The decision to leave Raptors G Vince Carter and 76ers
G Allen Iverson off the U.S. Olympic team was "puzzling as
much as it was a surprise," according to Bart Hubbuch of the
DALLAS MORNING NEWS, who wrote under the header, "USA
Committee's Selection Airballs Do Draw Ire." Hubbuch called
Carter and Iverson "arguably basketball's two most dynamic
young players" and added that Carter "was expected to bring
some highlight-reel flash and sizzle to an otherwise low-
key, somewhat unexciting group" of players. More Hubbuch:
"In a league where marketing of individual talent is key,
especially overseas, the showcasing of Carter on Sydney's
international stage was considered a natural" (DALLAS
MORNING NEWS, 1/9). In Chicago, Sam Smith wrote that USA
Basketball "is sending to Sydney the dullest and most
uninteresting 'Dream Team' since" '92. Smith added, "It
couldn't come at a worse time for the NBA, with attendance
and TV ratings falling." Smith wrote that Carter's
"exclusion suggests the league forgot what got it to
prominence: giving people a good show" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
1/9). In Houston, Michael Murphy wrote, "Given the seas of
empty seats at games this season, perhaps the NBA should
have thought about re-sparking the interest back here on the
home shores. And a few exciting players would have helped
in that regard" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/8). But in Denver,
Mike Monroe wrote that while Carter and Iverson "are among
the most exciting, watchable players in the game ... for
once, though, marketing took a back seat to merit, for which
the committee should be applauded" (DENVER POST, 1/9).
ANSWERING THE CRITICS: In Philadelphia, Stephen Smith
wrote that Iverson's omission may be related to the '94 U.S.
World Championship team which played in Toronto: "Some of
those players conducted themselves responsibly. But some
showed up late for practices. Some partied all night. Some
talked smack and grabbed their crotches during games." One
USA Basketball selection committee member, on the '94 team:
"It was an embarrassment. Still is, to some degree. We
definitely didn't want that to happen again" (PHILADELPHIA
INQUIRER, 1/9). FSN NBA analyst Marques Johnson, on the
selection of Bucks G Ray Allen: "I'm sure the U.S. doesn't
want a repeat of the crotch-grabbing performance given by
Shawn Kemp and Derrick Coleman. ... As long as Iverson ...
carries around the uncoachable label he has, he'll have a
tough time being selected for an honor like this, no matter
how good he is." In Boston, Mark Cofman: "Johnson's candor
is refreshing -- and on target" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/9).
