- Team USA failed to even win a medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- Coaching and fielding a weakened team have been pointed out as the biggest reasons why
- Rudy Gay says the problem is something else
The fallout continues from Team USA’s disappointing fourth-placed finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. 17-year NBA veteran Rudy Gay has now chimed in on the situation, and he has pointed out what he believes is the reason why they failed in the tournament.
“Nothing to do with coaching or whether it’s a B or C team. These other countries have players that would die to be there, we have players that were chosen.”
Nothing to do with coaching or whether it’s a B or C team. These other countries have players that would die to be there, we have players that where chosen
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) September 10, 2023
It is a fair point from the 37-year-old that a lot of these players on other teams would die to play for their country at the World Cup. There are only a few players for Team USA, if any, that play with that kind of passion and desire. No one is really fighting for a chance to represent the nation, and hardly anyone volunteers to play.
The players are always chosen by the committee, and almost every tournament sees some of them decline to participate as they just want to focus on getting ready for the NBA season. An NBA championship seems worth a lot more than a gold medal at an international tournament.
Rudy Gay Won The FIBA World Cup Twice With Team USA
In the last six editions of the FIBA World Cup, the U.S. won a medal on just three occasions. They only won the gold twice, in 2010 and 2014, and Gay was on both teams.
In the 2010 edition in Turkey, he averaged 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. The team went 9-0 to clinch the gold medal for the first time since 1994.
Four years later they were in Spain and again went a perfect 9-0 to win the gold medal. Gay averaged 6.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He certainly has the credentials to speak on the matter.
Head Coach Steve Kerr Explained The Reasons Behind Their Poor Showing
Steve Kerr has enjoyed tremendous success as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, winning four championships. His first tournament as head coach of the national team has been anything but a success.
Kerr spoke after Team USA’s loss in the bronze medal game, and he shared a few reasons why he felt they came up short. Kerr pointed to the lack of continuity affecting the players, as there is so much roster turnover.
He also felt that the difference in the FIBA game compared to the NBA is something they need to do a better job of adjusting to. Those are some fair points, but you’d still expect better from both the players and the coaching staff.
This loss has now put a lot of pressure on Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. If that ends in disappointment, then there is going to be a lot of backlash coming their way. LeBron James sparked speculation of him playing for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, and if he plays, you’d certainly love their chances of winning the gold.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.