if we only had a time machine

2012 Team USA

1992 Dream Team

I just got done watching the ESPY's, and sportscenter was on after. Apparently Kobe Bryant made some comments about the current NBA Olympic team. Basically it boils down to the idea that they might give the "Dream Team" problems. Obviously this sparks some controversy and some conversation. I did a little analysis myself and on paper the Dream Team is much better. It might be a little bias as I used to have a dream team kellog's poster in my room. It might be bias because I idolized those guys growing up. Heck I still want to grow up and play on Karl Malone's team. Obviously I've realized that I'll never do that, and I'll get over that. When I'm forced to grow up.

Point being, I don't think the current team could beat the Dream Team. Would it be a good game? Absolutely. Would it sell out the biggest stadium in the US? Of course. But again, no way that the Dream Team loses. Here's why:

Position	Weight	Height	Dream Team		Current	Height	Weight
C	235	7-1	David Robinson	>	Tyson Chandler	7-1	240
PF	240	7-0	Patrick Ewing	>	Kevin Love	6-10	260
PF	255	6-9	Karl Malone	>=	LeBron James	6-8	250
PF	220	6-6	Charles Barkley	>=	Carmello Anthony	6-8	240
PF	235	6-11	Christian Laettner	<	Blake Griffin	6-10	251
SF	220	6-9	Larry Bird	<=	Kevin Durant	6-9	235
SF	220	6-7	Scottie Pippen	>	Andre Iguodala	6-6	207
SF	215	6-7	Chris Mullin	>=	Deron Williams	6-3	209
SG	200	6-6	Michael Jordan	>	Kobe Bryant	6-6	205
SG	215	6-7	Clyde Drexler	=	Russel Westbrook	6-3	187
PG	250	6-9	Magic Johnson	>	James Harden	6-5	220
PG	175	6-1	John Stockton	>=	Chris Paul	6-0	183

As you can see. The numbers are there. Sheer size and historical awesomeness of the Dream Team leads me to believe they wouldn't lose, even to this really awesome team.

Some of you might have already looked at the table and notice a few question marks. LeBron v. Malone? Both are MVP's. Both have a lot of size and strength. Before you go off on how LeBron is the best player in the league, remember, Malone was named the best player in the league, 2 times, when MJ was still playing/winning titles. And the Mailman...delivers.

Next, Durant v. Bird. This is the one that I think the legends might get beat on. Bird was past his prime during the Dream Team and KD is just getting into his. Larry was really experienced at that point, which might have given him an edge. Plus Larry had proven he could play against Magic and beat him. But I think KD has got this one. This matchup would be really cool to see.

Deron Williams doesn't play well against bigger guys. So I think Mullin edges him, but just barely. And it pains me to say this, but I think Blake Griffin is the only one other than Durant that would most likely beat the Dream Team counterpart.

Jordan v. Kobe? Jordan was in his prime in 92', Kobe is not. Easy win for MJ. Being the best player ever helps. Clyde the glide has Westbrook on patience and quality of plays. Both are super athletic, so Clyde gets it. Magic? No question he's better than the reigning 6th man of the year. Not to mention he is 4 inches taller and 30 pounds stronger. The Admiral v. Chandler? Please. And Ewing v. K.Love? Both are amazing, but Ewing is bigger, so his height makes him better. Stockton? He was in his prime, and didn't have knee injuries like Paul does. He is way bigger and heavier, plus he is the all-time assists king. And those short shorts? Might be a distraction. The only reason I'm putting CP3 as equal is because he is black and can dunk. (Something I'm not sure Stockton could do.) He probably has Stockton beat on pure athleticism.