Kyle Kuzma calls for Team USA to embrace roles, not just star power / News - Basketnews.com

Kyle Kuzma sounds off on Team USA's struggles: "USA basketball better get some NBA stars that know how to play a role."

Credit: AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel - Scanpix

Despite having numerous NBA rising stars, Team USA didn't perform as expected during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and finished fourth.

USA / Schedule

USA Germany111-113 USA Canada118-127

One prominent voice criticizing Steve Kerr's squad was Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.

Kuzma took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out that the issue lay in Team USA players' inability to embrace their roles. He emphasized that anyone can excel with the ball in their hands but questioned their willingness to play defensively.

"USA basketball better get some NBA stars that know how to play a role. Anybody can be impressive when they have the ball, but can they be equally effective when defending and spending some time in the corner?" Kuzma wrote.

Team USA is looking to strengthen its roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the potential addition of NBA heavyweights.

According to reports from The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Shams Charania, LeBron James, a three-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist, and the NBA's all-time leading scorer, is eager to commit to the team for next summer.

He has also reached out to multiple stars to recruit them for the Paris venture.

As per the same report, James has engaged in discussions with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green, all of whom are prepared to commit as well.

Additionally, players like Phoenix's Devin Booker, Portland's Damian Lillard, Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox, and Dallas' Kyrie Irving have expressed serious interest in joining the team.

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