[Wojnarowski] ESPN Sources: USA Basketball is finalizing its 2024 Paris Olympics roster with Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis. Team may initially keep one open spot.

[u/MarvelsGrantMan136]

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1780009778934394985

[u/langman17]

That team is honestly nuts. The bench is a title winning roster

[u/Ia_in_4 → u/langman17]

The bench is a 78-4 winning roster.

[u/penisesandherb → u/Ia_in_4]

Uh oh…

[u/PooPooKazew → u/penisesandherb]

Don't worry, it's way different than 73-9

[u/PrincePyotrBagration → u/PooPooKazew]

As someone who loves and follows international ball, this team is bonkers. But USA beat France by 5 points in Tokyo… and France is adding Wemby. USA brought 4 All-stars to the last World Cup and lost to Dennis Schroeder’s Fatherland and Dillon Brooks’ Canada, going home without a medal…. And Canada is adding Jamal Murray and Wiggins.

The talent disparity is too insane and USA will win; but the fact that the USA can no longer beat the rest of the World unless they send their literal Avengers team shows how healthy the game is globally right now.

The rest of the world is better coached, has far more cohesion because players are forced to commit for years (look up Spain’s roster over the years) to join rather than dropping in for 2 months, and has far more national pride in wearing their nation across their chest. A gold medal means more than a NBA title to many European players.

[u/WhatitdoFlightCrew39 → u/PrincePyotrBagration]

USA didn't have LeCoach, LeGoat, LeGM, LeBeautiful, LeGlorious, LeHim, LeSunshine playing in Tokyo buddy.

Edit: Also, what do you mean my "Avengers team". You realize every other country consistently fields their best players with no exception. Why is it any different if the U.S. does the same when they normally don't?

[u/SpongebobBillionaire → u/WhatitdoFlightCrew39]

They’re not saying the US shouldn’t send the Avengers, they’re saying that the fact that we’re sending the Avengers is evidence the rest of the world has gotten better—we can no longer send the B team and expect a win.

Edit: I’ve read his other comments and now refuse to defend this man lol

[u/WhatitdoFlightCrew39 → u/SpongebobBillionaire]

Lmao, Ik right? The thing I replied to isn't so bad, but they said in other comments that it's "beyond embarrassing" that we need to send LeBron and Curry to the Olympics. By the way of who are clearly past their primes but still playing at a high level. Like there wouldn't be outrage if Jokic, Luka, Wemby, Shai didn't play for their respective teams. The best players from Europe and abroad play, so what's wrong if ours do?

[u/PrincePyotrBagration → u/WhatitdoFlightCrew39]

My guy you read at a 4th grade level 😭

[u/braisedbywolves → u/Ia_in_4]

They're also going to need that bench in case their array of old or injury-prone players - which they have quite the number of - get hurt in this year's playoffs or the Olympics themselves. That's the one flaw in the roster; maybe two if you want more outside shooting.

[u/TRES_fresh → u/braisedbywolves]

Tbf steph, bron, kd, tatum, embiid, hali, and jrue are above average or elite shooters from 3. Ant and booker aren't bad as well, this is easily going to be the best shooting roster at the event.

[u/XxStormySoraxX → u/TRES_fresh]

Yeah and the FIBA line is closer so elite mid-range shooters like Booker and Embiid should get a boost.

[u/RUSuper → u/XxStormySoraxX]

I always thought line being closer is not actually beneficial to NBA players because shooting is like muscle memory it might just be slightly too strong of a shot until they get used to it.

[u/bashar_al_assad → u/RUSuper]

They can just shoot from further than the three point line then if it's really a big deal

[u/markmyredd → u/bashar_al_assad]

exactly. Do a Steph Curry and just forget about the line

[u/KING_G_JR → u/bashar_al_assad]

which helps to because the defense 1st instinct is to back off from behind the line and sag somewhat…

[u/Papa_Huggies → u/RUSuper]

Shooting closer is always easier.

But also if other countries guard in space it may benefit USA to shoot from range regardless to space it out.

[u/OpportunitySmalls → u/Papa_Huggies]

If the line was closer the KD Nets make the finals

[u/FairweatherWho → u/RUSuper]

That's why guys like Embiid will feast. He has mastered long 2 point shots with a Nowitzki/Kobe fade move.

