bad gambler said:
Spain to win - (+850) (2 units)
This Spanish team IMO is the most balanced squad in the tournament. They have all the key positions covered and most importantly they play as a cohesive unit and a TEAM. All these players know each other really well with most of them part of Spain's "golden generation" junior Spanish National teams of the late 90's early 2000's.
Their leadup form, albeit warmup games say it all - they've smashed everyone they have faced, most impressively their 20 point man handling of the Olympic champions Argentina. They came 4th in the 2005 Euro championships however they were missing their key big man in Gasol. I would have hit this one harder if Vazquez was playing as well to complement Gasol, but the Malaga big man Garbajosa is a very handy replacement.
Adding:
USA NOT to win the Championships - (+240) (4 units)
lol I was debating on whether or not to post this one on an American site but will stick to my guns.
There is no denying this version of the Dream Team look better than the recent teams. Mike K as head coach will ensure there is no BS and the actual squad defintiely seem to "want it more" if you believe what you read in the press in the leadup to this tournament - their attitude is vastly different to that of the clowns that represented US in the 04 Olympics.
But for me it comes down to certain fundamentals:-
* They will be subject to defensive patterns and intensity different to what they are used to in the NBA by the Euros. There is nobody better in the world than the Europeans technically on the defensive end.
* Adjustment to International rules - differences as detailed as distance of the 3 point arc, dimensions of the key, 4 x 10min quarters, 5 PF's allowed instead of the 6 PF's in the NBA and interpretation of "travelling" - NBA officials are ridiculously more liberal in their tolerance of letting them go. Essentially in the NBA you are allowed a foot to "pivot" with when you come to stop - none of that BS allowed in International rules where when you come to a stop you DO NOT have a pivot foot allowed. This is a HUGE difference IMO, how many times have you guys seen No 23 and Wade get away with an extra step every game? They do it all the time.
Basically what I am highlighting here is that the US players will be taken out of their comfort zone with these small nuances in officials' interpretations and rules.
Other factors I've taken into account:
* The Europeans can burn the Americans with the 3 ball - I've watched enough of the Euroleague to know there are some incredible sharp shooters in the Euro teams.
* Will the US play a pass game? There is no denying they have the most talented roster out there but looking through their list there are too many natural shooters and no real distributors with perhaps the exception of Hinrich.
I've stopped short of hitting this one for 5 units only on the basis of the differences I have outlined between this US team and the ones of the last couple of years.
I'll most likely be adding Greece on the outright as well, just trying to get the best line at the moment. They are without doubt the best defensive unit in the competition with probably the best defensive player in the competition in Diamantidis. Gone are the days where US can walk up and rely simply on offense to get it done.
Let the games begin
good luck :shake: