With all the focus on how USA Basketball has been renovated to a more teamlike structure, it'll be interesting to see if the team and its rotation is comprised of balanced units that won't inadvertantly clash while trying to figure out their roles. To help USA re-capture its place at the top of the basketball world, this is how it's team, and rotation should be formed:

Starting Lineup

PG-Jason Kidd: Right now, Kidd is the best point guard on the team. He only scores when he knows he must, and on a team of All-Stars that is a phenomonal trait to have. He sees the floor better than anyone born in the USA (Nash may barely edge him out). He'll push the ball, taking advantage of Team USA's biggest advantage: athleticism.

SG-Kobe Bryant: The designated Alpha Dog of Team USA, no one on the team will wonder who should have the rock in a must-score situation if he's on the floor. Last year Carmelo, Lebron, and D-Wade took turns trying to figure out who should be the day's clutch player and how. With KB24 on board, that question is already answered.

SF-Mike Miller: With Kobe on the other wing, Miller is the perfect compliment that won't need the ball when on the floor. As shown in the scrimmage, he'll literally feast on open looks from the international version of downtown, which is like saying downtown Tuscon, Arizona...it's not that far. In short, Miller is one of the perfect examples of a "role player" that Colangelo set out to put on the team.

PF-Chris Bosh: Bosh will be the first team's scoring option down low so Dwight Howard can worry about doing the dirty work. He may actually find himself hovering at the high post more often than not. Bosh's versatility will enable him to score however is necessary against the various defenses that Team USA will see. Unlike last year's stint on Team USA, Bosh has grown into a more intense and competitive player.

C-Dwight Howard: Howard is of more help on defense and the glass than offensively, so he'll see a lot of time playing with his offensively minded counterparts Bosh and Stoudemire. With Bosh and Kobe on the floor, Howard won't have to worry about being forced to score points, and can expand all his energy on doing what he does best: rebounding, blocking shots, and dunking.

Second Unit

PG-Chauncey Billups: As the designated veterean on the second unit, Team USA won't have to worry when he replaces Kidd as their floor general. Billups isn't shy about shooting when he has to, but will never force the issue. Detroit's clockwork success as a team is a result of Billups' diligence in making sure his squad is on the same page. He should have the same effect for Team USA.

SG-Michael Redd: The second unit's designated bomber, Redd should benefit as much (if not more) than Miller. His quick release will be paramount against the quick-shifting zone defenses that USA will see repeatedly.

SF-Carmelo Anthony: 'Melo should be this squad's numero uno threat on the perimeter. His effectiveness last summer on the team was pleasantly surprising, and he was one of the few who earned respect following Team USA's performance. His combination of a quick shooting touch and drives to the rim will be key in breaking down a stingy defense.

PF-Lebron James: James could see playing time at almost any position, but this makes the most sense for him because 1) he'll be the best secondary passer ever and 2) is big enough to stay with opposing "fours" and quick enough to take advantage of them on offense. James may actually play better when he's not expected to carry the load offensively.

C-Amare Stoudemire: STAT is obviously starting material, but would probably want the ball more than would be efficient with Kidd, Kobe, and Bosh on the floor at the same time. He also might not play with Howard that often, as those two are the only two true big men on the team. On the second squad, he'll be the big dog down low, and will see plenty of touches playing with willing passers James and Billups.

"The Bench Warmers"

Shane Battier: Between his tenaciousness on defense and having played at Duke, he'll probably earn a spot on the team. Battier will be able to come in and lock down an offensive threat from the other team, and is the best at taking charges. He's also more than willing to defer to the star power on the team.

Tyson Chandler: Because Howard and Stoudemire are 1)extremely young and active and 2)not great defenders individually, they may wind up in foul trouble more than Coach K would like. Chandler is the big man insurance on the team in case he has to bench his two superstuds. He's also a great role player who excels at rebounding and blocking shots.

Who Gets Cut and Why

Tayshaun Prince: This guy was the toughest to leave off, because he's such a great defender and role player. He and Billups would probably have great chemistry as well. Honestly, his skinny frame and unorthodox play throw me off. He didn't have a great scrimmage last weekend, with three turnovers and a few lapses on defense as well. Battier's proven himself to the point where Prince would have to blow me away to replace him.

Deron Williams: He and Chris Paul will probably replace Billups and Kidd as USA's point guards of the future. Right now Williams is having a great learning experience, but will be groomed as the first option to fill in for the older men at the guard. Also, Lebron James can be called upon as a 3rd guard if needed right now, and he actually excelled at that in the bronze medal game last year.

