These NBA players are at the 2023 World Cup

According to Joe Vardon and Shams Charania (both The Athletic) have so far confirmed five players for the World Cup in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Seven more spots in the squad are still open.

Anthony Edwards (Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves)

• Alter: 21
• Stats 22/23: 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals at 45.9 percent FG and 36.9 percent threes in 36.0 minutes (79 games)

Edwards was the top pick in 2020, now he is the undisputed franchise player for Wolves in a team with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. Edwards was selected to the All-Star Team for the first time this past season and has steadily improved over the years.

The Ant-Man possesses a quick first step, is incredibly athletic, and is among the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA at his position. Edwards has also appeared as an actor. Edwards starred alongside Adam Sandler and Juancho Hernangomez in the Netflix film “Hustle” and received positive reviews for it.

Tyrese Haliburton (Guard, Indiana Pacers)

• Alter: 23
• Stats 22/23: 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.6 steals at 49.0 percent FG and 40.0 percent threes in 33.6 minutes (56 games)

Haliburton was drafted the same year as Edwards, but was drafted 12th by the Sacramento Kings at the time. However, the guard only exploded after his trade to the Indiana Pacers, where he is the undisputed star. The 23-year-old is one of the best passers in the NBA, no one dished out more direct assists in front of converted threes than he did.

In addition, Haliburton also improved his own offense and at least scraped a 50/40/90 season.

Austin Reaves (Guard, Los Angeles Lakers)

• Alter: 25
• Stats 22/23: 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists at 52.9 percent FG and 39.8 percent threes in 28.8 minutes (64 games)

The DBB also expressed interest because of Reaves’ German grandmother, but now Reaves decided differently after a strong season for the Lakers. The 25-year-old is not a star, but he is a good complementary player who can deliver a little bit of everything.

His greatest strength is pulling fouls on the drive, he can contribute to that as a secondary playmaker from the wing and at least defend solidly.

Mikal Bridges (Forward, Brooklyn Nets)

• Alter: 26
• Stats 22/23: 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists at 46.8 percent FG and 38.2 percent threes in 35.7 minutes (83 games)

Bridges was a dependable 3-and-D role player in Phoenix for years before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets by Kevin Durant. There he was suddenly the first option and was quite convincing in this role.

Bridges is a solid shooter from the three-point line and also from the middle distance, plus he is one of the best defensemen in the NBA. In 2021-22, Bridges was the runner-up for Defender of the Year and was also selected to the All-NBA First Defensive Team.

Bobby Portis (Center, Milwaukee Bucks)

• Alter: 28
• Stats 22/23: 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists at 49.6 percent FG and 37.0 percent threes in 26.0 minutes (70 games)

At least since the 2021 championship, Portis has been the crowd favorite with the Bucks. The Big Man has a good throw and also closes very well near the ring. BP usually only comes off the bench for Milwaukee, most recently Portis came third in the Sixth Man of the Year vote behind Malcolm Brogdon (Celtics) and Immanuel Quickley (Knicks).

Sea The Athletic Portis is set to take on a similar role at Team USA.

Team USA: All preparation dates