August 30th marks the beginning of the first ever FIBA World Cup of Basketball being played in Spain this year. Team USA will be playing in a group with Dominican Republic, Finland, New Zealand, Turkey, and Ukraine. Much like the Olympics Team USA is expected to win easily. With stars at every position like Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, and Kevin Love it isn't a surprise to see us dominate the competition.
After the announcement of Chandler Parsons being named to the training camp squad it got me thinking about USA Basketball. We have dominated the competition at both the Olympics and International tournaments since USA Basketball began using NBA stars in 1992 (The Dream Team). But players like Chris Webber, Jason Kidd, Glenn Robinson, Grant Hill, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, and Shaquille O'Neal could have headlined a roster of young NBA standout and college stars that would have been very exciting to watch.
For Soccer teams in the Olympics, they use U23 rosters. This gives them a chance to show off some of the best young players in their program and further their development through strong international competition. Learning about this got me thinking. Thinking that it would be really fun to see the United States do something like this with their national basketball team. It isn't that fun to see the best NBA players casually dominating the competition on their way to another gold. I argue that instead fans would enjoy seeing young NBA standouts and college stars once again representing their country on the world stage.
Currently USA Basketball has invited 19 players to their summer camp. These 19 players will compete for to be named to the 12 man roster that will compete in Spain. They include:
Kevin Durant :: Kevin Love :: James Harden :: Anthony Davis :: Derrick Rose :: DeMar DeRozan
Chandler Parsons :: Stephen Curry :: Klay Thompson :: Kyrie Irving :: Blake Griffin :: Paul George
Damian Lillard :: Gordan Hayward :: DeMarcus Cousins :: Bradley Beal :: Andre Drummond
Kenneth Faried :: Kyle Korver
What I would like to see happen is an age cap. of some sorts. I'd be interested in an under 25 years cap, as well as an under 23 cap as well.
If a U25 cap, here are the players that would still be eligible from the original 19:
G Bradley Beal :: C Demarcus Cousins :: F Anthony Davis :: C Andre Drummond :: F Kenneth Faried
F Paul George :: G Kyrie Irving :: G Damian Lillard :: G Klay Thompson
This would give players like Damian Lillard, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins and Klay Thompson a chance to further their stardom by playing for their country against strong international competition. With this core, the USA would still dominate international competition, but get a chance to do it with exciting young players that gives an early look into what's in store for the rest of their NBA Careers.
What is even more appealing to me is the idea of a U23 cap. This would be a true early look at future NBA Stars, and give casual fans a look at how good they are.
Here is what the Team USA U23 starting 5 would look like:
PG Kyrie Irving
SG Bradley Beal
SF Kawhi Leonard
PF Anthony Davis
C Andre Drummond
I still believe with this core that team USA would be heavy favorites for the gold, but the real benefit goes to the fans and players. Think about how fun this team would be to watch.
Kyrie Irving is a top 10 point guard in the league and All Star Game MVP.
Bradley Beal is an electric shooting guard coming off of a great postseason performance with the Wizards. Kawhi Leonard was the NBA Finals MVP, and would be an awesome international edition to the team. Anthony Davis is an all star and is possibly the most exciting young player in the league.
Finally, Andre Drummond is an up and coming center for the Pistons that headlined the First Team of my All Underrated players.
If USA Basketball decided to switch to a U23 team in the FIBA World Cup, here is what the final 12 man roster could look like:
1. Kyrie Irving G Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Brad Beal G Washington Wizards
3. Kawhi Leonard F San Antonio Spurs
4. Anthony Davis F New Orleans Pelicans
5. Andre Drummond C Detroit Pistons
6. Michael Carter-Williams G Philadelphia 76ers
7. Harrison Barnes F Golden State Warriors
8. Dion Waiters G Cleveland Cavaliers
9. Victor Oladipo G Orlando Magic
10. Jabari Parker F Milwaukee Bucks
11. Nerlens Noel C Philadelphia 76ers
12. Elfrid Payton G Orlando Magic
Alternate: Tristan Thompson F Cleveland Cavaliers
Alternate: Jared Sullinger F Boston Celtics
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