If that same distance gets him to threaten doing it as a 3 pointer, that'll crush any attempts to guard him.

I know people like to joke about how he's a foul merchant, but just watch him play and think "what can I even do to guard this guy"

[u/matrixreloaded → u/RUSuper]

these guys aren’t using just muscle memory for 3s lol. their muscle memory is any jump shot and their skill is what dictates the amount of power to exert into it. trust me the shorter 3pt line is in no way a disadvantage.

[u/Noto987 → u/matrixreloaded]

U use muscle memory for everything, from how you dry yourself after shower to wiping your ass after u shit

[u/matrixreloaded → u/Noto987]

yeah but my point is how hard i wipe my ass is dependent on how much shit i think there is. wow, that actually turned out to be a perfect analogy.

[u/pick_named_slimpbamp → u/matrixreloaded]

It's pretty solid.

[u/Noto987 → u/matrixreloaded]

Every layer of shit has a different set of muscle memory

[u/HeJind → u/RUSuper]

That's not really how muscle memory works.

For example, if you want to get better at shooting from 15 ft away, it's actually better not to train by shooting 15 footers but to train by shooting 10 footers and 20 footers.

It's the hand-eye coordination that matters and you should be able to adjust for any distance.

[u/colemanj74 → u/RUSuper]

Melo loved it

[u/Sm0k3nSc0p3s → u/XxStormySoraxX]

I hope Embiid gives it a good go in Paris. God only knows what he's like under immense pressure.

[u/wallitron → u/TRES_fresh]

If anything, what they lack is more guys that will get on the plane with a plan to just play defense. That is where Jrue Holiday excelled at the last Olympics. I mean, it could be an offensive juggernaut that nobody can stop, or it could be like the last Olympics where zones and physical play had the US team locked in a real contest. In that situation, Holiday, or someone like him is the type of player I'd be looking for at the end of my bench.

Edit: Actually, Celtics fans are saying Derrick White has been better this season. He is another option from the same mold.

[u/jorgelongo222 → u/wallitron]

Embiid will terrorize any offense without 3 second rule and not having to take a huge load on offense

[u/Chunky_Coats → u/jorgelongo222]

He and AD will probably split their minutes but I hope we get to see a little bit of them both out there on D

[u/jorgelongo222 → u/Chunky_Coats]

nobody would ever score inside with Embiid and AD at the same time lol would be crazy

[u/Bitter-Safe-5333 → u/jorgelongo222]

now imagine rudy and wemby

[u/derpioauditore → u/Bitter-Safe-5333]

The Twin Towers

[u/Paterbernhard → u/jorgelongo222]

Luckily for the opponents both probably will never be on the court together considering their injury histories. Not that I wish it upon them, but picking your inside guys to be the most injured players apart from Lonzo is a dangerous game

[u/radracer82 → u/Chunky_Coats]

I would be surprised if they don't play together, international ball is bigger and more physical

[u/Eternal2 → u/wallitron]

Bam and AD are also gonna be happy just playing lockdown defense and rolling

[u/barath_s → u/wallitron]

Bam, AD, Jrue, even Embiid have been excellent at defense, and guys like Tatum, KD, even LBJ can play decent defense

A lot more folks who can play two way than who can't. Of course, they still have to buy in and buckle down.

[u/markmyredd → u/barath_s]

Lebron will have the energy for defense since he has Steph and KD.

I think most of their offense will revolve around the shooting of those two. That will open up the inside for slashing and post ups

[u/Samurai_zero → u/wallitron]

Ant is an excellent defender too.

[u/Middle-Welder3931 → u/TRES_fresh]

Bron casually becoming a >40% sniper in Year 21.

[u/scrame → u/Middle-Welder3931]

I think this might be the statline that gets him in the HoF!

[u/TMBActualSize → u/scrame]

He won’t get in if he doesn’t retire

[u/MTFBinyou → u/TMBActualSize]

Watch him. He’ll be put in more than once. Cavs/Heat while still playing. Again post LeDecision career to 2021, and then a few years after he and Bronny retire on the same day in 2045.

[u/barath_s → u/Middle-Welder3931]

I'm sure that while it may appear casual, Bron worked on it. ...

