By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist
Team USA will arrive at Pairs next summer with so many superstars that Steve Kerr will have difficulty putting together his starting 5. Moreover, according to some, the coach’s choices could create tensions in the group.
For the last World Cup, Steve Kerr had difficulty putting together his selection due to all the absences among the superstars. Next summer, for the Paris Olympic Games, he should have just as much trouble, but for diametrically opposed reasons. Everyone will want to be part of the adventure, so they will have to make difficult choices on the road to the gold medal.
For example, a leader like Trae Young has explained for years that he dreams of participating in a major competition with his country. How many coaches would do without a talent who can average 29 points and 11 assists in the NBA? But when we know that he is in competition with Stephen CurryDamian Lillard, Ja Morant, Tyrese Haliburton or Jalen Brunson, his participation is very unlikely.
Tensions at Team USA for a starting place?
In fact, even when he has reduced his number of players to 12 for the final roster, the coach will have to ask himself the question of the starting 5. All these legends will want to be on the pitch, but some will have to be willing to watch from the bench. Austin Rivers and journalist Bill Simmons, for example, asked the question for the fullback position. Who deserves the spot, Anthony Edwards or Devin Booker?
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Austin Rivers : I don’t want to give the impression that Anthony Edwards is a selfish player, but he has this mentality that I don’t know if he will accept being a substitute with Team USA. I don’t think he’ll be OK with going behind Devin Booker. If he was competing with Stephen Curry and LeBron, he wouldn’t have a problem. But I know in his head he thinks he’s better than Devin Booker.
To go in this direction, Ant is an effective player on both ends of the court, and he defends much better than Booker. The question does not even place itself. Offensively, he can finish better near the rim, he is more explosive, he handles the ball better. But Devin is a more sophisticated, cleaner and more consistent scorer. So I think Devin will start, but will it last the whole tournament?
For Austin Rivers, there could be real competition for the fullback position at Team USA. He suspects Anthony Edwards won’t accept a backup role if Steve Kerr believes Devin Booker is better than him. If the team should not have any flaws on paper, watch out for all those egos. This is perhaps a chance for the French team!
Will Anthony Edwards agree to start the Olympic Games on the bench behind Devin Booker? According to Austin Rivers, nothing is less certain, and tensions could even arise for this reason.
2024-03-23 15:20:50
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