Steinmetz: Americans Need True PG

Aug. 30, 2010STEINMETZ ARCHIVEWARRIORS PAGEWARRIORSVIDEOKINGS PAGEKINGS VIDEO
Matt SteinmetzCSNBayArea.com

OK, so this might be an overreaction to Team USA's extremely shaky 70-68 win over Brazil at the FIBA world championships on Monday. Then again, I don't think it is.Whether it's the remaining games of this tournament or when the Olympics roll around in two years, the U.S. is going to need a lot better point guard play than it got on Monday.Problem is, the only way to do that is to get another real point guard or two on the roster. More specifically, Deron Williams andor Chris Paul better be on that 2012 Olympic team that competes in London.Chauncey Billups was the only U.S. player out there doing point guard things against Brazil, and his poise, leadership and decision-making will always be needed on any U.S. team.But he'll be almost 36 when the Olympics roll around in two years. With all due respect to Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook, they're not well-suited to run the point for a Team USA. That job should go to true point guards - players who long ago earned the universal respect of the league's great players.It's not that Rose and Westbrook aren't destined for stardom. Heck, they've embarked on that. It's just that they're not natural point guards, and when things get real touchy late in international games, there are many other guards you'd rather have.Whether Williams or Paul wants in come 2012 remains to be seen. But if they don't, the gold is no lock in London.What's yourtake? EmailMattand let him know. He may use it in his Mailbag.