A victory against Canada and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this Sunday morning to obtain third place would be a consolation prize for Team USA, but it will not prevent the great disappointment of not returning home with the gold medal around the neck.
However, when we take stock of this World Cup, everything is not to be thrown away on the American side. Particularly on an individual level since young players were able to discover an experience that is often beneficial in the long term.
“I think I learned a lot from very good players and very good coaches,” judge Austin Reaves, who is averaging 12.4 points per game, The Athletic. “I have played at the highest level and, although I still have work to do, I can hit the ground running from the start of the regular season. »
Jalen Brunson, too, thinks that these days spent with Team USA will bring him positive things for the rest of his career in the NBA.
“In the past, I’ve seen a lot of players who did that and then had big NBA seasons afterwards,” recalls the Knicks player. “It was fun and it helps me prepare for the upcoming season. I keep the positive from this experience. »
Last element that shone: Tyrese Haliburton, with his 9 points at 50% success at 3-pts, 5.4 assists and 1.6 interceptions on average. However, the Pacers star was not a starter like at the club.
“We were all in different roles but, for my part, coming off the bench, I was able to see how I could have an impact differently, how to progress defensively. I think I grew up in this area with this experience. This will be interesting for the upcoming NBA season. »
