By Sam Amico

PRO BASKETBALL'S BAD EXAMPLE

Here is what we learned from the United States' losses to Argentina and Yugoslavia in the World Championships. While this doesn't always apply, it sure did this week:

-- Paul Pierce can't make a big shot.

-- Michael Finley can't make ANY shot.

-- Andre Miller can't guard anyone.

-- Jermaine O'Neal can't get a meaningful rebound in his own gym against guys who -- let's face it -- ain't exactly Moses Malone.

Ladies and gentleman, meet today's NBA all-stars.

A lot of people who love the NBA have been waiting for a game like this. They've been waiting for the athletic American pros to get spanked by a fundamentally-sound bunch of fun-loving foreigners -- simply because they feel U.S. players have no concept of how the game is meant to be played.

I know this because I was sitting in a room full of Americans who were rooting for Argentina, and then Yugoslavia.

After the loss to Argentina, point guard Baron Davis told reporters, "It's not the medal round, and we'll be back to win the gold."

A couple of years at UCLA and that's the best Davis can come up with? No wonder these guys quit going to college.

The truth is, this U.S. team will forever be remembered as the First Team of NBA Players to Lose in International Competition. And that's all it will ever be remembered for, end of discussion.

Worst of all, against Argentia, the Americans looked like the spoiled brats everyone says they are, as Pierce and O'Neal displayed their frustrations the only way today's NBA players know how -- by committing stupid and flagrant fouls.

Then, when the U.S. had a chance to mount a comeback in the final two minutes, Pierce and Finley were throwing up 3-pointers that made the rim cringe with fear.

Of course, none of this kept Pierce from running his mouth. Perhaps someone forgot to tell him that, hey Paul, this isn't PlayStation.

EXCUSES ARE LIKE ...

Brace yourselves, because here comes the barrage of excuses from the NBA guys. If there's one thing our current pros never learned on the AAU circuit, it's how to stand up and be accountable.

At least Pierce was man enough to call the defeat "embarrassing."

It was actually worse than that, as the U.S. never led and trailed by as many as 20 points.

None of this is intended to trash the Argentine players. Just the opposite, as Argentina displayed the type of ball movement and shooting that brought back memories of the 1985 Lakers.

But ever since the Overseas Invasion of the last NBA draft, critics have been talking about the decline in fundamentals among American players.

It's time to start believing these critics. I mean, is there anyone who thinks Michael Finley works on his ballhandling during the offseason? Can you picture Baron Davis shooting 500 jumpers on a humid summer day at the park? Has O'Neal ever spent time trying to develop a hook shot?

Most of this can be blamed on what Atlanta Hawks general manager Pete Babcock calls "our basketball society."

Babcock explains it this way:

"My theory has always been that our basketball society embraces these kids at too young of an age. Kids are 12 or 13 years old and receiving free shoes and warmups.

"They’re traveling all over the country to play in all sorts of tournaments. On top of that, some of these kids actually get recruited to play high school basketball. Not college basketball, high school. Some private schools are nothing more basketball factories. They’re supported financially by shoe companies and other basketball-related sources -- and little else. It’s like a boarding school that specializes in basketball. Not that they don’t take classes, but kids go to these schools to play basketball, first and last.

"When they finish that experience, they’re recruited by hundreds of colleges, all of which tell the players how great they are, that they’re the answer to everything in life. So the kid goes to school for a year or two, leaves for the NBA, and we all sign them for millions of dollars. They get guaranteed money, and lots of it. And they’re 19 or 20 years old."

In other words, why would a youngster feel the need to work on his game after receiving all of this? It's almost as if working on the fundamentals is beneath many of today's players.

WARPED THINKING

A lot of NBA types agree with Babcock and blame the shoe companies and amateur circuits for the way players act today. There aren't many real coaches on the AAU level, as most men who run the teams are only concerned about the bottom dollar and latching onto a player in the event that he someday becomes famous.

As Celtics GM Chris Wallace says, "After seeing how most top players are catered to during their teenage years, how can we expect them to act any differently once they make it to the NBA? In fact, it's amazing that they don't act worse."

And I hate to bring up ESPN ... but sports sure have taken a drastic turn for the worse since The Worldwide Leader came aboard. With all the background music, dumb graphics, and lame jokes by the anchors, it's hard to tell if you're watching SportsCenter or a Disney cartoon.

And after viewing the highlights, it's easy to see why a lot of guys feel the only shot worth taking is a dunk. It's also easy to see why many of today's players have a hard time understanding that respect is measured by how many times you win -- not by how much money you make or how many shots you take.

Instead, I'll leave you with this -- I love the NBA. Always have, always will. But some improvements would be appreciated.

Owners are selling, teams are moving, fans are staying away. A lot of it has to do with the fact that many of today's players stopped caring -- and that some of the all-stars really aren't that good.

And anyone who watched how the U.S. lost to Argentina in an empty Conseco Fieldhouse can attest to that.

