest, so they can make the final like FIBA wants. That's it.

If it was based on actual competition, with fair reffing, this USA team would have no chance in hell at a medal, even with being in the weakest bracket in the history of the tournament and even with all the other top teams being on the other side of the bracket.

Can you elaborate further, please.

[UK2K]

Spain
27 fouls
27/32 FT's

USA
27 fouls
24/31 FT's

Euro is a loser.

ITS RIGGED! ITS RIGGED!
RIGGED I TELL YA!

[gabepizza]

1. They are in a ridiculously weak bracket, because FIBA rigged the bracket for them. The first time in history that ever happened. And YES, the rest of the federations are FURIOUS that happened and EVERYONE says they rigged it.

2. The refs have helped Team USA in every tournament from 2008 onwards. They got help to win the 2008 gold medal game. They got absurd help in 2010. The refs helped them win every single elimination game in 2010. They would have easily lost to Russia for example at the first elimination round in 2010 if not for the refs. In 2012, the refs again helped in the gold medal game. Since FIBA already rigged the bracket for them in this tournament, why is there any reason to think the ref help isn't coming this time? OBVIOUSLY FIBA wants a USA-Spain final.

3. So the USA is missing some player? So are most of the other teams. Other than Spain, most of the other teams are either missing some of their best players, several of their best players, their best player, or all of the above. And the teams that would be most capable maybe of making a challenge like Greece or France have just as depleted rosters as USA does.

And by their rigging with the bracket, they put ALL the contending teams in the OTHER side of the bracket. Like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Brazil, Spain - they put ALL of them on the OTHER side of the bracket.

4. The refs already helped the US win 2 Olympic finals against Spain in 2008 and 2012. This is in Spain. They planned the final ahead of time as already noted. Guess what? USA was not beating Spain no matter what team they sent. Any team USA sent to this tournament was LOSING TO SPAIN. It was simply planned to get USA in the final and that was it.

5. So Coach K already knows he had to plan for next year and the FIBA Americas and get young players playing time and get ready for qualification for next year.

6. So the whole thing is simply rigging it so USA can send a POS team, with giving their good players rest, so they can make the final like FIBA wants. That's it.

If it was based on actual competition, with fair reffing, this USA team would have no chance in hell at a medal, even with being in the weakest bracket in the history of the tournament and even with all the other top teams being on the other side of the bracket.

The tournament is based on getting USA into the final to play against Spain. Spain is at home and already lost two Olympic finals against USA due to refs. So they are getting this one, and would have been gifted it from FIBA no matter what team USA had.

Which is exactly why USA media has been dropping hints all along that USA "might lose this to Spain". And in all other tournaments they say "USA will not lose any games". Don't be so naive as to think they don't all know how it works and just don't pretend about it all.

What are you a crazy naive racist??!!!!

Just every game since 2008? No!!!

Every single game the USA has ever won ever since international competition started in the 1930s has been rigged.

Every single game ever when a non-European team beats a European game was rigged.

Every single game ever when a NBA beat a Euroleague team ever was rigged

and finally...every single game Spanoulis has lost in his entire career ever was rigged.

So basically 90% of all basketball games are rigged.

Did I miss anything??

:confusedshrug:

[I<3NBA]

basically, he's saying: if his team loses, it's rigged. if it wins, it was fairly reffed.

also. fk Durant.

[k0kakw0rld]

We're going to lose now. :facepalm
Canada >>>> All

USA still have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. They are more than enough.

[D-Rose]

1. They are in a ridiculously weak bracket, because FIBA rigged the bracket for them. The first time in history that ever happened. And YES, the rest of the federations are FURIOUS that happened and EVERYONE says they rigged it.

2. The refs have helped Team USA in every tournament from 2008 onwards. They got help to win the 2008 gold medal game. They got absurd help in 2010. The refs helped them win every single elimination game in 2010. They would have easily lost to Russia for example at the first elimination round in 2010 if not for the refs. In 2012, the refs again helped in the gold medal game. Since FIBA already rigged the bracket for them in this tournament, why is there any reason to think the ref help isn't coming this time? OBVIOUSLY FIBA wants a USA-Spain final.