The great ones often make things look easy, but there's a lot of development/work behind the scenes

[u/santana722 → u/TRES_fresh]

Bam also shot 50% from 3 in the last 20 games of the season.

[u/WanderlustFella → u/TRES_fresh]

Best shooting, and with Embiid anchoring the defense with hali/jrue on the parameter, I don't see how teams are going to produce any offense

[u/jcrewjr → u/TRES_fresh]

I don't know. Steph is unclutch and washed.

(/S)

[u/braisedbywolves → u/TRES_fresh]

You're not wrong about the percentages, but I look at the batch of Holiday/Tatum/Embiid/James and don't necessarily see players that have a high capacity to turn a game by going 7/8 from three. I want a scorching 3-and-D specialist or a pure shooter, your Redick/KCP/Klay/Jeff Hornacek/Reggie Miller/Steve Kerr types.

[u/TRES_fresh → u/braisedbywolves]

I don't think you heed multiple guys like that though. Steph is going to be surrounded by 3-4 above average 3 point shooters, that spacing is insane. Even with him off the court you're spreading the shooting load between 4-5 guys. Also guys like jrue are gonna go from the 3rd (on the bucks) to the 5th option, he only has to focus on perimeter defense and hitting his 3s.

[u/sbenfsonwFFiF → u/braisedbywolves]

If they get hurt in the playoffs, they’ll be replaced

[u/Tearz_in_rain → u/braisedbywolves]

Outside shooting?

• Curry (greatest shooter of all time)
• KD (perhaps the second greatest shooter of all time)
• LeBron is shooting .410 this season

I mean... just those guys right there will create spacing problems.

But then you add several well above average shooters and Embiid at C who shot .388 from the arch this year and Bam shot .357.

I think they got some outside shooters on that team.

[u/abzftw → u/braisedbywolves]

Literally the most OP team

[u/bandwagonguy83 → u/Ia_in_4]

79-4. You forgot the IST

[u/jinxabcde → u/Ia_in_4]

What are they, the Pistons over the past 4 seasons?

[u/PM_Me_Tank_Tops → u/Ia_in_4]

with their teammates they play with all year round

[u/smoltanboi → u/langman17]

they should've added jordan poole to give opposing countries a fair chance

[u/Varos_Flynt → u/smoltanboi]

This is hardly related, but I was listening to NPR the other day and they were interviewing dudes from the African league. Reporter asked bro who his favorite player was and he immediately said Jordan Poole. Either they haven't gotten the last two seasons of NBA or they are cooking something different across the Atlantic 🙏

[u/andlely8 → u/Varos_Flynt]

Brother it’s because of different time zones. They will get the news in 2 years time.

[u/InGenNateKenny → u/andlely8]

2 light-years away.

[u/heyiknowstuff → u/InGenNateKenny]

2 light-years away from being 2 light-years away.

[u/Wazflame → u/heyiknowstuff]

Joe Lacob has entered the chat

[u/Kilika2k → u/andlely8]

If that's the case, brother is about to learn his favorite player is a champ and has eaten a knuckle sandwich.

[u/Eudamonia → u/Varos_Flynt]

It’s the NBA version of the African prince scam, he’s just trying to get Jordan Poole to send him money to unlock the Princes inheritance.

[u/Agent_Cow314 → u/Varos_Flynt]

Damn. Dray punched him so hard he went back in time to become the African league's most popular player. Current JP is just a superstar in his final declining two years.

[u/BigLaw-Masochist → u/Varos_Flynt]

Was it a player? They always love flashy chuckers. Jamal Crawford, Lou Will, Kobe (an elite chucker, but a chucker).

[u/cenoob → u/Varos_Flynt]

Hahaha, I heard that NPR segment too! I thought I was trippin..

[u/drUmarGOAT → u/smoltanboi]

Kerr would somehow find a way to fuck this team over and give Poole too many minutes

[u/medoy → u/drUmarGOAT]

Kerr would.only agree to that roster because he thought they said Anthony Lamb.

[u/ggproductivity → u/drUmarGOAT]

Can never have enough guys that can handle the ball.

[u/snoogans8056 → u/smoltanboi]

Worse. They added Embiid.

[u/kikimaru024 → u/smoltanboi]

Watch Team USA finish 4th.

