2012 Olympic Basketball Preview

20 years after the Dream Team dominated the globe, countries around the world are preparing their nation's best for the 2012 Olympics in London. The United States is once again being led by superstars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Chris Paul. But, before we dive into this year’s team, let’s go back to 1992 and review the previous five teams that represented this nation.

Steve Nash Goes Hollywood

It was announced Wednesday night, as most of us were crushing hot dogs, watching Independence Day and doing other American things on the birthday of our nation, that the Lakers acquired Steve Nash for a pair of future first and second round draft picks. The 38-year old Nash, will join Kobe and Co. in LA for one last shot at a championship that remains the only thing missing from Nash's Hall of Fame resume. The two-time MVP, who has long been a thorn in the side of Lakers fans, is not only another box-office draw in a city full of them, but another piece to the puzzle for a team floating in Western Conference mediocrity the last two years. The synergy between Kobe and Nash will be interesting to watch, as Kobe may have to sit back and let Nash set other teammates up, something Kobe certainly is not accustomed to.

Brandon Roy and the Ghosts of Trailblazers Past

Don't call it a comeback. It has been reported recently that Brandon Roy is ready to return to the league he retired from not even a year ago. After being amnestied by the Blazers last season, he is a free agent and has his share of teams that are in the process of making him offers. But with all of Brandon's knee issues over the years and the lingering curse that is being a star player for the Blazers remain obstacles that Roy needs to overcome. It's well documented that he isn't the first big name former Trailblazer that's been held back by injuries. In the words of Michelangelo (the Ninja Turtle, not the artist), "a moment to reflect."