The FIBA World Cup is just around the corner and it’s time to discuss which roster is best for fantasy basketball. The answer isn’t so clear cut. Team USA is the favorite to win at -105, while Team Canada is at +400. However, I think it’s safe to say that Team USA isn’t guaranteed to win.
Fantasy Basketball FIBA 2023 Edition: Team USA or Team Canada?
For this matchup, it is important to note that these determinations are based on the Head to Head scoring format from both ESPN and Yahoo Sports. Here are the pros and cons of each team.
Team USA
Pros:
Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton and Brandon Ingram.
Edwards and Haliburton just had their first All-Star selections this year and they will consistently get better throughout the tournament. As for Ingram, he will serve as the leader of the squad by bringing his experience and offensive scoring. Steve Kerr will utilize the high-powered offense he uses with the Golden State Warriors. Expect this team to score a lot of points.
Categories this team will help you with: Points, assists and free throw percentage.
Cons:
Depth and the center position.
Compared to previous Team USA rosters, this squad will have to rely heavily on its starters, which will probably consist of Paolo Banchero, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton and Brandon Ingram.
Who do you have on the bench? Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Austin Reeves? Generally, every team needs to have a good bench to supplement the starters.
The center position is still a mystery because Steve Kerr can go with either Jaren Jackson Jr. (even though he’s more of a power forward) or Walker Kessler. On another note, Kerr can also use Banchero at the five. Either way, it’s not looking good.
Despite the lack of depth and the question mark at the center position, Team USA should be at the gold medal round.
Team Canada
Pros:
RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray.
This is arguably the best squad Team Canada has had in a while. Jamal Murray just won his first ring and he’s ready to win another one, while Barrett and SGA just had their best seasons in their careers. Additionally, Dillon Brooks, Luguentz Dort and the reigning National College Player of the Year Zach Edey will shore up Canada’s defense.
Categories this team will help you with: Points, blocks and steals.
Cons:
Lack of depth and the power forward position.
Like Team USA, Team Canada doesn’t have depth. However, there are other notable players on the roster that include Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynk and Dwight Powell.
For the power forward position, your guess is as good as mine. I’m assuming Brooks will play the four, but it can also be Powell. Nonetheless, Team Canada should be able to make it to the gold medal round.
Verdict:
The winner for fantasy basketball is Team Canada.
I know. I know. Team USA always wins, but you can’t ignore the all-star-caliber lineup of Team Canada. I think Team USA will have a hard time defending against the trio of Barrett, SGA and Murray. Only time will tell. Even though this USA squad doesn’t have an an All-Star-caliber team, I wouldn’t count them out either.
FIBA 2023 will begin on August 25. Make sure you mark your calendars.