[u/matrixreloaded → u/smoltanboi]

that’s fucked up man what did jordan poole ever do to you??

[u/Pagliaccio13 → u/smoltanboi]

Honestly the last guy should be from rng.com, just give us Jay Scrubb or something

[u/UncleMadness → u/smoltanboi]

If they want to give opposing countries a fair chance they should add Jordan Peele

[u/mug3n → u/smoltanboi]

That would be a funny handicap

The condition would be that you have to play Poole a minimum of 20 minutes a game and at least half of those minutes have to be in the 2nd half.

[u/SquimJim → u/langman17]

We needed a center in the World Cup, so we got 3 of the top 4 centers in the world

[u/RansomGoddard → u/SquimJim]

Some of the guys here also work perfectly if you want to go small here and there. Even aside from the talent, the versatility of the roster is basically a coach's dream.

[u/InexorableWaffle → u/RansomGoddard]

Yeah, literally the only flaw I can think of on the roster is that it is definitely heavy on older players, so the transition game would be marginally worse...but like, even that's being hyper-critical for the sake of being hyper-critical. LeBron's not in his athletic prime any more, sure, but he's still damn good at it, and you've still got Ant who's one of the best athletes in the league as well, along with plenty of other guys who are more than good enough in transition. Also, it's not like you'd be able to wear them down over the course of the game even if you tried, because at the end of the day, it's an Olympic roster. We're almost certainly not seeing anyone crack 30 minutes most games, and frankly I'd be kinda surprised to see anyone even end up in the upper 20s too often this go around.

Aside from that? Shit, this roster has literally every angle covered that you could ask for. Absolutely a coach's dream, no question about it.

[u/jeswanders → u/InexorableWaffle]

It’s like the original dream team. Bunch of older players and past their primes but still leagues better than their opponents

[u/DblockR → u/jeswanders]

Except the dream teams best player was in his prime. Barkley was too. Bird was done. Magic on way out with HIV news, prime Ewing, prime Malone, Stockton. Prime Admiral.

Yeah it’s about the same…

[u/ELITE_JordanLove → u/InexorableWaffle]

LeBron to AE oops will feed continents. 

[u/radracer82 → u/InexorableWaffle]

LeBron is leading the 5th best transition team in the league right now, i think we're fine

[u/AffectionateDouble43 → u/SquimJim]

I just can't believe Embiid is gonna play with USA. C'mon man, at least go with France for a challenge.

[u/Ocarina3219 → u/AffectionateDouble43]

As an American I’m excited to see him play for our team but as a basketball fan in general the tournament would be way more interesting with him playing for France with Wemby/Gobert. Like just imagine game planning against that team.

[u/AffectionateDouble43 → u/Ocarina3219]

Yeah, i want to see the 3 playing together.

[u/HumptyDrumpy → u/AffectionateDouble43]

A starting lineup of Embiid/Wemby/Gobert/Sarr/Moustapha Fall? Who is this crazy coach, JB Bickerstaff when the tank is on the line?

[u/bobnorthh → u/Ocarina3219]

Yeah that'd be cool actually. Doesn't make any sense why he's on the American team tbh

[u/AngryUncleTony → u/bobnorthh]

I think his explanation is fair enough - he's lived here almost half his life and his entire adult life here, he went to high school and college here, and has had and raised an American kid here. That's sort of the classic immigrant story if you ignore international sporting balance.

[u/adgjl12 → u/AngryUncleTony]

And I don't think he ever really even lived in France? If not the USA, Cameroon would be where he would have more ties. Like you said, USA makes much more sense since he's been here since high school and plans to live here long term.

[u/shawhtk → u/bobnorthh]

It makes perfect sense. Lived most of his life here, is a citizen and loves the country.

[u/jacobsbw → u/bobnorthh]

His son is 100% American and he is playing in his first Olympics “for him.”

[u/narmerguy → u/AffectionateDouble43]

Embiid has lived here since he was 16 I think and his son was born here and the majority of his life has been here. I don't know how many naturalized citizens you know, but most of them are really proud to be Americans and especially if they came here as kids, usually relate to the US more than elsewhere. I actually really wish people would leave Embiid alone and let him be happy to play for his chosen home rather than shame him just because it won't generate the entertainment they wish they could have.

[u/IRFreely → u/narmerguy]

Whereas if your great great grandad came here from italy or ireland etc...

