Stephen Curry and Draymond Green Deserve Rio Roster Spots
Both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors were at this week’s USA basketball minicamp in Las Vegas. It would be a huge disappointment if these two stars aren’t selected for the team’s roster in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
It’s a simple fact that Curry and Green are two of the best and hottest players in the NBA. Green just earned a huge contract extension, and he is the heart of the Golden State Warriors. As everybody should also know, Curry recently won the NBA MVP Award. Curry is the best point guard and shooter in the NBA, and Green was robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Therefore, both could easily lead the USA to another gold medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
As anybody would guess, LeBron James will likely be the face of the next “Dream Team.” However, as we witnessed in the 2015 NBA Finals, James can’t win championships by himself. He needs strong support, and Green and Curry will do much more than act as sidekicks to James. Stephen and Draymond will utilize their perfect team chemistry with each other to tear apart every other team in the Olympic field.
Sports Illustrated published an article with their predictions of the Rio roster, and there aren’t very many surprises. The article does present the idea that Mike Krzyzewski could have a tough time deciding between Stephen Curry and Chris Paul for the staring point guard spot. If Coach K picks Paul to start instead of Curry, then he is an utter fool.
SI’s opinion on the situation is logical and quite true:
"“Based on seniority, Paul would get the nod, but Curry is arguably a better fit.”"
The one part I don’t agree with is the word “arguable.” There is not argument. The starting spot belongs to Stephen Curry. If the USA Men’s Basketball Team wants to splash on the points with a stellar three shooter, then Curry is their guy.
In additon to that, SI also had another excellent pro-Curry comment:
"“It’s one thing for defenses to leave Harrison Barnes or Andre Iguodala to pay extra attention to Curry in pick-and-roll situations; it’s another thing entirely to leave Durant or James Harden open on the weakside. Curry’s on-ball dynamism forces opponents to pick a poison, and that’s why he would be SI.com’s choice to start at point guard.”"
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Curry is one of the most dynamic players in the league, and his style will completely ruin other team’s plans for success. As he does for the Warriors, Stephen Curry will help improve the play of the entire Olympic team.
In regard’s to Draymond Green, I wouldn’t be surprised if people don’t think he deserves a roster spot in Rio. His play can be sloppy, and he isn’t a stranger to shooting slumps. However, he deserves a spot because of his great defense and his incredibly energetic presence on the court. Draymond Green can stifle other team’s momentum at any moment.
Of Green’s roster considerations, Sports Illustrated said:
"“Green, the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, deserves serious, serious consideration for Rio: Golden State’s title run proved how ruthless and versatile he can be defensively as both a power forward and a small-ball center.”"
Draymond could be a perfect weapon for the USA team. Most of the opposing international players don’t have experience playing against Draymond Green. Once they step on the court against him, they may be in for a rude awakening. The combination of Green and Curry will strike fear into every other team in the Rio Olympics.
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