Kirk Hinrich: Hinrich is a player every coach wants, but just finds himself behind a few point guards that are even better right now. That's no knock on Hinrich, either. He may very well be back in the rotation once Kidd and Billups are out of the picture, but after Williams' stellar playoff showing and better playmaking, Hinrich may be stuck as the second or third point guard of the future.

Kevin Durant: Like Williams, Durant will probably be the backbone of Team USA's future. He's still very slight of build, and will benefit from a few years of seasoning in the NBA and training with Team USA. He's already a top notch scorer, and should be and integral part of the 2010 World Championships. After all, he'll only be 22 by then...

J.J. Redick: Redick is probably more of a gamble than USA staff would like to make right now. He wasn't healthy most of last season, and has yet to prove himself on a professional level. If he has a decent year this next season, he could be one of Team USA's rotating outside shooters in the future. Right now, though, he's staring at Redd and Miller's backsides.

If anyone garnered respect and admiration for stepping up during the playoffs, it was Kurt Thomas of the Phoenix Suns. Against San Antonio, he went face-to-chest with the much-taller Tim Duncan, and made him work for every methodical point he scored. KT bodied him up, boxed him out, and probably bugged the crap out of him (we'll never know, due to Duncan's inability to have facial expression).

Thomas was equally Messianic on the offensive end, giving the Spurs an added problem with his rediscovered midrange jumper. Literally, it seemed that every time Thomas would roll away from setting a pick, and was open, the jumper was all net. It probably revitalized him to play such an important part in such an important series. Suns fans were thanking their lucky stars.

When Stoudemire was shut down by the league, the Suns were unable to keep up with the Spurs due to lack of fire power, but no one faulted Thomas. He had risen above and beyond any expectations that anyone had for him except for maybe Nash and coach D'Antoni.

The result of his sweat and effort willingly given in time of need? Sarver's executive decision to trade him away to the rebuilding Seattle Supersonics. This is like being on-call for work, and being called in because a couple co-workers couldn't make it due to company infractions. After working your tail off and being the only reason the place doesn't go up in smoke, you're told, "Sorry, you cost us a little more than we would like, so good luck finding your way in the world..."

Sarver needs to stop doing a 90's impression of Donald Sterling. As much as it hurts to say it, the Spurs have the right mind about shaping thier roster. They only spend big bucks on the truly and vitaly important stars, and even then they don't bust out the bank. Parker ($11 mil/year) and Ginobili (under $9 mil/year) are bargains, period. After those two and Duncan, the Spurs wisely bring in talented but humble free agents for less money. They draft potential studs that are cheap, such as Parker, Ginobili, Luis Scola, and Tiago Splitter (who honestly didn't know the Spurs would take Splitter when he was still on the board when the Spurs pick came up?).

Sarver finds himself needing to shave payroll so desperately because he didn't bother to look ahead, like the Spurs do. Now he finds himself pinned down by enormous contracts to Nash, Marion, and Stoudemire. He's probably still trying to justify giving Diaw $9 million a year after a sub-par performance last season. He overpaid to sign Marcus Banks, and apparently couldn't even get a "conditional second round pick" for him like they did for Thomas (What does it mean to have a "conditional second round pick"???).

That brings up another point that Suns fans will find particularly annoying. Sarver traded a tried-and-true veteran like Thomas who had a revelation of sorts in the playoffs, and not one, but two first round draft-picks. What did the Suns get in return? A "conditional second round pick" (seriously, what in the world is that?), and a whopping trade exception that Sarver will not use.

The Sonics just robbed the Suns. Period. This is due to two reasons: 1) Sarver has no foresight to see that his club will be in future financial trouble. All the expensive contracts putting the Suns over the cap have been signed in the last two/three years, when Sarver himself was calling the shots. 2) Even though this lack of foresight is the cause of this financial "crisis", Sarver is unwilling to pay (literally) for his mistakes.

It's unfair to not only to Thomas, but to his teammates like Nash, who knew they could depend on the veteran big man. It's unfair to Stoudemire and Diaw, who probably appreciated Thomas' efforts more than anyone, as he was battling for his fallen (or, imprisoned) comerades. It's unfair to D'Antoni, who's probably wondering, "Ok...now who's going to guard Duncan?" It's unfair to the fans, who saw what fans love to see: a player giving everything he has to win the game.