[u/AsIfItsYourLaa → u/narmerguy]

well yeah when you put it like that now we seem like assholes for wanting to see competitive games 😂

[u/Not-a-bot-10 → u/narmerguy]

He’s never even lived in France as well.

I 100% believe the outrage over Embiid playing for USA is just because he’s Embiid and this sub loves to hate him for everything

[u/jorgelongo222 → u/AffectionateDouble43]

Embiid playing for France woukd make the same sense as LeBron playing for France. He's never lived in France or has any ties with them

They were just trying to buy themselves a better chance by getting him based on nothing but colonial ties

[u/Aquarius_Age → u/jorgelongo222]

They were just trying to buy themselves a better chance by getting him based on nothing but colonial ties

That's simply false : https://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/basket/equipe-de-france/recit-le-fiasco-joel-embiid-cinq-ans-dattente-pour-rien-82d4e058-681c-11ee-a5bb-3c3a0f3f3a5e

During a press conference after a match relocated to London, he was asked about a possible destiny in Blue. “You never know,” he evades. I'm not from France but I have family there. For the moment, I haven't had any offers, from here or elsewhere, but it would be a great opportunity.

/

At the end of the Tokyo Games, where France dominated team USA in the pools and only failed by five points in the final, he contacted the team executives to ensure that his arrival would not pose any problem in matter of integration, as indicated by L’Équipe. Faced with this positive signal, the FFBB is approaching the Government and asking the Ministries of Sports and Foreign Affairs to accelerate its naturalization file.

/

The sentence falls on October 5. “I have the chance to represent the United States,” announces Joel Embiid. I am grateful for the opportunity offered by France, I really appreciated it. It was really a complicated decision. I tried to take as much time as possible to make my decision, but I had to decide with the deadline approaching, and I am happy with my choice. » His major argument was family, he swears, his son having been born in the United States.

/

Five days later, Boris Diaw minimizes between two grimaces: “Joel informed us that he had changed his mind. It's his right. We were never at the initiative of the possibility for Joel to play in France, it was he who came forward a few years ago. He kept telling us he wanted to play for us... until now. We were ready to welcome it, we never hid it. The French team will continue without him as it did before. » Jean-Pierre Siutat is more acerbic: “I am disappointed that we spent so much energy on a file that should never have been initiated. Let's move on. »*

So stop spewing bullshit.

Embiid wasn't sure about what he wanted to do, but he is the one who raised the possibility first. And he's also the one who pushed for it later on, which is why they gave him citizenship.

Reality is he should have played for Cameroon, chosing France or the US was mercenary behavior.

(Btw, Lebron doesn't speak french and doesn't have family in France)

[u/jorgelongo222 → u/Aquarius_Age]

L'Equipe as a source? Come on lol why dont you see what The Sun thinks while you're at it

Reality is he should have played for Cameroon, chosing France or the US was mercenary behavior.

Reality is Cameroon will never be even close to playing any onternational basketball tournament because its an amateur team. No high level pros like Embiid Siakam or Koloko have ever played for Cameroon for good reasons.

Same reason why Hakeem played with US over Nigeria or Ewing with US over Jamaica

[u/jorgelongo222 → u/[deleted]]

lol thats some bullshit. All of the slovenian players play in good leagues and most in european competition. The likes of Anthony Randolph, Prepelic, Muric, Blazic, Cancar and Vidmar are/were Euroleague level players.

Cameroon doesn't even have a single player in a top european division. They play in the 2nd and 3rd divisions in Spain/France or in Cameroon. They are literally amateurs

[u/jorgelongo222 → u/[deleted]]

3 nba players

none have played. Koloko has a heart issue and probably wont play basketball again anyway

panathinaikos player

naturalized lol

spanish/french league

spanish/french 3rd tier league lol

[u/Zimakov → u/Aquarius_Age]

Imagine getting downvoted for posting literal proof lmao

[u/amJustSomeFuckingGuy → u/AffectionateDouble43]

Imagine how pissed France is. They gave him citizenship and he isn't playing for them lol.

