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You dare not sleep on “Semi-Pro” as an all-time basketball movie.
Team USA’s World Cup Quest
How good is Team USA?
Team USA is undefeated during their exhibition slate before the FIBA ​​World Cup. The squad has experienced a lot of drama despite the lack of household names for casual basketball fans, but the roster is full of defined roles. Stars like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t be able to play, but Luka DonÄić and many other NBA talents will be there.
The NBA has announced that a record 55 players will be participating in the World Cup in the next few weeks. Should Team USA be worried about its chances? Which is more likely: dominating or repeating the 2004 Olympics? We will bring Joe Vardon, who is and will remain on the scene for Team USA’s road.
Question: What/who are the biggest challenges you see for the Team USA roster so far?
Vardon: Besides navigating traffic (the team bus got stuck arriving in the Philippines on Tuesday morning), this is not a good rebounding team. It has reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., but he’s a shot blocker first. Otherwise, coach Steve Kerr prefers smaller lineups, so the guards being forced to rebound will be an issue. For example, in Sunday’s close call in a friendly against Germany, the Americans were destroyed on the glass (55-42).
Another early challenge is 3-point shooting. The FIBA ​​ball has a different texture and grip, so the players have to adjust. There was some brick-laying in the first few exhibition games. The second half against Spain was the start of the fall of 3s.
Question: If Anthony Edwards doesn’t play like “the guy” in a tight game, how can Team USA take over and win?
Vardon: The Americans will be fine with a non-Edwards night as long as another capable closer steps up. Jalen Brunson (game-high 26 points) was the leading man against Spain almost two weeks ago.
Mikal Bridges hit the go-ahead 3 against Germany and was good late against Spain, too. Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves led a 16-point comeback Sunday against the Germans before Edwards finished the game.
So, yes, Kerr said Edwards is “the guy,” and things are trending that way, but there are plenty of capable hands. The key is that Edwards doesn’t force things when he’s not playing well. Move the ball.
Question: Even though it’s not the Olympics, should it be a compelling competition for casual basketball fans?
Vardon: Some compelling reasons to watch the World Cup are to see the next generation of American NBA stars, gauge the global standing of Team USA and what buttons have been learned by Kerr will be pushed to maximize the potential of this roster.
This is not an A-list team, which means … the Americans can lose – maybe not early, but France, Canada, Spain and Germany have enough NBA talent to beat Team USA.
Even on teams without elite NBA talent (you could argue that Santi Aldama is the only current NBA player in Spain), their long-standing chemistry in the EuroLeague could present issues for the Americans, so it should be the most competitive basketball.
Thanks, Joe for your analysis. Team USA plays at 8:40 am (ET) Saturday against New Zealand.
Kobe Gets A Statue
The Lakers announce Kobe Bryant Day
At 8:24 am on August 24, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers Vanessa Bryant shared a video — Kobe Bryant’s widow — announcing that the Hall of Fame guard will have a bronze statue unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena this coming season.
It will happen on Feb. 8, 2024, or 2/8/24, which ties the numbers of the late Gianna Bryant (their daughter, No. 2 on the basketball court) and both of Kobe’s NBA numbers. It’s something everyone knows will happen in the future, but it’s a wonderful celebration of his career and a great honor given to Bryant.
Until now, we can only guess what Kobe’s statue will look like. Could this be one of his famous reverse dunk poses? Maybe the fist pump? What about a fadeaway jumper? How will the Lakers handle his two numbers? We’ll find out in February
Dame Won’t Talk
No Blazers talking … at all
In a sitdown interview with Hall of Famer Marc Spears on Andscape, Damian Lillard was asked what made him uncertain about the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard kept it simple and drama-free:
“I’m not talking about the Blazers. It’s a lot of love and respect, but I’m not going to tell the Blazers.
Marc then asked about Lillard’s well-documented trade request – possibly to the Miami Heat. Lillard simplified it again:
“I can say there is (a trade request), and I’d rather not talk to the Trail Blazers.”
That’s a mature, professional way to handle it. And, while we want to appreciate the way Lillard handles and carries himself – I have to say – James Harden’s way of marketing is DISTANCE more fun. We need more finger pointing or a good rant.
Bounce Passes
Hall of Famer David Aldridge lists his top 10 offseasons. Did Wemby drop it?
Milwaukee should be a small concerned about these comments by Giannisright?
Jimmy Butler is a ball person at the US Open. It is glorious.
The First Ballot Podcast invites me to to see if Carmelo Anthony splayed will be inducted.
Las Vegas Aces set WNBA record for single-season wins – title next?
Answering six lingering questions about the Knicks-Raptors case
Movie Review
Last week, we reviewed the movie “He Got Game†for our basketball movie reviews. This week, we have the 2008 movie “Semi-Pro,†starring Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and André Benjamin.
Let’s take a look at the movie and see if it’s worth your time:
Are there real hoopers in the movie? Not at all? Woody Harrelson may be playing, as we’ll explore in a later movie review before the season starts. All the tertiary players look believable on the court. Will Ferrell is intentionally cartoonish. André Benjamin can’t dribble, but they make it look good. 5/10
How is the story? The story is unique: An ABA team named “Flint Tropics” is badly run by player owner Jackie Moon (Ferrell), but as the league is about to merge with the NBA, they are trying to get a top- four places. to qualify for the merger. Coffee Black (Benjamin) is the star of the Tropics, and they get veteran Ed Monix (Harrelson) to help them focus on winning basketball. 10/10
How is basketball? Passado, but at the same time, this movie is not about the product of the court. It never looks completely bad and helps move the story along with the jokes and plot points. This is more than believable enough in a comedic context. 6/10
Is lead believable? If you’ve read Terry Pluto’s ABA book “Loose Balls,” then all of Moon’s personality seems believable — maybe not as a 6-foot-4 power forward in a professional league, but as a eccentric owner in the 70s? Absolutely. 9/10
The least plausible chance: Coffee Black will be traded to the Spurs. Then, in the middle of the season finale between Spurs and Tropics, he just switched sides back to Tropics. 3/10
Does it have any truly memorable moments? These are the two best moments: the poker game scene with the “jive turkey” debate. and the invention of the alley-oop after Moon was knocked out. Father Pat’s (Matt Walsh) reaction is unparalleled. 10/10
Will you watch it again? I watch it a few times a year. A big yes.
Final verdict: Comedies are always a tough basketball movie to judge, but this one is damn near perfect. It’s an all-timer.
?????/5
Hoops Movie Continues to Rank:
6. “Crossover” (2006)
5. “Eddie” (1996)
4. “Above the Rim” (1994)
3. “Semi-Pro” (2008)
2. “She’s Got Game” (1998)
1. “Blue Chips” (1994)
(Top photo of Steve Kerr and Anthony Edwards: NurPhoto/Getty Images)