Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know . . .

Mark Heisler begrudgingly admits that yes, indeed, Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player in the Universe (that's right, even those aliens doing their fly-bys near Haiti ain't got nothing on Kobe).

Kobe in his prime v Jordan in his prime matched with about equal teammates would be a sight to see. Can only happen in computer simulation land though.

Kobe has taken his game to a new level over the past six months or so, it was hard to tell when he was with the Lakers (especially when they got swept in the playoffs), but playing with the best of the best that the USA has to offer, he still is clearly better than anyone else and is the only person you want defending the other team's best player or taking the last shot when the game is on the line.

He was outstanding in both 'blue on white' games they played getting ready for the FIBA Americas Championship that starts today. He's been a demon in practice, and he has the awe and respect of all the other all stars gathered.

He better stay a Laker, and the Lakers better do whatever it takes to assemble a team that he can win with.

The big knock on him is that he doesn't do enough to make those around him better, but you try making everyone better when Smush Parker is your point guard (good luck Miami Heat, you'll need it). Getting Derek Fisher back should help a lot more than people expect, plus a healthy Walton, Mihm and Odom could help make the Lakers a lot better than anyone expects them to be.

Let's See How Coach K Did . . .

. . . did he follow my advice about the USA Basketball roster for the tournament starting tomorrow?

No. Although ten of our picks line up.

I included Kevin Durant and Chris Bosh, while Coach K went with Tyson Chandler and Michael Redd. I think Kevin Durant would have given you just as much shooting as Redd, while giving you more defensive flexibility with his length. I don't understand picking Chandler over Bosh, unless Bosh is hurt, or just didn't fit in as well when asked to be a role player surrounded by other talent. I think most GMs would pick Bosh over Chandler, but this isn't just about who the best player will be, it's about the best teammate for this particular situation. The ESPN article doesn't mention Bosh at all, but digging around, see that he had a reoccurance of plantar fascitis in his left foot and withdrew last week.

So my only disagreement with the team would be to put Durant on instead of Redd. Redd is a great shooter, but I just don't see him giving you the intangibles that Durant has, on top of that, Durant will be a star in international play (and the NBA) for most of the next decade, and this early exposure to international play could have helped his development (and wouldn't have cost the team).

A loss at any point, and anything less than gold in this tournament would be an upset (though all they really need is 2nd place to lock in their Olympic spot, better to win all the games, anyway).

Now THAT'S a Friendly . . .

The friendly on Saturday between LA Galaxy and Chelsea wasn't that interesting, but today's "Blue" v "White" scrimmage for USA Basketball was a great show. Kobe hit a 19ft shot over Prince with 6 seconds left bringing the score to 104-103 to cap a "Blue" comeback from 11 back with about 2 minutes left. On the subsequent defensive sequence he forced LeBron into a really bad attempt. Kobe looks motivated, relaxed, and fit, he's going to dominate the upcoming tournament.

Observations:

• Jason Kidd is really, really good when he doesn't need to shoot.
• Kevin Durant is going to do fine in the NBA, even if he doesn't bulk up.
• Kobe Bryant (the new, sleeker, 20lb lighter, Kobe Bryant) is easily the best player in the world right now, he was brilliant tonight.
• Dwight Howard is a monster rebounder.
• Mark Miller will be one of the key players for USA Basketball in the FIBA Americas Championship.

If I were in charge of the whittling down these players into the 12 man roster for the tourney, I'd go with this starting five:

Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James (that's a frighteningly good starting five, right there)

Off the bench, Tayshaun Prince, Chauncy Billups, Mike Miller (3pt shooting is crucial in international play), Kevin Durant, Amare Stoudemire, Deron Williams, and Chris Bosh.

That group should be able to rip through the qualifying rounds and handle whatever Brazil or Argentina has to offer in the finals. Should be a fun tournament, it's tempting to move to Las Vegas for the two weeks of the tourney (Aug 22nd-Sept 2), but instead I'll just catch a few matches on TV, that will have to be good enough.

Also, Snapper Jones and Joel Meyers make a great broadcasting team, they should work together more often.