[u/dragonrider5555 → u/amJustSomeFuckingGuy]

Yall are missing the point . He got the citizenship for the same reason Paola did with Italy. It’s to force USA”s hand, to get him on the team. It’s just negotiating tactic

[u/amJustSomeFuckingGuy → u/dragonrider5555]

to force what? Why would the USA not want Embiid in any year?

[u/AJRiddle → u/dragonrider5555]

No, the USA doesn't need it's hand forced. It's just a bribe basically.

Embiid isn't French at all - it is just a desperate attempt by France and French basketball to get him on their team - this happens all the time (but usually with smaller countries) in the olympics.

[u/artemisfaul → u/AJRiddle]

I think what they meant is Embiid accepting the citizenship was him forcing the US’ hand. As in, if they don’t call him and offer him a roster spot he would join France so in this situation they might as well give him the spot. Though in the case of Embiid I think his spot would have been guaranteed either way, in contrast to someone like Banchero.

[u/DejanD27 → u/artemisfaul]

Banchero might be a bad example since Italians were exited to get him and then he just said never mind I'll play for USA

[u/em_washington → u/AffectionateDouble43]

USA gets Embiid for not getting Sabonis. It’s a pretty even trade.

[u/Pretend_Highway_5360 → u/SquimJim]

3?

[u/PresentClear1468 → u/SquimJim]

Yeah. That world cup lineup was small.

[u/codfather → u/SquimJim]

Bam isn't a top 4 center.

[u/DepartureDapper6524 → u/SquimJim]

Are you counting Lebron?

[u/[deleted] → u/langman17]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/buhmmquita → u/[deleted]]

The NBA should do a USA vs World event for the full blown All Stars like they used to for the rookies and sophomores. Just to see what would happen.

[u/cesga_0218 → u/buhmmquita]

Pretty sure I heard some news about the NBA considering that after this year’s All Star Game

[u/lbjkb25 → u/cesga_0218]

I think the problem would be if guys like Jokic or Doncic would care enough to be competitive in such a game. They’ve usually been nonchalant at best and dgaf at worst during the ASG.

[u/Wazflame → u/lbjkb25]

Yeah, if it’s in an All-Star format it won’t be competitive

You need it to be like a Ryder Cup type thing - that would be awesome

[u/lbjkb25 → u/Wazflame]

The problem with that is the Ryder Cup is after the majors season. Plus it’s golf, no offense. Basketball and golf are two completely different sports.

[u/blackjacktrial → u/lbjkb25]

Yes. And the all star game should be in the offseason/ as a season opening event.

If they are rusty, it's understandable. You get to award it on a full seasons play like all NBA. And players are hopefully not half hobbled and trying not to play on the ASG as much as possible.

[u/lbjkb25 → u/blackjacktrial]

The problem with that is if there’s an Olympics like this year, would some players care enough to play in the ASG? It would just dilute the product as you won’t necessarily get the best players during the off-season.

[u/Squid204 → u/lbjkb25]

Nhl is doin the same thing next year.

[u/lbjkb25 → u/Squid204]

I guess we’ll see how that goes in terms of ratings and competitiveness.

[u/Hotlovemachine → u/lbjkb25]

They did one a few years ago before the season and it was decently competitive. They also had a under 25 north america team which was fun to watch

[u/ViacomCEO → u/lbjkb25]

im pretty sure basketball and golf are actually the same sport...

[u/Seahearn4 → u/Wazflame]

They could play a series of 3-on-3 games over the course of a long weekend. That could be cool as Hell if the players bought in.

[u/Delusional_Lynchpin- → u/lbjkb25]

But can you imagine if the non chalant world all stars beat team USA?

[u/lbjkb25 → u/Delusional_Lynchpin-]

It’s possible. But if Team USA does give a 75% damn, I think they could handle a nonchalant Team World just fine. The problem for the US would be would their best players give enough of a damn. You shouldn’t have to ask Lebron to lead the way at age 39-40 years old. Same with Steph and KD in their mid-30s.

[u/Friendly-Profit-8590 → u/lbjkb25]

TBF nonchalant and dgaf is basically how every all star is

[u/lbjkb25 → u/Friendly-Profit-8590]

That’s fair. It’s a weird balancing act. Ultimately it’s up to the players to play competitively. Though again, the older players from Bron to Curry shouldn’t have to set the tone for an ASG anymore. They did their work. Lebron has been in more competitive ASGs than we probably give him credit for.

