Welcome back, and yes, we’re still trying to determine which team is better, the Dream Team or the Redeem Team?

And last time we did this, we glorified the U.S. Redeem Team after capturing gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Now that THAT part is over, it’s time to determine which team is better.

We will break down each position and determine who has the better player playing that spot between the Dream and Redeem. And although these two teams have 16 years between them, both clubs still has the most popular names to ever play this game that we love so much.

To start it off with the point guard spot, Magic Johnson of the 1992 Dream Team goes up against Jason Kidd of the Redeem Team. Both were the elder statesman in the group when they played for the U.S. basketball team. Magic was 33 and has not played a game for more than a year while Kidd is a 35-year-old who has already won the gold medal in Sydney back in 2000.

Magic Johnson will definitely create a match-up problem against Jason Kidd with his size and long wingspan. Hell, Magic played at power forward during that short stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in his last comeback. As soon as he decides to post Kidd up, this match-up is over.

The shooting guard position should prove to be the most interesting match-up on this one since this will be a battle between Michael Jordan, known as the greatest player in the NBA, going up against Kobe Bryant, arguably the very best today.

It’s hard to tell how this match-up will work since both have the skills and passion for the game. And although the consensus would have to be MJ being better, I feel different. Kobe Bryant scored 81 freakin’ points in today’s game and THAT alone should put Kobe on a higher plane than the greatest ever.

At small forward, we have Scottie Pippen against LeBron James.

Both Scottie Pippen and LeBron James is the best all-around player of their respective teams. The only difference here is, James has a slight advantage in terms of offensive skills. And although Pippen compensates with his defense, James can eat any kind of defense thrown at him at this point of his still young career.

The power forward and center positions should give the advantage to the 1992 U.S. Dream Team. Having Charles Barkeley and Karl Malone at the four spot with the dynamic duo of David Robinson and Patrick Ewing well at their prime at center is virtually unbeatable. There is no way Dwight Howard, Carlos Boozer, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh can defend those guys.

The 1992 U.S. Dream Team will have the numbers in rebounding, both offensive and defensive, add that with the hustle you’ll normally get from Charles Barkley and Karl Malone and the Dream Team wins this match-up hands down.

This means, the 1992 Dream Team wins this face-off with the 2008 Redeem Team by just a point, 3-2. While Redeem has the slight edge at the two-guard and small forward spots, the Dream Team dominates the rest.

This is probably why we are taught to always respect our elders.

Who will win the 2009 NBA Finals? Bodog sportsbook has the EARLY odds.

Boston Celtics 4.00

Los Angeles Lakers 4.50

Detroit Pistons 9.00

San Antonio Spurs 9.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more basketball betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

U.S. Redeem Team U.S. Dream Team