Phoenix Suns Daily Poll: Suns in International Play

or, at least, not any higher than any other option. Sure, players can get hurt. But they can also get hurt doing myriad other, less natural, things. At least, in FIBA/summer play they are doing something their body is trained to do. Nash, for example, could really get hurt playing footie…

For Dragic, this competition is invaluable. He gets to spend a summer as “the man” and evolve in that role. Last summer, he played an energy/change of pace role for Slovenia in Eurobasket as they finished higher than expected. And then he played that role for the Suns, to everyone’s delight. Now this season, he will know what it’s like to be a key starter (in case that’s needed).

For Turk, I guess its more of a toss-up. We all know what he can do, and he’s not young, so too much summer activity could hurt him. Yet, he needed a refresher after the dismal Toronto season. Now with leading Turkey in the WC, his self-confidence and recent excellent play will bode well for the Suns.

If it was Dragon and Turk then it’s fine. But Robin? Hell no. Sure Robin playing for team USA will benefit him and the Suns but there is no one in the team that can replace the presence Robin has.

As an American, I understand that international play is much more important overseas.
And as an American, I honestly don’t really give a damn about international play. I root against the US, because there is nothing compelling about Team USA and I like underdogs.

But for our foreign players, I get the feeling that international play is on par (or even more important) than their paying jobs here in the states. Even if the Suns could hold them out of it through some contract stipulation, it would likely cause dissent.

Yeah, if it was Lopez I would be pulling my hair out. But Lopez is an American, so the lure of international play is not enough to warrant the risk of injury, especially for a 7-footer with back problems. I mean really, USA is trouncing almost everbody with a team of mostly B and C list players. Why would Robin want to play anyways? The thrill of competition? Yeah, right.

but I am glad to see that turk won’t be showing up to camp fat and outa shape like he did in torronto

Indifferent was my vote.

They could get hurt playing FIBA… but then again they could get hurt playing scrimmages here at US Airways or whatever summer camp they train at.

I’m just glad they are playing basketball and not getting arrested or something.

Goran and Hedo are working on their games, staying in shape to play competitive basketball and developing self-confidence, all while feeling the pride of playing for their countries. I can see that if a player is recovering from an injury, or has chronic injury problems (hope Robin is the former rather than the latter), then you’d hold him out. But, basketball players play basketball. You can’t keep them in bubble wrap for all but the 82 games plus playoff games your team plays.

Then again, I’m a believer that those who are overly concerned with injury and illness are generally more prone to them. Self-fulfilling prophecy or something. The germophobes I know, the people with the quart jug of hand sanitizer at their desks, are the ones who always have the sniffles. Personally, I vacationed in Cabo during the height of the swine flu panic. I came out of it just fine, except for tequila hangover and sunburn.

Having said all that, it’s only gonna take one major injury to an NBA player, and then everybody will freak out over this topic. Can you imagine if Kevin Durant blew out his knee playing for Team USA this year?

we sent our best college players to international competition.
Let’s face it. Almost all these FIBA games involving the US are about as much fun as watching hunters club some baby seals.
While watching what little I have of this so-called “world championship,” tournament, I can’t help but notice that the stands have been nearly empty.
Sorry, rest of world, but the NBA championship is the real world championship.
Ironically, the US loss in the last Olympics where we sent amateurs really helped the Suns. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect they wouldn’t have drafted Dan Majerle as high as they did without his breakout performance on the Olympic team.
I don’t see any particular reason for our players not to play if they aren’t nursing a nagging injury.
If it helps you sharpen your game for the upcoming season, go for it.

Lopez shouldn’t play because he’s still recovering from an injury.

Dragic should play because his country needs him and its fun for these guys to compete in the tournaments. The experience and confidence gained can really help him out for us.

Turk being 31 should probably retire from these international competitions, however, in this case he should play because his country happens to be the host country and that’s a once in a lifetime experience. I bet this will be his last competition.

On the other hand, I have to admit that I would love to see Nash play for Canada right now. I’m very curious to see how far he could take that team. Just imagine what winning a Gold medal in the World’s or Olympics would do for his reputation and career?

If a guy is playing 38 minutes a game in the NBA, deep into the postseason – then he probably ought to abstain from the summer basketball a bit.

If the USA went back to sending College players we would never be the favorite again which may make things more exciting. However, the rest of the world has caught up and it still wouldn’t be fair for USA because that means every player on the team is in their early 20’s where many other teams like Argentina, Brazil, Spain… will have players in their prime age(late 20’s) meaning they will be bigger, stronger and more experienced.

The only way to make things fair is for USA to keep sending “B” teams. In other words, a few all-stars and a bunch of role players from the NBA, so no superstars in less they want to play.

Luis Scola is just dominating this competition it’s ridiculous. He has an extremely high basketball IQ. Gosh he would be great for us. I would actually rather have him over David Lee.

I think young players like Goran and Robin would only benefit from international play. It expands their knowledge of the game. Their defense also improves since that’s a very important aspect of international play. Robin would’ve been a much better piece for Team USA than Tyson Chandler. At least he has some offense that can compliment his defensive skills.

I’m glad this is Turk’s last year playing for his team. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and should definitely not risk getting any injuries. If I had any say in it, I’d probably bar players who are over the age of 33 from playing in FIBA or the Olympics.

Let’s dominate the poll. haha

their poll is who is the main treat to the lakers, unfortunately our vote is only one. haha