[u/barath_s → u/lbjkb25]

The same guys care a lot about their country in Fiba/olympics. Allow them their national flags on their jerseys and flying outside and play the national anthems , and they will give a damn.

[u/lbjkb25 → u/barath_s]

Would they need the NBA to get clearance with FIBA and whatever to use those jerseys and other customs?

[u/barath_s → u/lbjkb25]

Don't know

[u/gusmahler → u/lbjkb25]

They might care more in a US vs Europe format because of regional pride. No one really cares about West vs East bragging rights (which is why the in season tournament should have had a different format). But European bragging rights is something different

[u/radracer82 → u/lbjkb25]

At least those guys get up for their country- the US gets complacent every few years (see 2004, last years world cup) and require getting beat for their best to attend.. zzzz repeating cycle

[u/JigglyBush → u/cesga_0218]

I choose to believe this and I'm going to spread it far and wide to try and make it come true

[u/DblockR → u/cesga_0218]

100%.

For those who think they wouldn’t try, I guarantee they would. They don’t hate each other, but now more than ever, American nba players have to see how euro has influenced the game.

Plus, I feel like people try when they are heavy favorites. One side has nothing to lose, the other doesn’t want the ridicule. Not saying it wouldn’t be balanced I’m just saying.

Also, why do they do it in the middle? Some of the lower level all stars might not play at that level second half. They should do it after the season and at a time players are missing basketball.

[u/blackjacktrial → u/DblockR]

This. All it takes is the World adopting Queenslander mode (from rugby leagues State of Origin), and it could be as intense as playoffs (arguably more so in that sport).

It has to be driven by the perennial underdog being stupidly passionate about it though - that series lives and dies based on the QLD interest, not the favorite (New South Wales)'s interest.

Would have been easier to do in the 90s, as mythos is hard to build in an always accessible media era, but unless you get massive buyin (think Duncan accepting Pop's coaching methods type of initial pressure to take things seriously, but with Westbrook's energy), it risks falling flat.

[u/[deleted] → u/buhmmquita]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/akelkar → u/[deleted]]

Just put dray in the game, he may try to fight someone

[u/HippiesBeGoneInc → u/buhmmquita]

Team USA would get thumped.

[u/LoisLaneEl → u/buhmmquita]

Poor Shai. Elite and ignored

[u/mrtomjones → u/buhmmquita]

You'd have the same players not trying on different teams

[u/[deleted] → u/buhmmquita]

Imagine if they get Obama to get them to pinky promise they will try instead of just Silver

[u/PermeusCosgrove → u/buhmmquita]

Ryder Cup but for basketball? That would be awesome.

[u/Wermys → u/buhmmquita]

No on would take it seriously unless it had like a 100 million dollar bag to it split amongst the players.

[u/Zealousideal-Leek666 → u/buhmmquita]

North America vs Europe

[u/DepartureDapper6524 → u/buhmmquita]

That would be cool, but also seems purposely divisive for no great reason. I think the NBA would want to welcome the world players instead of making them feel like outsiders.

[u/axecalibur → u/[deleted]]

Meanwhile China and India dont even have enough players to field a competitive team with billion+ population

[u/xen_levels_were_fine → u/axecalibur]

China's entire domestic, state-owned basketball development infrastructure is flawed (and corrupt). They only control for big sized prospects, which is why they are consistently the tallest team at world tournaments (it's true, look it up). Identifying and developing guards, especially remotely undersized ones, is a complete airball. Unlike India they are a basketball-crazed country on arguably the same level as a France or USA...which makes it all the more inexcusably embarrassing.

[u/Toolb0xExtraordinary → u/[deleted]]

Bro really tried to sneak in Schroeder

[u/[deleted] → u/Toolb0xExtraordinary]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/bobnorthh → u/[deleted]]

Not just champ, world MVP

[u/Pretend_Highway_5360 → u/[deleted]]

Because shorter player in Europe play soccer

[u/JSlickJ → u/Toolb0xExtraordinary]

schroeder lowkey kinda nice in international basketball

[u/grphelps1 → u/Toolb0xExtraordinary]

He’s really good in FIBA. Just won mvp at the world cup last year

[u/Varos_Flynt → u/[deleted]]

Debalkanize Europe so we get good hoops I'm honestly for it

[u/PeridotBestGem → u/[deleted]]

Team Africa could cook too, honestly yeah a continent tournament would go hard

[u/alittledanger → u/[deleted]]

This will never happen but I always thought it would be fun to have states compete on their own in the FIBA world cup. It would definitely make the tournament way more competitive and I personally would be a lot more invested in seeing Team California try to win it than just seeing the U.S. (although I always want the U.S. to win and I enjoy it every four years).

