Pass-Happy Dream Team Too Hesitant?

Assembling the talent-heavy Dream Team hasn’t been a case of stuffing 10-gallon egos into 5-gallon jugs. It is sometimes quite the opposite.

“I think guys don’t want to step on other guys’ toes. Nobody wants to try to stand out too much and put themselves above the other guys,” Dream Team guard John Stockton said Saturday after the final practice for today’s exhibition game against Greece.

“Because of that, it’s tough for everybody to use their talents,” said Stockton, a man modest enough about money, at least, to forgo a potential $25 million and instead stay with the Utah Jazz.

“Everybody’s (waiting) for the other guy to do it,” he said. “So it takes time for everyone to adjust and start playing well together.”

Coach Lenny Wilkens sees the same hesitancy, at times, and takes pains to head it off.

“When I see that, I go over and tell the guy, ‘You’ve got to play your game,”’ he said. “It’s just natural because they want to blend in so much.”

Charles Barkley blend in? But even he can talk the company line.

“Our job is to win,” he said. “We’re here to represent the United States and prove we’re the best basketball playing team in the world.”