Despite the emergence of international players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic, as a whole Team USA remains unmatched. They can rest their first-string players and can set up a team that can nab a title. With the FIBA World Cup just a fortnight away, the USA team is practicing diligently. As Coach Steve Kerr takes the reins, the promise of a World Cup win is high.
As he leads the team, Trae Young feels abandoned. On the flip side, an NBA star earns his approval.
The Lonely World of Trae Young
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The FIBA Basketball World Cup is on the horizon. On 26 August, the USA will open their campaign versus New Zealand. Before that, there will be some practice games to help prepare for the tournament. Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, and Josh Hart highlight the USA national team.
One of the best players in the league is willing to work towards the World Cup title and is not getting picked; Trae Young. This is the second time that he missed out on a Team USA venture, previously not getting a spot in the 2020 Olympics roster.
This is a bizarre scenario because the selection committee chose emerging guard Austin Reaves but had no place for Trae Young!
As one of the best scorers and passers in the nation, he was a surprise omission. The Guard has been insistent on playing and averaged around 28 points and 10 assists just last season, both numbers higher than Brunson. He was the league leader in total assists.
On Gil’s Arena show, The Hawks phenom revealed, “I definitely want to. It’s up to them if they want me to“. He also added, “I believe I should be on there”.
His scoring average last season is higher than everyone else who is a part of the roster. Apart from that, he has been consistently putting in such numbers for more seasons than any other player on the roster.
Therefore, the snub makes little sense.
Unlike Young Stephen Curry is sitting out at the World Cup, his coach Steve Kerr is working in the offseason.
Steve Kerr identifies the leader of the team
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Even without Young, USA’s two-way lineup is oozing with versatility. For Kerr, no rotations are set in stone, but he is taking a liking to Jalen Brunson.
The New York Knicks Point Guard has emerged as a leader. As per The Athletic, Kerr stated, “I think Jalen is such a natural leader and because he’s a point guard, you know, he immediately comes to mind. He’s the one who’s leading the, you know, ‘1, 2, 3 USA’ chant.”
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As USA and Jalen Brunson prepare to bring more glory, Young watches from afar.