My Olympic team

There's an art to picking the perfect basketball team to represent your country. I think Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski almost got it right. Almost.

Here's the team they selected: Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd, Dwyane Wade and Deron Williams.

Certainly not a bad team, but not the one I would have chosen.

Based on the players available, here is how I would pick Team USA. In order:

1. Chris Paul, G
Easily the best point guard in the NBA. Probably in the world.
2. Kobe Bryant, G
Can score from anywhere on the court and has become a better teammate.
3. LeBron James, F
A must-have for obvious reasons.
4. Deron Williams, G
Point-guard play in the Olympics is incredibly important.
5. Dwight Howard, C
Will cause mismatches against every opponent he faces.
6. Michael Redd, G
His sole purpose is to can open 3-pointers from the shorter line. An invaluable asset.
7. Tyson Chandler, F/C
Not on the team, but his rebounding and toughness may be sorely needed.
8. Carlos Boozer, F
Someone who will crash the boards and bang down low.
9. Tayshaun Prince, F
Needed for mismatches and to play defense.
10. Allen Iverson, G
Also not on the team, but he was the one guy who really stood out when no NBA players even wanted to play for the national team. Could play point or shooting guard and gets up for the international games maybe more than anybody else on the team.
11. Shane Battier, F
The ultimate "glue" guy. Unselfish player and well-respected throughout the league. Coach K would know the perfect way to use him.
12. Chris Bosh, F
A skilled forward could help in all areas.

I didn't pick Jason Kidd (too old and slow), Dwyane Wade (too injured) and Carmelo Anthony (too selfish). I also did not consider those who hinted they would not like to be selected: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups and Amare Stoudamire.

My "almost made it but not quite" was the underrated Marcus Camby.