Four-time NBA champion coach Steve Kerr tried to implement his small ball approach at the FIBA World Cup from the success its had with the Warriors, but it didn’t work.
Many NBA fans were disappointed with USA’s fourth placed finish in the tournament, which marked the first time in 53 years the US have failed to win a medal in consecutive FIBA tournaments.
After USA’s bronze medal game loss to Canada, head coach Kerr said that he believed the reason his team fell short was due to their lack of defense.
However, questions were asked of Kerr regarding the lessons learned from FIBA and if one of them was about adding more size to the lineup.
“I think it’s a worthwhile point of discussion, but the discussion has to go to, ‘OK, then who is that?” Kerr told The Athletic. “You can’t just say, we’re going to have size for size’s sake. You have to have players who are going to help you win, and you have to determine who those guys are. It’s not just the size, it’s the way the game is played.
“I think for this team, our commitment has been there and the character is unquestioned. We’re all so committed to the cause, but our defense wasn’t good enough. But I don’t think it’s as simple as saying it’s just size. I think you have to examine who you’re talking about if you go down that path.”
After USA’s showing, LeBron James is reportedly already making calls to build a superteam for next year’s Paris Olympics.
“James has spoken to Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green, and they are all prepared to commit as well,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Joe Vardon wrote. “Separately, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox and Dallas’ Kyrie Irving also have serious interest in committing, league sources said.”
With the basketball gap closing between the US and the rest of the world, they may well need a team with the NBA’s best to come away with a medal.
The countdown to the 2024 Olympics is well and truly on!