Team USA's undefeated romp through pool play in Beijing means nothing if there are any slip-ups in the single-elimination medal round that begins Wednesday (8 a.m. ET) against Australia.
As Alexander Wolff of SI.com points out, consider the players warned. When they boarded the team bus after their most recent practice, each player was greeted by a note placed neatly on his seat: "TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED (0-0)."
Some other Team USA items for you to chew on during the otherwise slow basketball days of August:
* Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News on Carmelo Anthony wanting to play in the 2012 Olympics. Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo says there is "no plan" for how future Olympic teams will be selected.
* Elliott Almond of the San Jose Mercury News on Michael Phelps' visit with Team USA.
* Bill Plaschke of the L.A. Times found a Shaq statue in Beijing, strategically located near public toilets.
* David Stern spoke with The Associated Press about ramping up the NBA's presence in China and India.
* Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com imagines a matchup between the Dream Team and Redeem Team, and surprisingly gives the edge to the redeemers.