Should Team USA Go Big?

https://theathletic.com/4831126/2023/09/04/team-usa-italy-fiba-world-cup/?source=thebounce_newsletter&campaign=7624930



Should Team USA go big?

Team USA’s interior struggles during the World Cup have the world side-eyeing American bigs. Jaren Jackson Jr. – the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year – and Walker Kessler combined for three rebounds against Montenegro and Lithuania, who bullied Team USA with a plus-34 rebound advantage and 41 total offensive boards. Poor shooting is the only reason Montenegro didn’t win, but Lithuania channeled its inner NBA Jam by going 14-of-26 from deep en route to a dub.


Admittedly, things were a bit better this morning in the Americans' 100-63 quarterfinal rout of Italy, when Jackson, Kessler and company outrebounded their opponent 51-33. And Team USA could still win the World Cup and has already secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics, but the macro question now is how will they respond to next summer’s pending interior assault? The Americans believe athleticism and mobility are apt counters, but it could be time to bring actual centers to international play, where size matters more compared to the NBA.


With that being said, who are the premier options?

Anthony Davis: 6-10, 253 — The Brow is America’s best NBA big man and defended incredibly during the playoffs. But, with his new contract, would the Lakers let him bang with global bruisers?

Jarrett Allen: 6-11, 243 — He’s only a solid rebounder but a legit defensive presence. Allen is also second among all NBA players in overall shooting in the last two seasons (65.9 percent, min. 1,000 attempts).

Brook Lopez: 7-0, 282 — Lopez is a good rebounder/ rim protector who can shoot. But he barely played in the 2019 World Cup and turns 35 next year.

Bam Adebayo: 6-9, 255 —  Adebayo is undersized but experienced, having won gold in 2021. He tied for the lead in blocks (7) despite averaging under 20 minutes.

Evan Mobley: 7-0, 215  — The youngster has the height, skill and tenacity. But he also needs lots of muscle.

Mitchell Robinson: 7-0, 240 — He’s a rebound inhaler and fourth in the NBA in blocks since debuting in 2018.
If none of these bigs inspire you, then you understand why ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned Team USA might try convincing Joel Embiid to wear the ol’ Red, White and Blue. The Cameroon native has citizenship in France and America but remains a FIBA basketball free agent.


Maybe the U.S. needs a real goon or two? Someone who could purely be a physical nuisance, crash the boards and touch everybody who comes across the paint? Players like Kevon Looney, Robert Williams III, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren are sound rebounders and shot-blockers who could be sound options, too. Honestly, Stewart's interaction with Gilbert Arenas warrants roster consideration.


We'll see how Team USA plays it.


Bob
MY NOTE:  I think the success of international teams in the FIBA tournament vs Team USA will make NBA GMs reconsider their preference for mobile bigs vs brutes.  I wish we had kept Kabengele or Azuibuike.  The heaviest player on our team is Porzingis, and he's only 240# spread out over 7'3".  Time to bring back the '80s, with bigs who are more accomplished shooters from 3.


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worcester wrote:Rob Williams in the Olympics? Please spare us from that injury laden possibility.

Mesnwhile, on Crete tonight I saw someone wearing a Kyrie Irving #11 Boston t-shirt. It was like seeing Dracula.

worcester,

Ooohhh. Jealous.

Where on Crete are you?


Bob


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worcester wrote:Jrleft foot...what a perfectly humorous response.

Bob...we were at Rethymno (a perfect hotel right on the bech), then Matala on the very South coast where I snorkeled among ancient columns now 10 feet underwater (the icecaps have melted some since 1000 b.c., and finally Hraklion which haS a terrific museum and the magnificent excavation at Knossos.

Now we are having lunch on the caldera at SanTorini. So beautiful.

worcester,

I hit all those highlights on my trip there (although my hotel in Rythmno was a half block off the beach). Kathleen must be LOVING Santorini. That's her type of place.


Bob


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Germany defeated Team USA last night.  USA is now playing for 3rd. Are Americans still the basketball players in the world, or do we just have the best league?

Theis with 21 on 10-15, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 2 assists.  Schroder with 17.

Theis is currently under contract with the Pacers for $9M.  He has a $9M Club Option for next year.  Schroder is under contract with Toronto for $12.4M and for $13M next year.

I'd love to have either one of these players for the 15th spot.  Not gonna happen, neither of their contracts can work for us, but I'm good with Theis instead of Blake (not that I don't like Blake, I do) and Schroder would definitely fit my bill for a veteran point guard.  It's hard to believe that Schroder will only turn 30 years old next week.


Bob


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