3. So the USA is missing some player? So are most of the other teams. Other than Spain, most of the other teams are either missing some of their best players, several of their best players, their best player, or all of the above. And the teams that would be most capable maybe of making a challenge like Greece or France have just as depleted rosters as USA does.

And by their rigging with the bracket, they put ALL the contending teams in the OTHER side of the bracket. Like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Brazil, Spain - they put ALL of them on the OTHER side of the bracket.

4. The refs already helped the US win 2 Olympic finals against Spain in 2008 and 2012. This is in Spain. They planned the final ahead of time as already noted. Guess what? USA was not beating Spain no matter what team they sent. Any team USA sent to this tournament was LOSING TO SPAIN. It was simply planned to get USA in the final and that was it.

5. So Coach K already knows he had to plan for next year and the FIBA Americas and get young players playing time and get ready for qualification for next year.

6. So the whole thing is simply rigging it so USA can send a POS team, with giving their good players rest, so they can make the final like FIBA wants. That's it.

If it was based on actual competition, with fair reffing, this USA team would have no chance in hell at a medal, even with being in the weakest bracket in the history of the tournament and even with all the other top teams being on the other side of the bracket.

The tournament is based on getting USA into the final to play against Spain. Spain is at home and already lost two Olympic finals against USA due to refs. So they are getting this one, and would have been gifted it from FIBA no matter what team USA had.

Which is exactly why USA media has been dropping hints all along that USA "might lose this to Spain". And in all other tournaments they say "USA will not lose any games". Don't be so naive as to think they don't all know how it works and just don't pretend about it all.

Let's be honest...this tournament only has like a few really competitive teams. Who gives a ****.

[KG215]

Imagine if LBJ did this? HE QUIT. CHOKER. QUIT ON HIS TEAM. ALL HE CARES ABOUT IS MONEY. HES MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS BRAND THAN BASKETBALL. COWARD. etc.
Right, because there's been virtually no backlash towards Durant in this thread.

[ihoopallday]

Right, because there's been virtually no backlash towards Durant in this thread.

LeBron and Durant are worlds apart when it comes to the media. LeBron lives under a microscope in the media. Durant can make stupid decisions and not really be scrutinized for it. It is what it is. :eek: Just imagine if he had something like a rape allegation or a cheating scandal.

[KG215]

1. They are in a ridiculously weak bracket, because FIBA rigged the bracket for them. The first time in history that ever happened. And YES, the rest of the federations are FURIOUS that happened and EVERYONE says they rigged it.

2. The refs have helped Team USA in every tournament from 2008 onwards. They got help to win the 2008 gold medal game. They got absurd help in 2010. The refs helped them win every single elimination game in 2010. They would have easily lost to Russia for example at the first elimination round in 2010 if not for the refs. In 2012, the refs again helped in the gold medal game. Since FIBA already rigged the bracket for them in this tournament, why is there any reason to think the ref help isn't coming this time? OBVIOUSLY FIBA wants a USA-Spain final.

3. So the USA is missing some player? So are most of the other teams. Other than Spain, most of the other teams are either missing some of their best players, several of their best players, their best player, or all of the above. And the teams that would be most capable maybe of making a challenge like Greece or France have just as depleted rosters as USA does.

And by their rigging with the bracket, they put ALL the contending teams in the OTHER side of the bracket. Like Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Brazil, Spain - they put ALL of them on the OTHER side of the bracket.

4. The refs already helped the US win 2 Olympic finals against Spain in 2008 and 2012. This is in Spain. They planned the final ahead of time as already noted. Guess what? USA was not beating Spain no matter what team they sent. Any team USA sent to this tournament was LOSING TO SPAIN. It was simply planned to get USA in the final and that was it.

5. So Coach K already knows he had to plan for next year and the FIBA Americas and get young players playing time and get ready for qualification for next year.

6. So the whole thing is simply rigging it so USA can send a POS team, with giving their good players rest, so they can make the final like FIBA wants. That's it.

If it was based on actual competition, with fair reffing, this USA team would have no chance in hell at a medal, even with being in the weakest bracket in the history of the tournament and even with all the other top teams being on the other side of the bracket.

