Better than '92? You're dreaming. (Insider).

We're still a long way from the 2004 Olympics, but because of the flop by Team USA in the World Championship last summer, the roster for the Athens games is already a hot topic. By finishing sixth last summer, the U.S. failed to secure an automatic spot for the Olympics, so the team must play in a qualifying tournament next summer, which means USA Basketball must pick its roster and coaches in the coming weeks.

Whether driven by a sense of guilt or a sense of vengeance, NBA players who skipped the World Championship seem eager to play for the Olympic team, which means USA Basketball will have its best group to pick from since the original Dream Team in 1992. Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady turned down invites to the World Championship but say they'll play in Athens. Jason Kidd and Ray Allen had to back out of last summer's tournament because of injuries, but both say they'll be ready for '04. Shaquille O'Neal says he will play if Lakers mentor Phil Jackson coaches.

Already, a debate is simmering over how good the 2004 team will be--and whether it will be better than "the greatest team ever assembled," the original Dream Team.

The verdict here: The 1992 team still is tops. The new guys are more rugged, but the old guard was a much better group of shooters and all-around basketball players. The best possible '04 lineup just doesn't stack up against the original.

Center Patrick Ewing and David Robinson vs. Shaquille O'Neal and ...