With all the recent dropouts for the USA men’s basketball team, it begs to wonder, Do NBA stars care about USA basketball? Now I know that some will say, but it is only the FIBA World Cup. Not like it matters. But it does matter and in fact, it has not been since 2002 that the U.S has not metaled during FIBA play. It seems more than ever this year players just have something better to do.
Do NBA Players Care?
Back when the USA team announced the roster of those they invited to participate in this years FIBA action, many were excited. It had a list of some of the best in the game, James Harden, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum. Of that brief list, only two remain, Mitchell and Tatum. and many many more have just drifted away and for many different reasons. Even some that were added have declined such as JJ Redick of New Orleans.
He has since declined. JJ Redick declined? yes that JJ. No disrespect to Redick but he is not what I would call top tear NBA talent. Where is Lebron? oh yeah, saving himself for the rough season. Paul Millsap, said thanks but no thanks. The love for USA basketball will not be there either, Kevin Love that is. Others that have declined and had something better do include Tobias Harris, DeMar DeRozan, and Montrezl Harrell. Harrell and Harris are good players, but just like JJ, should they not be jumping for joy to be with team USA?
The Results For Team USA
A common misconception of USA basketball is they can win anytime with anyone. As long as they have NBA players then it should be easy. That is just not the case any longer. With the NBA filled with foreign-born players from all over the world. Some of which are NBA All-Stars and many will be.
Players such as Luka Doncic from Slovenia or the raining NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece. These are only a few foreign-born players in the NBA today. Teams such as Spain and Serbia not only have one NBA player but they have several. Serbia, led by All-Star Nikola Jokic, have several very good NBA players and they are ready to win.
Jamal Murray and R.J. Barrett lead a Canadian team with several NBA players as well. There are now so many stars in the NBA from other counties that the USA can no longer just show up and win.
The NBA has set a standard in the world that others have copied and are displaying. If the U.S Basketball just throws out a team of NBA players and expect to win a medal, they will be disappointed. It will take more than what coach Popovich can provide, it will take real NBA talent. Which begs the question, Do NBA players care about USA basketball?
Follow me on Twitter @Gourmetcasanova
