3 Players who will benefit most from playing for Team USA

By Elaine Blum | Aug 15, 2023

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Children from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) stand on the court as the United States national anthem is performed with (L-R) Austin Reaves #15, Walker Kessler #14, Jaren Jackson Jr. #13, Josh Hart #12, Jalen Brunson #11, Anthony Edwards #10, Bobby Portis #9, Paolo Banchero #8, Brandon Ingram #7, Cam Johnson #6, Mikal Bridges #5 and Tyrese Haliburton #4 of the United States before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Compared to the Olympics, Team USA usually struggles at the FIBA World Cup because they rarely send their A-Team to compete in the World Cup. In recent memory, the only notable successes have been gold medals in 2010 and 2014 and third place in 2006. In 2019, Team USA finished seventh, which was the worst finish since they started sending NBA players to represent their country.

This year, Team USA is sending a roster filled with young up-and-coming stars to face the international competition and redeem the 2019 debacle. The road to a gold medal will not be easy, though. Many teams feature NBA stars and players with much experience at the international level.

Team USA, on the other hand, has little experience at the international level. The team features four one-time All-Stars, the Defensive Player of the Year, the Rookie of the Year, and plenty of young potential, but all of them still have ways to go before they can truly reach basketball stardom.

Playing for Team USA, especially if it leads to a successful tournament, could push several of these young players in the right direction to reach the next level. So, let’s look at three players who will benefit most from playing for Team USA.