The tournament is based on getting USA into the final to play against Spain. Spain is at home and already lost two Olympic finals against USA due to refs. So they are getting this one, and would have been gifted it from FIBA no matter what team USA had.

Which is exactly why USA media has been dropping hints all along that USA "might lose this to Spain". And in all other tournaments they say "USA will not lose any games". Don't be so naive as to think they don't all know how it works and just don't pretend about it all.
I say this a lot to you, but I truly mean it this time.

You post a lot of really, just unbelievably, like "holy shit there's no way one person can actually be that jaded and that angry", stupid shit. I mean, if we're being honest, out of all the posters who, like you, are attempting to be taken at least semi-seriously, you're hands down the biggest dumbass. Out all the head-bangingly stupid nonsense you've posted over the years, I think this takes the cake. You pretty much took all your nonsensical ramblings over the years and condensed them into one post.

[Euroleague]

I say this a lot to you, but I truly mean it this time.

You post a lot of really, just unbelievably, like "holy shit there's no way one person can actually be that jaded and that angry", stupid shit. I mean, if we're being honest, out of all the posters who, like you, are attempting to be taken at least semi-seriously, you're hands down the biggest dumbass. Out all the head-bangingly stupid nonsense you've posted over the years, I think this takes the cake. You pretty much took all your nonsensical ramblings over the years and condensed them into one post.

It's true. You are just a freaking moron.

[UK2K]

It's true. You are just a freaking moron.
No, he's right.

That whole post was nothing but hate for the NBA because nobody gives a shit about the euro league.

You claim games are rigged when fouls and free throws are nearly identical, then there is some sort of giant Illuminati plot for USA to win everything and take down the world.

You do suck.

[KG215]

It's true. You are just a freaking moron.
Just because you have somehow convinced yourself that everyone everywhere is rigging every single basketball tournament for the USA to win doesn't mean it's true. You're no different than any other crazed, tinfoil hat wearing, paranoid conspiracy theorist.

You have less than zero credible evidence that any of that is true.

[Rolando]

Durant was stupid to participate in the first place.

What he should have focused on this off-season was getting some mass and muscle on his body. Now it is too late anyway. Fool.

Look at Lebron: Understood that he needed to get trim and change his body. Got focused and got it done. Durant, on the other hand, missed an opportunity to address a glaring weakness, namely, he is too thin.

[duskovujosevic]

Euroleague is one of those sick conspiracy theorists.

http://thespanishprisoner.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/conspiracy_theorists.jpg

[deja vu]

Team USA's Olympic adventure should have been over years ago. It's time to send under 23s to the Olympics just like football.

[BigTicket]

Durant probably thinks this next season might be his best shot at a ring, while OKC can still keep everyone together, so he wants to do everything he can to win now. Seems like a logical move on his part.

[Lebron23]

I pick Spain or France to win the 2014 FIBA World Championship. Current Team USA reminds me of the 2002 US Team.

[Sakkreth]

Shit, now if USA loses they will have excuses. Always liked to see Lithuania battle it out against USA superstars such as Bron, Durant and Kobe.

[Oly BC]

Shit, now if USA loses they will have excuses. Always liked to see Lithuania battle it out against USA superstars such as Bron, Durant and Kobe.
They'd have "excuses" anyway.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Really lost respect for KD here for pulling out so late.

I've been a Rose hater in the past, but this is his team now, he's got to step up and lead us to the Gold. I still have complete confidence, the international crop of teams is not strong atm. Our back court, wings, and front court are all still significantly better than Spain's, and the rest of the shit teams like Lithuania, Greece, etc... wouldn't stand a chance against an even worse team than this C-League roster we're putting out there.

Another tourney, another gold for the US, and more whining about a 'rigged' tournament from Euroleague and his little mindless butt buddy Oly BC.

[hawkfan]

Team USA will need Parsons to be an Alpha.
Parsons isn't as good as Durant, but he has size and the same skill set.
Will Harden get jealous and not pass Parsons the ball?

[Wally450]

Team USA will need Parsons to be an Alpha.
Parsons isn't as good as Durant, but he has size and the same skill set.
Will Harden get jealous and not pass Parsons the ball?

Jealous of what?

