Could The 2012 U.S.A. Basketball Team Beat The Dream Team?

by Matt Rudnitsky | 2:30 pm, July 11th, 2012

Kobe Bryant thinks this year’s Olympic Basketball team could beat the “Dream Team” from the 1992 Barcelona Games. Here’s visual proof that he said it (warning: includes an appearance by the “Evil Kobe” goatee.)

For those unable (or not inclined) to watch the video, here’s Kobe’s reasoning:

“From a basketball standpoint, they obviously had more size than we do with Robinson, Ewing, Malone and those guys, but they were also, their wing players were a lot older. Kinda at the end of their career where we have some young race horses. Guys that are eager to compete. I don’t know. It would be a tough one, but I think we would pull it out.”

Kobe’s right. This team is younger, but smaller. More athletic — like “racehorses?” Possibly. Let’s score out this argument and settle it for good.

Magic Johnson would be a big matchup problem… but so would LeBron.

This would be a BIG problem… for both Team USAs. I mean, if this year’s team starts Chris Paul or Deron Williams at point guard, there’s no way they’re checking Magic Johnson, at all. Coach K would have to start LeBron at the point. I suppose Russell Westbrook could do some damage on both ends, but then they’d lose that “pure point guard” advantage. Coach K would face the tougher decision here, since Chuck Daly wouldn’t have to blink in starting Magic, but I think this is a wash. Magic might be the better passer, but you’ve got to think LeBron is the better athlete. I’m tempted to give this round to LeBron, but I’m young and therefore biased. It’s a tie, for now.

Dream Team 1, Kobe 1

Here’s what each coach would (maybe) make the starting five.

I’m not a basketball coach. But if I magically ingrained myself in Daly’s and Kryzyzewski’s minds, this is what I’d make the starting lineups. I’m an econ major; it’s game theory. Don’t question me (except that I’m probably wrong).

Dream Team: PG Magic Johnson, SG Michael Jordan, SF Scottie Pippen, PF Charles Barkley, C Patrick Ewing

2012 Team: PG LeBron James, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Kevin Durant, PF Carmelo Anthony, C Tyson Chandler

You could make an argument to start Kevin Love over Melo, but I think Olympic Melo is a different player than Knicks Ballstopper Melo, and I give him the edge. You could also make arguments for lots of other players, but I think this makes the most sense.

ANALYSIS TIME.

I already decided that LeBron vs. Magic is a wash. So, on to shooting guard.

Kobe vs. MJ

I’m not from L.A., therefore I know the correct answer. MJ wins, though it’s obviously conceivable that Kobe could outplay him in a one-game scenario. Stranger things have happened.

Dream Team 2, Kobe 1

Durant vs. Pippen

At this point in their careers, Durant is the better scorer but Pippen is better all around. Still, as great a defender as Pippen is, Durant is unguardable. He scored on LeBron (at times). I don’t know if Pippen could guard him. I don’t know how to evaluate this matchup. Since I’m not Daryl Morey or Mark Cuban’s analytical team, I will go by what being an American sports fan has taught me: I LIKE WHEN POINTS ARE SCORED.

Half point, Durant and Co.

Dream Team 2, Kobe 1.5

Barkley vs. Melo

Two very different players here. Melo isn’t a great defender, but a lot of the reason is effort-based. He’d put effort into this (I think). And since Barkley’s undersized, he’d actually match up well. Obviously, Barkley would win the battle on the boards. This is another near-wash. Melo is the better perimeter player; Barkley is the better one down low. I’m not sure Barkley would have a chance guarding Melo. I think Melo might have a slight chance guarding Barkley.

Half point, Melo and friends.

Dream Team 2, Kobe 2

Chandler vs. Ewing

Tyson Chandler is a really, really good defensive player and rebounder. So was Ewing. Except that he was worlds better on offense. I’m tempted to give the Dream Team two points for this mismatch, but Chandler is good enough on defense to put up a good fight. He just wouldn’t get much on offense.

(One) point, Dream Team.

Dream Team 3, Kobe 2

THIS IS A NAILBITER.

On to the benches.

Dream Team: Christian Laettner, David Robinson, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Chris Mullin

2012 Team: Blake Griffin, James Harden, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Andre Iguodala

Nobody on this year’s team could match up with David Robinson. If Tyson Chandler’s out, they’re screwed. And even against Chandler, Robinson has as big an edge as Ewing does. Malone would probably eat Griffin and Love alive. Nobody could keep up with Westbrook, Williams and Paul. Again, Dream Team gets the size edge, 2012 gets the speed edge.

Another wash. YAY, CLEANLINESS.

…

It’s 3-2, but… I can’t determine a winner. The Dream Team wins the battle down low, pretty easily. But this year’s team could outrun the Dream Team, which is saying something. Most likely, the Dream Team has the edge. But it’d be a legendary game. And Kobe’s not crazy for thinking this would be close.

IT’S A PHOTO FINISH.

