After the 2023 Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero commits to the Men’s National team, Team USA is just one man down before they can complete their roster. There have been already 11 NBA rising stars who have committed to play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will be held in the Philippines. With just one spot remaining, which NBA player should fill the team that will compete on the international stage?
The current Team USA currently has a list of talented players, some of whom are All-Stars. The confirmed players are Jalen Brunson (G), Anthony Edwards (G), Tyrese Haliburton (G), Austin Reaves (G), Brandon Ingram (F), Mikal Bridges (G/F), Cam Johnson (F), Paolo Banchero (F), Jaren Jackson Jr. (F), Bobby Portis Jr. (F), Walker Kessler (F).
Only one spot remains on the Team USA roster for the FIBA World Cup this summer:
Jalen Brunson
Anthony Edwards
Tyrese Haliburton
Austin Reaves
Brandon Ingram
Mikal Bridges
Cam Johnson
Paolo Banchero
Bobby Portis
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Walker KesslerWho should take the last spot? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/HPEkvs7d5c
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 24, 2023
Nic Claxton
The 2023 Team USA is filled with a lot of offensive firepowers. Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, and Jalen Brunson can definitely get buckets even in international competition. In addition, this team lacks a legit center that can guard the paint at all costs. In the World Cup, they’re probably going to face superstar big men like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert, Domantas Sabonis, or Kristaps Porzingis.
One of the names that would come up in mind if we’re talking about a center who can get up to block shots is Brooklyn Nets big man, Nic Claxton. Claxton averaged 2.5 blocks per game and was the second in the league. His defensive prowess could be a great boost to this team he definitely lacks in that area.
Myles Turner
Once again, if we’re going to look at a player that could complete Team USA’s lineup, we’re going to have to get a center. Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner already had some experience in FIBA World Cup. Sad to say, it wasn’t a good one. In 2019, Team USA only managed to get 7th place.
But, with a roster filled with a lot of scorers, the coaching staff needs to look for someone to man the painted area. Well, Myles Turner is a very athletic big man who can easily swat shots. Last season, he averaged 2.3 blocks a night (5th in the NBA). Plus, Turner heavily improved this season, not only in defense but only on offense. From averaging 12.9 points in 2021-2022, Myles Turner improved to 18.0 PPG in the 2022-2023 season.
Bam Adebayo
If you can notice, we’re obviously listing every center possible. Bam Adebayo is arguably in the top 5 centers in the league, probably just behind Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. He was part of the U.S. Men’s team that competed in the 2020 Olympics that brought home the gold medal. With his experience, Adebayo deserves a call-up for the FIBA World Cup.
The 25-year-old center is a complete package. A big man who can score and is also a top-tier defensive player. Bam has always been a Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, and soon, he’s going to win it for sure.
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