2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Thread

[Nuntius]

That is the best german team to ever play, even though nobody in Germany cares because we are a ****ing soccer country...

I feel your pain. Association football is so big in Germany that basketball never really has a chance to dethrone it. Plus, you know, Germany is a superpower when it comes to football. But I've seen the same attitude over here. We are much better at basketball than we are at football and yet the overwhelming majority does not give a crap about basketball. It's a real shame.

[Nuntius]

Team USA had multiple All-Stars, the reigning DPOY, and a couple guys who will very likely be All-Stars (and All-NBA) soon. The rest of the world has just gotten better. People will surely rip on these kids, but they played hard and got beaten by some good teams. This is not some big shame, it’s not the 70s anymore.

Yep. The US didn't send a bad team out there. They sent one of the best teams they could send given the circumstances (Olympics being in a year and a lot of players not be willing to sacrifice two straight summers). And they were one of the best teams in this tournament as well. They just weren't the clear cut favorite and that's fine. As you said, it's not the 70s anymore. Plenty of very good teams out there and single elimination means one loss knocks you out.

[Guest]

Hey man congrats on making the quarterfinals, quite an accomplishment!

We'll be sure to think of you in the semis!

Thank you so much!!!...but without Domas Lithuania is just not that good unfortunately....massive congrats to team USA for making semis!!! and having a chance for the Bronze medal!!!....quite an accomplishment!!!

[dal9]

well we can root for theis....supposedly he says he is healthy for first time in many years...maybe we'll end up with a great backup center or trade asset out of this

[712Jefferson]

Even though Theis is objectively the best (and certainly the most experienced) of the three backup big men on the roster, I'd still prefer to root for one of the young guys to figure it out and get those minutes, considering the ideal timeline of our team. I know someone will disagree. Frankly, I'm surprised he hasn't been moved yet.

[rimrattler]

Even though Theis is objectively the best (and certainly the most experienced) of the three backup big men on the roster, I'd still prefer to root for one of the young guys to figure it out and get those minutes, considering the ideal timeline of our team. I know someone will disagree. Frankly, I'm surprised he hasn't been moved yet.

I mentioned it somewhere in the digest, I think Rick will try to win early. In my opinion Theis will be the backup the first 20 games or so. If they don't win early then he will be traded.

[Trader Joe]

No

He played with fire all tournament and got burned by it. No idea why Brunson was playing let alone starting. Same with JJJ. Kerr has to carry that blame especially when the guy with the highest rating on the whole team was Brunson's backup. Guy just is only an average coach. Luke Walton's time replacing him with the Warriors proved that. Where's Walton now? Not even a head coach anymore. Miserable showing from team USA and one that some of us (me) predicted if he continued to play Brunson who is the prototype point guard for every disappointing modern Team USA performance.

[Trader Joe]

We did send over like the 3rd team over there. Most of the players won’t make the Olympic’s squad.

Team had plenty of talent. The coach mismanaged the lineups to the same issues every single game.

That being said yes most of those guys won't be at the olympics. My prediction is Hali, Edwards and maybe Banchero and Mikal Bridges will get sent to the big show. US is in rough shape with big men right now though too.

[Trader Joe]

Thank you so much!!!...but without Domas Lithuania is just not that good unfortunately....massive congrats to team USA for making semis!!! and having a chance for the Bronze medal!!!....quite an accomplishment!!!

You sound like just as big of a ding dong as everyone talking about the guys the US didn't have. You play the team that is on the floor.

[vnzla81]

Two words as to why the US team sucks balls: Austin Reaves


Fire whoever decided to play that scrub that many minutes.

[vnzla81]

Also nerds need to send Dillon Brooks an apology, team USA wishes they had somebody like that.

[DeS]

I would say - today, the USA team deserved to win. They showed a lot of heart and managed to get away from the impossible situation.
Still, the better team won. Congrats to Canadians. I don't know how much mental power it takes to overcome such a dagger (last USA attack in 4th) that took to the overtime.
It was a beautiful fight.

[Dece]

Also nerds need to send Dillon Brooks an apology, team USA wishes they had somebody like that.

It's FIBA. It matters not at all, we owe Dillon Brooks nothing and he will continue to be among the worst offensive players in the league that matters next season.

I notice you weren't singing the praises of Theis after his FIBA performance, talking about how the Pacers big men problems are going to be solved by this top FIBA performer. You also know FIBA doesn't matter, deep down.

[vnzla81]

It's FIBA. It matters not at all, we owe Dillon Brooks nothing and he will continue to be among the worst offensive players in the league that matters next season.

I notice you weren't singing the praises of Theis after his FIBA performance, talking about how the Pacers big men problems are going to be solved by this top FIBA performer. You also know FIBA doesn't matter, deep down.

Repent.

[vnzla81]

Another thing, love me some Hali but you ain’t winning s*** as long as you don’t have a player that can break down good defenses and somebody that can take the ball away from Hali in the last 5 minutes, because he is doodo when he is not running in the open court and has to play half court.