Team USA will probably get their asses kicked in the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament

You read it, as great as they claim the NBA is, Team USA can't seem to win in these international basketball tournaments.

And with the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament ready to kick off by August 22, it sure looks like we'll see more of the same as far as the fabled Team USA is concerned. THAT being coming up with good starts to the tournament only to lose BIG TIME in the end.

Why? Get this, Team USA probably lost three key guys who might probably carry the United States off what has been an era of disappointing international runs.

After already losing the overall No.1 draft pick Greg Oden and Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier from playing with the team for the FIBA Americas tournament in late August, the United States lost Kirk Hinrich after the fiery Chicago Bulls guard pulled out for personal reasons.

Kirk Hinrich played in all nine games for the United States in last year's world championships, starting three of them. He is probably the most consistent ''true point guard'' to play for the team then and with his withdrawal from the FIBA Americas tournament, Team USA could very well be in a whole lot of trouble.

Well, they do still have triple-double monster point guard Jason Kidd and of course, my boy Chauncey Billups, who'll probably be fighting for the starting spot whereas Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams is contented playing third string to both of them.

As for the rest of Team USA, NBA superstars Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard, Michael Redd and overall No.2 draft pick Kevin Durant are all expected to attend camp for the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament.

Of course, what would Team USA be without LeBron James right? You just know he'll be there too.

Who will win the 2007-08 NBA championship? Bet on Bodog today.

Boston Celtics 90/1

Detroit Pistons 9/1

Cleveland Cavaliers 10/1

San Antonio Spurs 4/1

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2007 FIBA Americas tournament Team USA