In case you missed it, some of the NBA's best young players gathered in Las Vegas last week to participate in a Team USA mini-camp, which concluded with a showcase game Saturday night.

And the game wasn't just a bunch of kids goofing around or showing off. Far from it, actually. It was real basketball played in front of U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski, as the players in mini-camp were making a case to represent their country in the next Olympics.

Some random thoughts based on that game:

* I could watch Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant play all day. He's just that exciting. I could have said the same thing about George Gervin, a high-scoring star in the 1970s and early '80s with San Antonio -- even though Gervin was a little before my time. Still, Durant reminds me very much of what I saw of Gervin, with his slender frame, smooth style and ability to score on anywhere, anywhere, anytime.

* Durant led the Blue team to a come-from-behind 100-81 win over the White. And, yes, Portland center Greg Oden -- who will forever be linked to Durant -- played for the White team. (More on Oden later.) Durant tallied a team-high 20 points in the game, and while he's known as a scorer, I was most impressed with how he grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. He also tied for a team-high four assists (with Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook).

* It just goes to show that Durant is becoming a more complete player, and you have to like that if you root for the Thunder. You also have to like how he seemingly plays with more confidence by the minute, developing a winning mentality while displaying a real passion for the game.

* With Durant, Westbrook, unsung forward Jeff Green and rookie guard James Harden (and underrated coach Scott Brooks), I cannot wait to watch the Thunder next season. For me, watching young teams like the Thunder come together is as rewarding as following great teams like Orlando and the L.A. Lakers.

* Second-year center Brook Lopez was also impressive for the Blue, scoring 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field. And while everyone is talking about the Vince Carter trade from the Magic's slant, you have to figure the Nets will be another exciting young team -- with a nice young core of point guard Devin Harris, shooting guard Courtney Lee, Lopez and even rookie swingman Terrence Williams.

* If the Nets ever get what they're hoping for out of forward Yi Jianlian, they could be a real threat in another two or three years. They definitely have the foundation, not to mention another underrated regular-guy type of coach in Lawrence Frank.

* Other top performers for the Blue team: Thaddeus Young (Philadelphia), Kyle Korver (Utah), and summer league star Anthony Randolph (Golden State), all of whom scored 12 points, and Westbrook and Andre Igoudala (Philadelphia), who scored seven apiece.

* When it comes to Young and Iguodala ... well, you have to wonder what will become of the 76ers now that veteran point guard Andre Miller has signed with Portland. Miller is one of the most unselfish players in the league, a quiet leader who really wanted his teammates to succeed. Anyone could see how he particularly played a role in Young's development last season, as Miller went out of his way to act as a coach on the floor. He'll be perfect for the Trail Blazers, but that doesn't do the Sixers any good.

* Don't get me wrong, the Sixers have plenty of reasons for hope. Besides Young and Igoudala, they'll likely have a healthy Elton Brand. I also like second-year center Marreese Speights, who can be a real monster underneath, and new coach Eddie Jordan. But unless something changes before training camp, the Sixers' are suddenly severely lacking in the backcourt, with rookie Jrue Holiday and Louis Williams being the lone point guards on the roster.

* OK, now for the White team. Memphis forward Rudy Gay was simply phenomenal, scoring a game-high 27 points on a 11-of-12 shooting (including 3-of-4 on 3-pointers). Gay will be an All-Star next season if he continues to play like he did at the end of the last one. Like Durant and the Thunder, Gay and the Grizzlies are sure to provide plenty of breathtaking moments. They may not have many winning moments (yet), but at least the process of watching them try will be lots of fun.

* Gay's teammate with the Grizzlies, second-year guard O.J. Mayo, added 13 points for the White, but struggled to the tune of 5-of-16 shooting (and 3-of-10 on 3s). I like Mayo, but he needs to make two or three more shots a game before he's considered someone whom opponents truly need to worry about. Goodness knows, he's gonna keep shooting. Still, you have to admire Mayo's drive -- and feel pretty confident that he too will be a star in the league someday.

* Oden added seven points and a game-high 10 boards (in just 24 minutes) for the White. I've always believed in Oden, always felt like he will someday finally stay healthy and turn the corner. Hopefully, it will be next season. He's another class act and hard worker, and his first two years have been absolutely maddening, both for he and the Blazers.

* When healthy, Oden has proven he can be a major force when it comes to defense, and especially, rebounding. But all the injuries have really hurt him offensively, as he's barely had any time to work on things like footwork and release on his shot. As you know, Oden was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, while the much more fortunate Durant went second. But Oden mostly needs to stay healthy for the sole purpose of believing he can do it, and to build much-needed confidence on the court.

* Other members of the White team: Utah's Ronnie Brewer (11 points) and Paul Millsap (three points, four rebounds), Green (eight points), Chicago's Derrick Rose (seven), Washington's Javale McGee (four) and the L.A. Clippers' Eric Gordon (scoreless in 16 minutes).

Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at amico@probasketballnews.com.

COMMENTS