Unless Sarver has some franchise-lifting super-move in the works, this trade shows he cares(and thinks) less about his team, and more about his wallet.

Yi Jianlian's reps struck a huge blow to Milwaukee's hopes that Yi would play for them this year, if ever. Interestingly, the supposed "reason" is not because Milwaukee offers a small Asian population, but because the team is "not good for his development." They're saying that with fellow bigs such as Charlie Villanueva and Andrew Bogut, Yi wouldn't get the playing time his reps would like him to see. Other than those two, what other bigs would Yi be competing with for playing time? Brian Skinner? Please...

According to both Kevin Garnett and T-Wolves owner Glen Taylor, the Big Ticket isn't going anywhere. KG may find that things won't be so bad in Minny with Randy Foye, Ricky Davis, and rookie Corey Brewer to help him out for a whole season. Taylor mentioned that if any trades are pursued that they will exclude Kevin Garnett. So which T-Wolf will be next on the rumor mill? Marco Jaric, Trenton Hassell, and Rashad McCants may all be dangled to lure any semblance of a center. Their current best option at that position is Mark Blount...

Chucky Atkins left Memphis to sign with Denver this week. Atkins arrives to fill in the pass-first point guard void left by Steve Blake, who signed with Portland earlier. There are a lot of domino-effects involved, which are: 1) will J.R. Smith, who started last season on fire with a starter's role, continue to lose time due to the duo of 'Melo and A.I. needing a point guard on the floor? 2) The Grizzlies loosen up their logjam at point guard, with Mike Conley Jr., Kyle Lowry and Damon Stoudamire still on board and 3) Portland, Denver, and Memphis will all be less of the push-over type in the Western Conference.

Speaking of being less of a pushover, a few teams in particular have done well for themselves this summer while powerhouses San Antonio, Dallas, and Cleveland have all been standing pat.

With the playoffs and the Draft buzz dying down, the focus now shifts to Team USA basketball. Several newcomers to the program, as well as those who were unavailable last year, will try and get Team USA out of its current funk. Kobe figures to be the main guy, while Deron Williams, Michael Redd, and Amare Stoudemire should definetely make their marks on this squad. The most likely to be cut? Probably J.J. Redick, Tyson Chandler, and maybe Kevin Durant.

The Heat's roster is slowly being tweaked this summer. While Alonzo Mourning is coming back for another go-around, Zo says that his buddy Gary Payton probably won't be coming back. His replacement? Possibly Steve Francis. Considering D-Wade's game is pretty similar to Francis' stomping-ground days, it would make for an interesting backcourt. Oh yeah, and Shaq will be 36 next season. They'll regret trading Jason Smith to Philly sooner than later...

Washington re-signed guard Deshawn Stevenson for four years after being to perfect role player last season. The question is, how many guard/forward types will the Wizards stockpile before looking for a competent big man? The Etan Thomas/Brendan Haywood thing has run its course already. With Stevenson, Agent Zero, Caron Butler, rookie Nick Young (who plays a lot like Arenas by the way), Antawn Jamison and Antonio Daniels all on board, expect one or two of them to be shipped out for a big in the not-too-distant future..

In the spirit of the upcoming 7/7/07, I have taken it upon myself to look back on draft night seven years ago.  In so doing, I found out that the NBA Draft of 2000 was the worst draft ever. I mean, it's unreal, it was so bad. I was like, "Are you kidding me?"  Here's a breakdown on this nauseating slew of selections:

1. New Jersey Nets-Kenyon Marton: K-Mart was already damaged goods when he left Cincy for the NBA, but he did manage to provide shot-blocking and rebounding early in his career, helping JKidd and company reach the Finals twice. His offensive game never matched the enormous contract he demanded, and the Nets (rightfully, in my opinion) let him walk. Since that time, Martin's been distracting, injury-prone, and disruptive for the Nuggets. The good thing about the Nuggets is that they no longer need him with frontcourt players Carmelo Anthony, Nene Hilario, and Marcus Camby.

2. Vancouver Grizzlies-Stromile Swift: The Grizzlies drafted based on potential here, thinking Swift's athleticism was a sign of big things to come. While he could dunk with the best of them, Swift's personal drive never really left the ground, and he's been earning money based on "potential" for the last seven years.

