After unveiling the preparation program for the World Cup, the staff of Team USA will now look at the list of twelve players who will be called to join Las Vegas in early August.
According to The Athleticfive players have already responded favorably to the call: Anthony Edwards (Wolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Austin Reaves (Lakers), Mikal Bridges (Nets) and Bobby Portis (Bucks).
It is not yet a big CV, nor multiple All-Stars but rather four “rising stars” and a slightly more experienced interior in the person of Bobby Portis (28 years old).
It is with this core of players that the American federation will try to set up a real homogeneous team. This will have the mission of making people forget the sad 7th place brought back during the last World Cup in China in 2019, the worst result in history for the American federation.
Who will be the center of Team USA?
More than a constellation of stars, the GM of the selection, Grant Hill, will not only look at talent but also character to compose his roster. With therefore the idea of betting on motivated young people, who want to shine on the international scene. A bit like Team USA’s selection for the 2010 World Cup, where young Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry, surrounded by a few veterans (Chauncey Billups, Lamar Odom, Andre Iguodala, etc.) had led the United States to ultimate victory. We do not know more for the moment on the other players solicited and the returns still awaited by Team USA.
It should be noted that Austin Reaves has therefore chosen the United States, and that he is thus turning his back on Germany after having been in contact with the federation.
We also note that Joel Embiid is not part of this “club of five”, and that for the moment, we do not know the player or players who will occupy the position of pivot with the United States. France retains the hope of getting ahead of the Americans in the race for the pivot of the Sixers, who has had French and American passports for a year.
