NBA fans were not happy with the Team USA roster that was chosen ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
As it stands, the roster has Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis, Paolo Banchero, and Austin Reaves.
But the fans showed their displeasure on social media. Here are some of the responses:
“We must be tanking for the world draft.”
“Easily the Worst USA Olympics roster yet.”
“We taking Ls.”
“The superstars don’t wanna play no more.”
“Y’all really acting like Team USA ever really sends their best guys to FIBA World Cup… 2019 the best point guards on the team were Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker and in 2014 they only had 6 who made an All-star game in their career, this ain’t the Olympics people.”
“Australia beats this squad by 20 points.”
“Canada beating this.”
“Where are Dame and KD?!”
The team will be led by head coach Steve Kerr and will begin training camp on August 3 in Las Vegas, with an exhibition game against Puerto Rico scheduled for August 7.
Team USA will play in Group C, and each game of the Group Phase will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Group C consists of Jordan and Greece.
Paolo Banchero Slammed By Italian Basketball Association For Choosing To Play For Team USA
The Orlando Magic’s superstar Paolo Banchero’s decision to play for Team USA instead of Italy saw the Italian Basketball Association call out the rookie.
“Betrayal is a big word, in sports, these things happen and personally, I’m used to it. I consider it a joke,” President Gianni Petrucci said.
“It was a legitimate decision, but he could have made a call to communicate that to us. Instead, we learned about his decision from the newspapers. In the past few days, he was in Milan, and despite our agreements with his agency, he avoided the meeting with coach [Gianmarco] Pozzecco,” the Italian Basketball Federation president said.
Safe to day, Banchero’s addition will be welcomed by Team USA. The rookie had a stellar season for Orlando this past season, averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He will be one of the closely-watched players, surely.
The FIBA 2023 World Cup starts on August 25.
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