I think that because we’ve had such a hold on the gold medals it’s been taken for granted how big the Olympics should be. That’s not the case in other countries (despite Argentina winning it in ‘04) and it’s still a huge huge deal to play for your country and try to knock off the US. The Spurs should relax and realize that if you want an international team you have to realize that they’re going to want to play for country. And that should be a good thing.

I agree. For the most part, it seems that if you’re the best player in your country, you play automatically. Besides the US players, I think Nash is the only one bucking that trend.

I think Yao would’ve been criticized too but he would’ve been given a little bit more slack because China was the host country. Dunno though…

I think Manu did the right thing. He’s an icon in Argentina and as you mentioned, the flag bearer. Sure, he was a little bit injured, but it is important to be there for your national team, regardless of what your professional situation is. Yao Ming played for China, would he have been criticized if he’d gotten hurt in the Olympics, too?