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Message: [QUOTE="MSSportsGuy, post: 2832619, member: 6485"] I'm trying to think positively about the roster and think the mixture of players plus whomever decides to join them after the WNBA playoffs is still very good. The front court concerns me less than the guard situation. If Stewart and Griner join Charles, Wilson and Nneka then it's a solid lineup as I suspect EDD will sit it out with her knee and probably should. Bird's injury leads me to believe she won't play. Hoping Taurasi, Hayes and Loyd join the roster for leadership and skill. I look at Deshields, Mitchell, Ionescu, Plum and Simms as being good players for sure, but they aren't the greatest collection of talent the US could put out there. Considering Diggins and McBride both barely missed the cut in 2014 I'm surprised they declined the invite. I do understand the desire to rest and heal but it reminds me of what happened when the US men started to pass on invitations. After a few "dream team"esqe cycles the top men's players started taking a pass due to fatigue, endorsements and lack of interest. It's at that time the men's team slid down in the world rankings and it took a rebuild of the NT process to get them back on top. USA basketball has rewarded loyalty to players who commit. I look at Catchings, who was given a spot in spite of her age and declining abilities where Pondexter missed one cycle at the peak of her career and never received another invite. I like to see our best players out there when possible. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach