Team USA: Breaking down the 2014 FIBA World Cup roster
By Seth Partnow
Wings
After Durant (who will play a lot of power forward), George and Harden, the field is wide open for the remaining candidates. First of all, if four nominal point guards are selected, this means Curry is on the team primarily to play off the ball at the 2, which probably squeezes a spot from someone else.
The single most important thing needed from a wing at the international level is long-range shooting. This would seem to rule DeRozan out, as his anemic .305 3PFG% in 2013-14 was a career high. On the other hand, Thompson’s shooting ability combined with his on-ball defensive excellence make him a shoe-in for the squad, even if he might be next to Korver the least able to create for himself or others withe the ball.
Hayward and Parsons would seem to be competing for one spot as both offer similar styles of play, combining long-range shooting with solid ability to perform as secondary playmakers on a possession. Parsons brighter star not to mention Hayward’s woeful shooting performance last season make the spot Parsons’ to lose.
Beal is a player who’s reputation thus far outstrips his accomplishments. He still has great potential as an all-around guard, and that potential will probably see him earn a roster spot over Korver. But surely the best spot up shooter in the world is worthy of spot? Especially considering the degree to which Korver is subtly better than expected at all the other aspects of a wing player’s job.
Who Will Make Team USA: Durant, George, Harden, Thompson, Parsons, Beal
Who Should Make It: Durant, George, Harden, Thompson, Parsons, Korver