KOBE VS. T-MAC

Last week, I asked who you thought was better -- Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady. I also asked if you thought the Lakers still would have won three titles had McGrady been in the lineup instead of Kobe. Here are some of my favorite replies:

FROM MATT FOSTER

I would say Kobe and T-Mac are pretty equal. If you made Kobe the focal point of a team, I think he would do many of the same things McGrady does. If I had to choose one to start a team, though, I'd pick Kobe.

FROM CRAIG RUDNICK

I am a longtime Lakers fan, especially during the Magic Johnson era. There's no doubt that the Lakers three-peat with either Kobe or Tracy. They are both amazing, and it's too close to call.

FROM PETER TRUONG

T-Mac is a better all-around player. He can pass, score, rebound and post up bigger players. Kobe is great, but he tends to hog the ball and mimic Jordan for his own glory. If T-Mac played next to Shaq, the Lakers would be even more dominant.

FROM JASON LEUNG

I don't think the Lakers would have won three titles with McGrady. They became a championship team because Phil Jackson convinced them to play defense. More specifically, Kobe became one of the league's best perimeter defenders. T-Mac has potential to be a great defender, but doesn't consistently put forth the same effort as Kobe.

FROM FRANK BAKER

I live in McGrady's backyard, and have followed him closely since he came to Orlando. In my opinion, McGrady has come out on top in head-to-head matchups with Kobe every time. McGrady carries the Magic offensively, and is always given the most difficult person to defend. Kobe can rely on Shaq. My vote goes to McGrady.

FROM PAUL EVANS

Kobe has already proven himself as a winner, while McGrady has yet to do that. Either way, neither is as good as MJ.

FROM DONAHUE FERGUSON

This should not even be a question. McGrady is stronger, a much better shooter and on-the-ball defender, and more effective at playing other positions. T-Mac would kill Kobe in the post and obliterate him one-on-one. Kobe is truly a great player, but remember when Shaq was in Orlando and everyone was calling Penny Hardaway the next Jordan?

FROM BRIAN McCORMICK

Kobe is a much better player than T-Mac. Kobe is better in the clutch, a better defender, a little stronger, and more of a leader. I think the Lakers would have lost to Sacramento in the playoffs with T-Mac instead of Kobe.

FROM DANIEL GOLDBERG

McGrady absolutely would have won three rings in a lineup featuring Shaq. They're both great, but Kobe still makes too many mental mistakes, and tries to do too much when he should be staying within Phil Jackson's scheme.

FROM DOUG McCOOEYE

Offensively, it's a toss-up, but one-on-one, I would give Kobe the edge. Defensively is where Kobe really has the edge as far as I'm concerned.

FROM BRIAN MAUDE

No contest, Kobe is better. You replace Kobe with McGrady and the Lakers do not win three championships. Why? Ballhandling. Kobe can play point guard, and defend other point guards. McGrady does not have that type of versatility.

FROM PATRICIA GALINDO

Kobe is the better player for two reasons. First, he's the best clutch player in the NBA right now. Second, a player's durability has to be taken into account. The Lakers would have suffered if they had T-Mac and his chronic back problems. But the bottom line: Kobe is a more complete player.

FROM PAUL CAMPBELL

Even with Shaq around, it is Kobe who usually makes the decisive shot or pass. McGrady hasn't developed that type of clutch play yet (although he still may). Nod to Kobe.

FROM COLIN NG OF TAIWAN

I don't think you can compare Kobe and T-Mac. Kobe is a sidekick to Shaq, just like Scottie Pippen was to Jordan. McGrady could not play the role of a sidekick, and that is why I don't think the Lakers would have won three titles with him. Nor do I think Orlando would be better with Kobe. Yes, Kobe wants to be a leader, but he just can't do it. T-Mac can. I think both are successful because of the teams they play for.

FROM ALBERT LEE OF HONG KONG

Everyone could win three championships next to Shaq, and that includes Sam Amico.

Thanks everyone! And Albert, I couldn't have said it better myself. (P.S. A special thanks to Chris Wang of Roundballcity.com for translating). -- S.A.

WNBA ANGER

Finally, this interesting e-mail comes from reader Mitch Wood.

"I couldn't help but notice the WNBA finals. Personally, I wish they would do away with the league altogether, as I would much rather watch 'All in the Family' reruns. Anyway, I noticed that the team from Los Angeles won the title. And guess who it played? That's right, the team from New York!

"It just so happens that the league's two biggest markets meet for the championship. How can you not think this thing is rigged? You and I both know how the refs can control a game -- cough, cough, Shaq, cough, cough -- and you have to wonder if the officials weren't instructed to take over for the sake of ratings and attendance."

BUY MY SEASON PREVIEW!

First of all, I would like to thank those of you who have already signed up to buy my 2002-03 Pro Basketball Season Preview. I'll be honest, I'm a little surprised by the positive response.

Secondly, there's still plenty of time to purchase the PDF-style magazine, which will be delivered to your e-mail two weeks before the start of the NBA season. The magazine will consist of previews and analysis of all 29 NBA teams, draft news, editorials, features, rosters, schedules, and yes, fantasy information.

It will also include a special section of readers' thoughts on the upcoming season. I'll be sending out an e-mail asking for them soon.

The preview costs just $3.50, and you can order it by sending a check or money order to:

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