Chris Ballard: Long-range planning for Team USA

U.S. coaches are emphasizing the shorter three-point line in practices The U.S. team has struggled from the perimeter in recent major tournaments Some U.S. players have been practicing the international three for months LAS VEGAS -- Visitors witnessed a strange sight at the U.S. national team practice Wednesday: NBA superstars trying to learn how to be open. There was LeBron James setting his feet and launching set-shot three-pointers, like some old-timer at the YMCA. And there was Kobe Bryant taking a deep breath before unspooling his own threes, perfectly in balance and without any of the usual head fakes or fadeaways. In each case, they were practicing what is an unfamiliar role: the second or third option spotting up on the wing, in this instance to shoot an unfamiliar shot, the shorter 20-foot, 6-inch international... [read full story]