Team USA’s 2023 World Cup Roster: strengths, weaknesses, depth, more

Anticipated Team USA Depth Chart

PG: Jalen Brunson / Tyrese Haliburton / Anthony Edwards

SG: Anthony Edwards / Austin Reaves / Josh Hart

SF: Mikal Bridges / Josh Hart / Cam Johnson

PF: Brandon Ingram / Paolo Banchero / Cam Johnson

C: Jaren Jackson Jr. / Bobby Portis / Walker Kessler

As mentioned in the weaknesses section, the PG spot is thin with only Brunson and Haliburton as options as true PGs. While the starting spot could be given to either player, Brunson’s recent playoff performances should give him the benefit of the doubt and a slight edge. Edwards, who was a borderline All-NBA player last season, gets the nod at starting SG and Reaves can provide a punch off of the bench. Bridges is notably a better overall player than Hart and Johnson and will be asked to help carry Brunson and Edwards defensively on the perimeter.

As for the frontcourt, there are many potential routes, but going with the 7-year veteran, Ingram, at starting PF seems logical, with Banchero backing him up. Due to this, Jackson Jr., the defending DPOY, will slot in at starting Center with Portis and Kessler backing up as needed. There could also be some nice combinations of playing Jackson Jr. at PF and Portis or Kessler at the center so that Jackson Jr. can roam off-ball and protect the rim from the weak side.

This 2023 World Cup Team is by no means stacked with elite talent, but this roster should be enough to get farther in the tournament than last time and perhaps even medal. It will be interesting to see what the starting lineup looks like on August 26th, when Team USA faces off with New Zealand.