Despite Steve Kerr?s Presence, Why Aren?t Any Warriors Playing for Team USA at FIBA World Cup?

In a World Cup tournament, representing your country on the international stage is considered a great honor. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing their favorite NBA players donning their national team jerseys; competing against each other, representing their nations. However, the FIBA World Cup has mostly seen young players playing rather than veterans. USA Basketball does not require NBA superstars to participate in the World Cup. So, it comes as no surprise that all the players of the Golden State Warriors team are missing from this year?s roster. This year, Steve Kerr is the head coach of the American National Basketball team.?

This is the second consecutive World Cup that the Warriors’ superstar, Stephen Curry, has chosen not to participate in. Draymond Green is also missing this time.

Steph Curry is missing FIBA for the second time

When it comes to discussing elite shooters in NBA history, Stephen Curry’s name invariably arises. Therefore, it comes as a surprise that he won’t be suiting up for Team USA at this year’s FIBA World Cup. He has won a gold medal twice playing for the US team.?

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Curry’s decision not to participate is due to different factors. One significant reason is a workload management strategy. At 35 years old, with numerous deep playoff runs under his belt over recent seasons, Curry has prioritized rest during the offseason to ensure peak performance when it matters most, during the grueling NBA season.

Additionally, injuries have plagued Curry throughout his career; therefore, taking time off from competitive play may help prevent potential setbacks ahead of another demanding NBA campaign with high expectations set upon him by both fans and teammates.?

Also, one cannot ignore that injuries have disrupted Steph’s previous international outings as well. He missed out on two Olympic Games due to ankle issues back in 2012 and knee problems before the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Draymond Green and other players also missing from the team US

Another notable absence from Team USA’s roster for the FIBA World Cup is Draymond Green. Green’s decision to sit out this international competition is also keeping in consideration, taking a rest before the demanding nature of NBA schedules. A grueling 82-game season coupled with deep playoff runs can take a toll on players both physically and mentally. Taking time off during the offseason allows athletes to recover from any lingering injuries or fatigue they may have accumulated throughout their NBA campaigns.

Furthermore, playing in FIBA requires immense commitment and dedication. With family obligations, personal commitments, and other factors in play, it is understandable that some players choose to prioritize rest and spend time off the court. Green has already represented Team USA in various international competitions, such as the Olympics. He won gold medals in the 2016 Rio Games and 2020 Tokyo Games.?

It is crucial to understand that every player makes decisions based on what they believe will benefit them personally as well as their careers moving forward. Factors such as age, workload management strategies, injury history, family commitments, or simply needing some downtime all contribute to these choices. In Steve Kerr?s case, he does not hold complete control over individual players’ decision-making processes when it comes to representing their country internationally.

As for the other Warriors players, it is not uncommon for NBA teams to have limited representation in international tournaments. The FIBA World Cup roster selection process involves various factors, including player availability, injuries, and team commitments. In this particular instance, it appears that no other Warriors players have been selected to represent Team USA in the FIBA World Cup.?

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