Germany is the threat to Team USA. Canada is not. Team USA has waves of talent but doesn’t have team continuity. Not like Canada and Germany. Team USA placed 4th in the World Championship. Germany won. Team USA has to win the gold. Anything else will be a disappointment. It is not “guaranteed” that Team USA will win the gold. The players are deferring to Lebron James too much and need to grow. Here are some reasons why.
Team USA doesn’t rebound well
Look at these team stats here on the FIBA website. Canada and Germany both do a better job of offensive rebounding than Team USA. Daniel Theis is the top rebounder for Team Germany. Theis is a very deceptive player because he doesn’t need to be the #1 option. He can shoot well from three point range, so he could be sneaky if left alone (timely rebounds, dagger shots.)
Team USA turns the ball over
Look at these team stats here on the FIBA website. Team USA leads all teams in turnovers per game (16 turnovers per game, 3.2 turnovers per 40 minutes.) In the medal round, those stats amplify because possessions will get fewer and fewer. Canada has three players (Murray, Nembhard, Barrett) that handle the ball. Murray has a 2.3 assist to turnover ratio. James has a 1.2 and averages 6 turnovers per game.
Lebron can’t be the savior for Team USA
Obviously, Lebron can’t be the savior for Team USA for them to win the gold. Look at this article here on NBA.com from the exhibition match versus South Sudan on July 20. Lebron had to win that game for the team to avoid a major embarassment. From the 2023 World Championship, this article here on Yahoo Sports shows that the Americans’ talent is equal to or worse than Canada and Germany’s continuity.
Can Anthony Edwards become a closer on the International stage? Look at this article here on our site where he leveled up on offense during the season. Will Jayson Tatum knock down shots with the playing time he’ll get?