[GimmeThat]

I'd like to think that he knows whats best for him in turn of preparing himself for the upcoming season

[D-Rose]

There's still plenty of firepower, but losing PG and KD is a big loss of defense, athleticism, and versatility.

I still expect them to stroll into the Final and win a tough game.

[JohnFreeman]

Why didn't he mention it before Wall and everyone got cut? smh

[Oly BC]

Really lost respect for KD here for pulling out so late.

I've been a Rose hater in the past, but this is his team now, he's got to step up and lead us to the Gold. I still have complete confidence, the international crop of teams is not strong atm. Our back court, wings, and front court are all still significantly better than Spain's, and the rest of the shit teams like Lithuania, Greece, etc... wouldn't stand a chance against an even worse team than this C-League roster we're putting out there.

Another tourney, another gold for the US, and more whining about a 'rigged' tournament from Euroleague and his little mindless butt buddy Oly BC.
Keep your calm, you're gonna need it when the nba stars get trashed.:lol

KD was wise to pull out, may avoid some of the embarassment.

[hawksdogsbraves]

I'd like to think that he knows whats best for him in turn of preparing himself for the upcoming season

Obviously not or he wouldn't have gone this far into the preparation process.

People aren't mad that he isn't playing, they're mad because he's pulling out at pretty much the absolute last possible second, leaving us in a tight spot because we're short on wings now.

[Euroleague]

I pick Spain or France to win the 2014 FIBA World Championship. Current Team USA reminds me of the 2002 US Team.

France is no better than any number of European teams when they have all their best players. No way in hell they sniff a gold medal at this tournament, even with all the players missing from other teams.

They are in a crazy hard bracket. No chance in hell for France with the team they have. It may look like it's some "dominant" team to NBA only fans just because it has a bunch of NBA players, but it's not going to get a gold medal.

Even with Parker they only won a gold medal one time. Hell, even with NBA stacked rosters every single year for years on end, they only won a gold medal once in their entire history.

You actually think they have any chance in hell to come out of the ridiculous bracket without guys like Parker and Ajinca and other big men they need? No freaking way.

[Euroleague]

Shit, now if USA loses they will have excuses. Always liked to see Lithuania battle it out against USA superstars such as Bron, Durant and Kobe.

When has USA never had a million excuses for any loss? Is this the first time you have been to this forum?

[Euroleague]

Really lost respect for KD here for pulling out so late.

I've been a Rose hater in the past, but this is his team now, he's got to step up and lead us to the Gold. I still have complete confidence, the international crop of teams is not strong atm. Our back court, wings, and front court are all still significantly better than Spain's, and the rest of the shit teams like Lithuania, Greece, etc... wouldn't stand a chance against an even worse team than this C-League roster we're putting out there.

Another tourney, another gold for the US, and more whining about a 'rigged' tournament from Euroleague and his little mindless butt buddy Oly BC.

Another psychotic.

[Dengness9]

Time for Derrick to Rise.

I wanna see Steph kill it too.

[inclinerator]

who's fiba is she hot? can the heat get her?

[BigTicket]

Anyone else think this might be related to the Love trade ?

It's no secret that Durant watches everything Lebron does, and he knows he might need to beat Cleveland to get his first title, so if Lebron and Love are resting and preparing this summer ...

[Legends66NBA7]

Anyone else think this might be related to the Love trade ?

It's no secret that Durant watches everything Lebron does, and he knows he might need to beat Cleveland to get his first title, so if Lebron and Love are resting and preparing this summer ...

I believe this is more related to under armor.

[dubeta]

This incident taught us to never have expectations for betas, they always let you down.

Alphas deliver (Bran back to back MVP FMVP +Gold Medal)

[SamuraiSWISH]

I believe this is more related to under armor.
It might be. Especially considering Nike is sponsoring Team USA, their logo is on everything, and the timing with his contract expiring with them. UA making their offer, etc. Doesn't make it any less selfish, or cowardly. Backing out on his commitment, the team, and his country. That takes precedence over shoe companies.

[Euroleague]

Do American NBA only fans not even realize that Nike also sponsors other national teams and so do other shoe companies? Or do they think it's just Team USA?

I mean people realize that Nike for example has tons of show contracts with Euroleague players and Euroleague teams and European national teams and so forth right?