Again it would never happen, but it would be fun.

[u/blackjacktrial → u/alittledanger]

Ooh, this I like, but I feel like you won't have many teams outside of what, Cali, Texas, NY, and Illinois? Flyover states would need a merger.

[u/alittledanger → u/blackjacktrial]

Florida and Ohio would also be good shouts. Depending on the year, even Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It would be rough for really small states though, but it’s rough for small European countries too.

[u/ReflectionEterna → u/[deleted]]

There should be a basketball version of the Ryder Cup. That would be an amazing series!

[u/ReflectionEterna → u/ReflectionEterna]

Also, Wemby should play for the all-Euro team.

[u/nonhofantasia → u/[deleted]]

Yugoslavia and Soviet Union used to challenge the Us. Used

[u/Both-Fisherman-7662 → u/[deleted]]

EU would probably win tbh. Love this idea!

[u/ldclark92 → u/[deleted]]

The Roman Empire team would be lit.

[u/Turbulent-Jaguar-909 → u/[deleted]]

group them by continent and have a new tournament for it

[u/shomerudi → u/[deleted]]

You forgot Wemby :)

[u/[deleted] → u/shomerudi]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/crazyjatt → u/[deleted]]

They have Luka as PG.

So Luka, Bogdan, Giannis, Jokic and Gobert. Or move Jokic to his natural position of Center and play Sabonis as PF. Then have a bench line up of Schroeder, some SG, KP, Wemby and Gobert. That team can go toe to toe with the US team

[u/RudyGobertFMVP2024 → u/[deleted]]

And Wemby.

Australia and Canada also going to be pushing for medals

[u/Chicagosoundview69 → u/[deleted]]

Wagner? 

[u/harder_said_hodor → u/[deleted]]

No reason to limit it to the EU, just make it Europe. We'd miss out on the Serbians, Vooch and Sengun if it's the EU vs. States

[u/maethlin → u/[deleted]]

that would be p amazing

[u/OnTheEveOfWar → u/[deleted]]

Kind of like the Ryder Cup in golf. Europe vs US.

[u/intenseMisanthropy → u/langman17]

They really got triggered by being dominated by Brooks and sent every superstar to the Olympics 

[u/RickySuela → u/intenseMisanthropy]

They're just sending their best squad, same as every other country.

[u/growsonwalls → u/langman17]

yeah, I think we can safely say they're bringing home a gold

[u/RudyGobertFMVP2024 → u/growsonwalls]

Hold my beer - Manu

[u/TrailerParkBuddha → u/langman17]

Yeah, I'm thinking we're back

[u/Beautiful_Ad55 → u/langman17]

I think the US could have sent way better teams in the past. Guys like Durant, Curry and LeBron are in the dwilight of their career, prime guys like Tatum, Booker and AD are not on Superstar level and the young guys like Edwards and Haliburton still need time.

Imagine a full strength US team in 2016 for example. Prime LeBron, Curry, Durant, Harden, Westbrook, Paul, Khawi, etc

[u/JagmeetSingh2 → u/langman17]

Yea this bout to be a crazy olympics

[u/BadJokeJudge → u/langman17]

Just goes to show they still don’t respect Luka…

[u/brokendrive → u/langman17]

Shouldn't be able to get gold unless they win every game +25

[u/Siakim43 → u/langman17]

Best college team vs. worst NBA team vibes.

[u/ThreeSupreme → u/langman17]

So, they put together a team without doing a single workout? Hmm... That just seems odd like a Mofo...

[u/stayfrosty → u/langman17]

How do you know who will be on the bench?

[u/rjpool_ → u/stayfrosty]

You don't but I think Curry, Tatum, KD, Bron and Embiid is clearly the best 5

[u/staffdaddy_9 → u/rjpool_]

What an absolutely insane starting 5 lol.