3. L.A. Clippers-Darius Miles: One of the worst-case scenarios for jumping straight from high school to the NBA, Miles enjoyed a couple decent "developmental" years in L.A. and Cleveland, but never panned out as the "Next KG". Now an outcast on the Portland roster, he may never get another chance due to his on-court performance and off-court issues.

4. Chicago Bulls-Marcus Fizer: Fizer was supposedly the most solid pick in the draft, the next Karl Malone. He never averaged more than 25 minutes a game or 12ppg either, however, and disappeared from the NBA after fve seasons.

5. Orlando Magic-Mike Miller: To give you an idea about how bad this draft was, it's important to know that Miller is the most productive player from the first round of this draft, and that he was also that year's ROY. Great perimeter shooter, but not exactly qualified as a marquee name from a draft.

6. Atlanta Hawks-Demarr Johnson: Another guy "filled with potential", he's been on three NBA teams and has NEVER averaged double-figures in scoring.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers-Chris Mihm: LakerKev's favorite all-time player, Mihm is the epitome of the "soft and white" NBA center. I'm assuming he took that title from Luc Longley. Let's just say he's never developed into the dominant big man people thought he'd be.

8. Chicago Bulls-Jamal Crawford: People knew he could score coming out, and yes, he's very good scoring 17ppg on a bad team. The problem is not knowing if he can produce on a good team (maybe we'll find out next year when he plays with Curry and Randolph). He needs the ball in his hands to score. He's...OK.

9. Milwaukee Bucks-Joe Pryzbilla: Another 7-foot project, he somehow managed to get a decent contract with Portland after posting still current career-highs of 6.4ppg and 7.7rpg.

10. L.A. Clippers-Keyon Dooling: You'd think the first true point guard drafted would be more than a career 2nd/3rd string point guard...

11. Boston Celtics-Jerome Moiso: 6'10" out of UCLA, career highs of 4.0ppg and 3.5rpg. Lasted five years in the NBA, being the bench-warming big man for six teams.

12. Dallas Mavericks-Etan Thomas: Career highlights include 6.0ppg, 5.5rpg, and getting a dreadlock torn out of his hair by Wizards teammate Brendan Haywoodin a fight during practice.

13. Dallas Mavericks-Courtney Alexander: Translated 24.8ppg in his last year at college to a 3-year NBA career where he averaged 9.0ppg and a change of address per-year.

Ladies and gentleman, those were the Draft Lottery picks of 2000. Other miserable failures such as Mateen Cleaves, Mamadou N'Diaye, Dalibor Bagaric and Erick Barkley graced the first round. Now, granted, there were few players who managed to make decent NBA careers out of this class. The most notable is Michael Redd who was drafted late in the second round. Other honorable mentions include Quentin Richardson, Morris Peterson and Jamaal Magloire.

I think it's obvious, however, that on terms of expectations and overall production, this draft can unofficially go down as one of the worst ever in NBA history.

After reviewing the offseason needs of the Atlantic and Southeast, we skip the Central Division of the Eastern Conference for now, since one member of that division (the Cavaliers), has yet to start its summer vacation. The Northwest Division features a lot of teams that are already on the rise, or soon will be thanks to the luck of the draft. Here's a take on what each team should do to take a step or three in the right direction during the offseason.

Denver Nuggets: The Iverson/Anthony combination didn't have a whole lot of time to mesh before the playoffs, so front management will probably want to give the team a full year to realize its potential. With two of the most potent scorers in the league, the mission now is to put the right pieces around them. They're not as far away as some might think.

If Kenyon Martin and coach George Karl can make lasting amends, the Nuggets would have one of the most feared frontcourt rotations in Martin, Camby, Nene, and 'Melo, with Reggie Evans as a rebounding specialist to back them up. Linas Kleiza could develop into a good backup for Anthony at the 3, and training camp will prove whether he's ready to move into that role consistently.

The big question here is do the Nuggets want to stay with Steve Blake at point guard? He's an unrestricted free agent, and teams looking for a solid backup or starting point guard will take a long look at him. If Denver lets him go, they may be forced to start Iverson at the point and J.R. Smith at the off guard. Smith started the season hot, but took a backseat on the bench after A.I. arrived. If Blake stays, will Smith be content after tasting a starting role's success?

A backup point guard and another shooter would be ideal for this team, since beyond A.I. and Smith, the situation looks shaky. Unfortunately, they have zero picks in the draft.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Another season of sub-mediocrity for KG and the Wolves, and many people are wondering if the days of the Garnett Era may be over in Minnyland. Although they have the 7th pick in the draft, will KG be content with help in the form of a young and unproven rookie who may take a few years to become a consistent impact player?

