Casual basketball fans will see the roster that Team USA is assembling for the FIBA World Cup and think, that’s it?
It’s one of the most successful international sporting outfits we’ve ever seen, but the side once known as the Dream Team looks more like the D Team. At least on paper. And that’s not a knock on the players involved, more the names and talent missing from consideration.
Only two of the players that have made commitments to represent FIBA’s title-defending heavyweight have signature shoe deals; there’s no sign of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant or even someone on Devin Booker or Jayson Tatum‘s level.
It’s a team full of emerging talent and there will be a tonne of intrigue when they take the court. Team USA will still undoubtedly start as the betting favourites to claim gold, like they always are. But one thing’s for sure: this side is beatable.
Those two players with shoe deals in the side that will represent the United States? Anthony Edwards and Austin Reaves. And if you’re just hearing the name Austin Reaves for the first time, read more about him here. He’s a very handy player, but the reality is that his rise to fame is more related to his association with LeBron — a Lakers team mate and contributor to their run to the Western Conference finals.
Bobby Portis, 28, is the oldest player on the team, with Cam Johnson the only 27-year-old. The rest of the Team USA roster is 26 or younger, coming in at an average age of 24 years. Think about that for a second.
Without further ado, let’s assess Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which is tipping off in late August.
Team USA squad, FIBA World Cup
Guards
Jalen Brunson, 26, New York Knicks
Anthony Edwards, 21, Minnesota Timberwovles
Tyrese Haliburton, 23, Indiana Pacers
Austin Reaves, 25, LA Lakers
Forwards / Centers
Paolo Banchero, 20, Orlando Magic
Josh Hart, 28, New York Knicks
Mikal Bridges, 26, Brooklyn Nets
Brandon Ingram, 25, New Orleans Pelicans
Cam Johnson, 27, Brooklyn Nets
Bobby Portis, 28, Milwaukee Bucks
Jaren Jackson Jr., 23, Memphis Grizzlies
Walker Kessler, 21, Utah Jazz
Team USA possible starting five, FIBA World Cup 2023
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Brandon Ingram
C: Jaren Jackson Jr.
It’s actually a really fun squad, with plenty of intrigue as the tournament approaches.
And make no mistake, there is some jaw-dropping talent on this team.
There are a lot of interesting combinations to work with; plus a bit to work with as far as rotating their talls goes. Walker Kessler had a breakout NBA campaign after being traded to Utah Jazz ahead of last season and will rotate through the five. Kerr may also look to play smaller and stretch the floor with a number of the versatile spot up shooting forwards the side has assembled.
Team USA games
USA v New Zealand | Group | Saturday August 26, 10:40pm AEST
USA v Greece | Group | Monday August 28, 10:40pm AEST
USA v Jordan | Group | Wednesday August 30, 6:40pm AEST
Who won the last FIBA World Cup?
SPAIN
Spain beat Argentina in the FIBA World Cup final.
Team USA was shocked in the Quarter Finals; knocked out by France, 89-79.
France lost to Argentina in the Semi, 80-66, while Australia was left shattered by Spain in the other Semi Final, going down in a double-overtime nail-biter 95-88. Every Australian watching that Semi had years taken off their collective lives through stress; the Boomers will aim to go a step or three better this time around after losing the third place game 67-59 to France.
Who is the reigning Olympic Men’s Basketball champion?
Team USA
It’s also worth noting that Team USA won the last major international men’s basketball tournament, taking gold at the Tokyo Olympics in an 87-82 win over France. Kevin Durant was massive in decider, leading all scorers with 29 points.
Gold: USA
Silver: France
Bronze: Australia
4th: Slovenia