[Yardbarker]

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coolare

James wouldn’t be a huge matchup problem, just put Pippen on him. No way the 2012 team could come close to the originals!!
Cmnkm5

No, not a chance.
JEFFREYMACKMOORE

I think the 1992 Dream Team could beat them now…they win by 20 if they are both in their prime. Not even close!
Luca

Interesting article but to say that Melo would beat Barkely circa ’92 is fraudulent. Don’t forget that Barkley was the highest scorer on that dream team and if you get a chance, re watch some of the olympic dream team games; Barkley was far and away the most dominant player physically and mentally on the planet. Don’t think that I discount Jordan, but if you watch those games Jordan didnt show half the intensity he was known for. But if Kobe showed him up, imagine what Jordan would do (FYI Jordan doesnt like to loose at anything except for GMing). ALTHOUGH, team USA has always played a transition style of basketball and I fail to see anyone bar Jordan and Pippen keeping up with Westbrook and co. Way wayyyy too fast. Can someone 2k12 simulate it and end this debate?
matt

92 Magic who had been sitting out of basketball for a year and half? He’s a wash with Lebron James in his prime??? Wow.
Phats0

Lebron is faster, stronger, a better leaper, and shooter than Magic. MJ over Kobe all day. Durant is a nightmare for ANYONE. And why would Melo start over K.Love? If we’re talkin’ matchups, why not put 2 rebounding machines against each other K.Love vs Barkley. KLove’s range pulls Barkely out the paint or you could go with Griffin. Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Griffin, Tyson. Too bad injuries plagued this season. I could’ve easily seen a Olympic team with PG:D. Rose, Rondo, Williams SG:Kobe, D-Wade, Harden SF:Lebron, KD PF: Griffin, K.Love C: Howard and Tyson.
kestu

No way does Melo win the matchup at the 4…
Webbie504

DONT BE CRAZY NOW! IM A KOBE N JORDAN FAN!! YEA U CAN SAY MJ OVA KOBE DUH!!! BUT DONT GET ME WRONG! KOBE BEAN BRYANT WILL GO BAK AT DIS DUDE LIKE HE DID BEFORE NOW
Dugasero

C’mon….stop this matchup nonsense!!! Have we forgotten Pistons 2004 and how they were outmatched at EVERY position by the Lakers? Take those Pistons’ chemistry and team defense and add a LOT of talent and you get the Dream Team.

The Dream Team had BASKETBALL PLAYERS, the 2012 squad have athletic guys who can play basketball. There’s no contest. That’s what the old guys (From the Dream Team) are trying to point out without really pointing out. Sure, Lebron is a monster, nobody can guard him, but is his playmaking ability be enough to carry the 2012 team if he gets single coverage from Pippen? if Ewing or Robinson tries to block every shot and LBJ’s defender quickly rotates? If LBJ or CP3 or D-Will can’t distribute the ball, will they be able to break down the D to get a quality shot? I don’t think so. Hell, I don’t even think they’ll be moving the ball at all. David Robinson passes better than most of the 2012 players, and Robinson is already the 2nd worst passer from the Dream Team (the worst is Ewing). When it comes down to individual talent and age, the 2012 team definitely has something to say. But not when it comes down to 5 on 5.

Still, I’ll comment on the “matchups”.

1. Magic won’t be guarding Lebron and at his age, Magic still has a lot to teach Lebron about playmaking. Magic is still a better playmaker than ANYONE on the 2012 team, and mind you, I don’t like Magic that much. Next to Magic, the best playmaker is still found on the Dream Team. I also agree with coolare that Pippen will be put on Lebron. Pip can handle Lebron James.
2. Durant will contribute, but not without opposition, Clyde can take him on and Mullin will be able to frustrate him with his quick hands. Pippen will not be needed to stop Durant. On the flip side, Durant cannot guard any of the 3 (Mullin, Clyde or Pip).
3. Barkley against Melo is a good matchup, but I don’t think Melo has the edge here, I would say they will not be able to guard each other. Melo might have the edge in size and outside skills. But what happens without the ball is all Sir Charles. And Barkley can pass a lot better than Melo can.
4. The centers are not even close. Tyson Davis who? put them BOTH in and Robinson OR Ewing will eat them alive AT THE SAME TIME!
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5. When Malone comes in, NOBODY will be able to match up with him. Kevin Love ? Laettner is a match for Kevin Love.
6. Running game? 2 of the best transition defenders are with the Dream Team, in their prime, Malone and Barkley run like guards, Ewing and Robinson do not lag behnd transition D’s. And first, to start a fastbreak, you need to get the rebound and throw an outlet. Who will trigger it? Love? Chandler? Lebron?
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I’d also comment on the coaching aspect. Coach “K” was with Chuck Daly and his Dream Team back in ’92. He knows how the Dream Team will be coached but knows there’s not much coaching to be had there. Just motivation. Coach “K” will just wish he had the same group of guys that Chuck Daly had.
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I think Kobe’s dreaming. He’s rooting for his team without realizing what really made the 1992 squad the DREAM TEAM.
Let’s be realistic

It won’t really be close, assuming they are playing international rules with 5 fouls (these are Olympic teams) and the players were at the age in which they formed the team. Chandler, Griffin, and Love will foul out in less than 3 quarters and team Kobe & co. will have to run a small line up with Lebron or Melo at CENTER because Durant is a stick. Then you will have 3 point guards trying to drive at Ewing, and Robinson (who will both probably have 7+ blocks in this game), Stockton and Malone running their patented pick and role from the bench, and hammering the final nail in the coffin, a 29 y.o. Jordan in his prime eating a 33 y.o. Kobe or whoever is defending him alive.