The FIBA Basketball World Cup is only a month away, and Team USA has announced their squad to redeem their glory. The 2019 version of the team notoriously finished seventh place after losing to France. Team USA’s worst finish in international play in years was marred by a lack of overall talent, players backing out, and very little preparation.
This year, however, the world’s premier powerhouse looks well-rounded and built with purpose. Despite being unable to secure the biggest names, this version of Team USA will parade some of its brightest young stars.
Yet there are still some questions and storylines to follow on the star-spangled banner’s ability to win games with this roster. How would they fare against the best countries in the competition on their way to redeeming gold?
The Underlying Storylines for Team USA in the Fiba World Cup
Who Is This Team’s Captain America?
Unlike the previous versions of Team USA, which had established superstars at the helm, this year’s team will need to figure out its own Captain America. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant stood out before as the main stars of different iterations of Team USA. James Harden, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving – guards with multiple All-Star appearances – also led their Team USA squad. In the upcoming World Cup, three names lead the vaunted and historic squad: Anthony Edwards, Brandon Ingram, and Jalen Brunson.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
The first overall pick of the 2020 draft has already shown flashes of superstardom in his first three years in the NBA. Edwards has increased his scoring average every year. This included a career-high 24.6 points last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he was even in consideration for All-NBA Third Team. The six-foot-four guard shone even brighter in the playoffs before falling short to eventual champions Denver Nuggets in five games. That level of play is welcomed for a Team USA looking for someone to take over games.
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Following an All-Star season two years ago, Ingram has been on the rise. The 2020 Most Improved Player has been one of the premier shot-creators and clutch players in the NBA. Along with teammate Zion Williamson, Ingram has returned the New Orleans Pelicans to relevancy in the top-heavy Western Conference. His takeover style of play brings a different dimension to Team USA’s offense under head coach Steve Kerr. With his playmaking and decision-making, Ingram rises over the top as one of their leaders.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
After signing a four-year deal with the New York Knicks, Brunson has blossomed into a star in the NBA. He recently led the Knicks to an Eastern Conference Semifinal appearance before falling to the Miami Heat in six games. Even with guys like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett on the team, Brunson established himself as the Knicks’ leader. The former NCAA National Champion with Villanova averaged a career-high 24 points per game since coming over from the Dallas Mavericks. New York’s success is mainly attributed to his stellar season, which would be crucial for national team duties. Brunson’s experience, winning ways, and leadership will be vital for Team USA as they vie for gold.
Possible Unsung Heroes for Team USA
Several former Team USA squads had unsung heroes to back up the alphas. Those players got the job done, whether they came off the bench or were supplementary scorers in the starting lineup. For instance, the 2008 Team USA had Dwyane Wade on the bench, yet he was the team’s leading scorer. Wade averaged 16 points in a gold-medal-winning team with Bryant, James, and Carmelo Anthony starting. Moreover, Klay Thompson provided Durant and Irving the extra firepower in the 2016 Team USA roster. There were even times when Thompson led the team in scoring with his excellent shooting skills. This shows that Team USA would welcome big games from each player at any given time.
Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
One player that can make a big impact is Mikal Bridges. Bridges have been on fire since he was sent to the Brooklyn Nets. The six-foot-seven guard/forward has increased his scoring by almost 10 points in 27 games, from 17.2 to 26.1. Bridges also increased his usage rate. He has now shown the ability to be a three-level scorer in the NBA. Certainly, Team USA would welcome that sight come FIBA World Cup time.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Another player that would help Team USA win some games is Paolo Banchero. The 2023 Rookie of the Year recently committed to play for the US and hopes to make an immediate impact. Banchero’s knack for scoring at all three levels will be huge either as a starter or off the bench. If not for age, Banchero could be one of the team’s alphas because of his talent. It will only be a matter of time before he leads his iteration of Team USA.
Team USA’s Lineup
Despite having a 12-man NBA rotation, the starting lineup for Team USA (especially at forward) is still up for grabs. This is assuming Brunson and Edwards, two alphas on their NBA teams, start at point guard and shooting guard, respectively. 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. is also expected to start at center to anchor Team USA’s defense. That leaves the two remaining forward slots with various players to choose from.
Bridges, Ingram, and Banchero are the most obvious choices here. These three have proven themselves in the NBA and will likely be Team USA’s biggest contributors. Kerr and his coaching staff will have different looks in approaching lineups between these three. The safest route is Bridges at the three and Ingram at the four. Both are tall and long enough to play the four internationally. Albeit being undersized, they can cause some matchup problems with their spacing and playmaking. If Team USA wants to go big, either Banchero can start at the four, and either Bridges or Ingram starts at the three. This will allow Team USA to be better on the boards and have another big body down low to match up against bigger teams.
Depending on certain situations, it will be down to Bridges’ plug-and-play ability or Ingram’s playmaking and shot creation. Both can be welcome starting and coming off the bench with the skills that they offer. This would make Team USA even deadlier and more unpredictable on offense.
Does This Squad Have What It Takes to Win It All?
That said, this version of Team USA still has an excellent chance to win the title. Albeit having less star power than previous rosters, this squad looks more cohesive. Team USA Director Grant Hill said building the team this way was in their best interest due to their limited preparation time. He added that they were not trying to assemble a roster but instead looking to build a team. True enough, the 2023 Team USA was built in accordance to balance. Hill and head coach Kerr prioritized shooting, defense, and a group of players who fit together. They now have all the makings of figuring it out to win it all and complete their quest for gold.
However, it won’t be that easy. Teams like Canada, France, and Australia are poised to spoil the comeback party of the Americans. All three have the capability of an NBA-level roster with them to challenge Team USA for FIBA World Cup supremacy. Even teams like Greece and Slovenia might cause problems for Team USA with NBA superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. Fans and skeptics alike are now all waiting to see if this squad can bring back home the coveted gold.
What’s left now is to be able to prove that they are capable of winning it all. As the countdown to the FIBA World Cup 2023 ticks away, it will not be before long for Team USA to establish itself at the top of the basketball world once again.
