The Team USA is all set to step into the 2023 FIBA WC after a disappointing end to the 2019 campaign. The star-studded 2019 roster exited the tournament after falling short against France in the quarter-finals. However, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards’ performance instilled hope in the minds of fans including LeBron James. Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar showering praise for the Wolves star came in after he snubbed Michael Jordan and King James in an interview.
Team USA came out clean in all five of their warm-up games. Importantly, Edwards led the scoreboard in four out of five games, averaging 18.8 points. However, Ant’s Sunday night performance against Germany fetched him all-round praise. The star came out all guns blazing in the fourth quarter and gave the much-needed lead to the team. Moreover, the 22-year-old performance left James in shock.
Even after snubbing Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Ant gets the big praise
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Even though Anthony Edwards created a heroic impression on fans’ minds, he once found himself in a controversial place. In a recent interview, when the host asked Edwards to name his top 5 all-time best players, he snubbed LeBron James. Moreover, in another interview last year, he snubbed Michael Jordan in his top 5 list, reported Bleacher Report.
Despite his controversial take, he received a massive roar of cheer in his recent outing ahead of the FIBA WC.
Anthony Edwards “ Top 5 “
“ & of course who? “
Y’all know who his goat is?🙂 pic.twitter.com/ILbOJg20Hu
— 35 (@Hatedzs) August 20, 2023
In the last warm-up game against Germany, the European side took a 15-point lead in the second quarter while the USA looked all over the place. However, Edwards pulled back the game to his side with an outstanding 14-point play in the last quarter. Following his game-winning performance, James went gaga over the star on X. He wrote, “Man cooking!! That boy,” along with an ant emoji.
🐜 Man cooking!! That boy 🥶
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 20, 2023
Furthermore, Austin Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton also played their part in bringing down the deficit in the third quarter.
Following the game, the important question that arises is, will this team seek revenge for the 2019 upset?
What to expect from the 2023 USA roster?
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Foremost, Steve Kerr leads the pack of young blood and the team has some exciting names. Ant, Haliburton, Reaves, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, and many more.
Additionally, Kyrie Irving has placed his bets on Edwards, as he mentioned in his recent live stream. Whatever is said and done, will this team have an unscathed run in the tournament? Well, we have to wait.
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What do you make of LeBron James’ praise for Edwards despite his top 5 list? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
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