Can Dream Team 2012 be Stopped?

Kobe Bryant has stated his belief that the 2012 version of the Dream Team is even better than the 1992 originals, now that sounds like a debate for another day (though my money is on the originals), but little doubt exists that this US team for the 2012 London Olympics is packed full of star power. Bookmakers think that Gold is guaranteed, can anyone emerge from the field to challenge them?

First the bad news for the opposition, the 2012 US roster features the two greatest players in the modern day game, Lebron James and Kevin Durrant. It also features one of the top 20 players to ever play the game, Kobe Bryant. The guard slots are split between Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, James Harden, Kobe Bryant and Andre Iguodala. The forwards are Lebron James, Kevin Durant,Kevin Love, Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis, with Tyson Chandler set to man the centre spot. This is a team of multiple all stars, former NBA MVPs and the number one pick in the recent NBA draft. It is a team stronger than the 2010 World Championship winning side (a side that did not feature Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul or Deron Williams).

Should we just hand out the gold medals now, well not so fast? The US team have weaknesses like any side. A good example is in their recent friendly with Brazil, the US were outrebounded by a Brazilian side featuring Nene, Tiago Splitter and Anderson Varejao. A Spanish side featuring Serge Ibaka (career average 6.9 rebounds per game) and the Gasol Brothers must fancy their chances of controlling the boards when they meet. Another issue could be three point shooting, the US 3 point shooting was poor against Brazil. Team USA has nobody on the top 25 NBA three point shooters for 2011-12 in the squad. Unlike the 2010 model, which was a team built to work together, the 2012 version seems a collection of individual talents. Will Team USA win Gold? it is more than likely (especially as an injury to Ricky Rubio has robbed Spain of their key playmaker), but at 1/6 (general) this is not an appealing bet.

If you wanted to oppose the USA then you can take the 9/2 (boylesports) that ANY other team will win the Gold. The US have won just one of the last four World Championships and just one of the last two Olympic Golds. If you wished to specify which team you wanted to back then you can get Spain 13/2 (Bodog), France 33/1 (Skybet), Argentina 40/1 (general) and Russia 50/1 (Skybet).

Those who wish to take the US out of the equation can ’bet without the US’ in a market in which Spain are the 5/8 (youwin) favourites, while France follow at 13/2 (william hill/youwin). Also available is the ’to win a medal market’. The US and Spain seem likely to contest the final so it is a case of finding a side to come in third. France are the most likely, but if anything happens to influential guard Tony Parker (who enters the tournament injured) then one of the others could step in to take advantage. I would suggest Argentina at 13/4 (bet365) and Brazil at 5/1 (BlueSq/888sport) look the most likely.

For those hoping for a miracle, Team GB (led by NBA star Luol Deng) are 350/1 (general) for gold and 33/1 (Blue Sq/888sport) to claim a medal of any colour.

The action gets underway 29th July and promises to be one of the highlights of the Olympic Programme.

Go To bet365

#Ad

18/07/2012     © Frixo 2024