If KG stays, the Wolves' frontcourt needs are what need addressing. Spencer Hawes, Julian Wright and Joakim Noah are a few of the quality big men that might be available at number seven. The guess here is that they go for Hawes if he's there, since he's a proven low-post scorer, while Wright is more of a wing and Noah is still questionable on the offensive end.

After signing Mike James to a decent deal last year from Houston, he failed to outperform rookie Randy Foye, so look for competition for playing time there to become an issue. Rashad McCants' recovery could be a potential x-factor in boosting Minnesota's depth.

If Garnett truly wants out, Minnesota should trade him to a contender that has young parts to give. Portland might be willing, since there, Garnett could play the 3 alongside Greg Oden and Lamarcus Aldridge, while the T-Wolves could receive Zach Randolph and spare parts. Other teams that have assets their willing to give up for the 30-year old Garnett that the Wolves would want are probably worse off than the T-Wolves are now.

Portland Trailblazers: What will they do? That's what everyone's asking. Many are saying that they've already decided on Oden, but if they have, why the air of uncertainty surrounding them? Will they go for Durant instead? We probably wont' know until late June. If they are indeed set on Oden, suddenly trading possibilities are available to speed up the rebuilding process.

Zach Randolph has been the most popular name mentioned in trade rumors with his double-double averages and improved attitude. If the Blazers are actually shopping him, they should do so with the motive of getting a small forward, since Darius Miles is (or at least, should be) an official flop. Travis Outlaw isn't quite ready to make the jump to a starter's role. Julian Wright is the player that would fit the most from the draft, but other established NBA players will be looked at as well.

The further development of Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge, Sergio Rodriguez and Jarrett Jack, as well as Oden/Durant, should be the top priorities of the Blazers' staff. That will determine how far this franchise can go with its impressive young core. With that, some veteran players to show the way, and a little sun and water, the Blazers could grow into a perennial contender. If that, by the way, is their goal, they should draft Oden.

Seattle Supersonics: The future is promising with the #2 pick, a to-be-healthy Ray Allen coming off of his best scoring season, and Chris Wilcox learning more about being a power forward in the NBA. The two big questions are if the Sonics will indeed have Durant as the Draft's "Consolation Prize", and if Rashard Lewis leaves via free agency.

With Durant, the Sonics can fill Lewis' void if he leaves. If I'm Lewis, however, I'm seeing the potential of a contender playing alongside Allen and Durant. For the sake of Seattle basketball, let's hope he stays. Nick Collison didn't do a bad job filling in at center, but would be more effective as a backup. Sonics brass is hoping that one of its trio of center projects works out from the group of Robert Swift, Mouhamed Sene, and Johan Petro. Swift was the most likely candidate until he suffered a severe knee injury at the beginning of the season.

A huge question mark for this team is the position of point guard. Will Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson be the starter? Will it be a decision made and remade all season like it was last year? With a young team on the rise, Ridnour should be given a vote of confidence by the yet-to-be-determined coaching staff and handed the reigns of the this team.

With Durant, Wilcox, the center-by-committe, hopefully Lewis, and Damien Wilkins, the Sonics have foundation that could butt heads with the Blazers for the next decade or so.

Utah Jazz: I don't by the Malone/Stockton comparisons. D-Will and Boozer are a lot funner to watch. With their unexpected march to the Western Finals, the Jazz are feeling good about themselves, and probably moreso than they should. They didn't have to face a real contender until the Spurs, having the fortune to skip the Mavs thanks to the Cinderella Warriors. With Williams and Boozer, the Jazz have a star tandem to build around for the next few years.

Paul Millsap was a wonderful surprise for the Jazz as a rebounding energy machine, but what is his future on the team? He obviously won't usurp Boozer's spot in the lineup, and he's too small to eventually take over at center. A great piece, but one that may not fit as he gets bigger (figuratively speaking). Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Miles are also nice young players that could grow into steady contributors on this team.

With the 25th pick in the draft, the Jazz should look for a project-center since other than Okur, they don't really have a competent big to man the middle. They should also hire on-call therapy for Andrei Kirilenko in case he hits a state of sever depression like he did late in the season and early in the playoffs. If he plays like he did later in the postseason, their lineup is that much more potent. The Jazz will be a year older and wiser next year, which will bode ill for the other western conference powers.