Future of basketball: exciting times, challenging times!

Congratulations to Germany for winning their first FIBA Men’s World Cup in basketball. Probably what made headlines as much as Germany’s unexpected title success, was the failure, again, of the USA team to even make the podium. As a basketball aficionado, I’ve been following closely the improvement in international basketball. It is an exciting time for international teams. I believe this should also be a big wake-up call for Americans if they want to continue to win, starting with the Paris Olympics next year. That requires however USA basketball to face up to several taken-for-granted excuses which I believe are clouding their judgment, hence falsifying these should be the starting point.

Myth 1:

We have still the best basketball players in the world.

Not true.

NBA is definitely the most competitive league in basketball. But the last five MVP awards have all been won by international players; Giannis, Jokic and Embiid (yes I can hear people saying Embiid might choose to play for USA but still hasn’t committed yet). Add to this the likes of Slovenian Doncic who will probably win an MVP award before he retires. Or the #1 draft pick from this year, Frenchman Wembenyama, who everybody agrees is the next generational talent after LeBron. By the way, a combination of three second-tier players from the league, in veteran Schroder and young Wagner brothers, was good enough to beat the US team in the world cup. There you go…

Myth 2:

Our best players don’t commit to B tournaments like the World Cup. We will beat everyone in the Olympics.

Not true.

Yes, it has become a tradition that the best American NBA players commit their time to the most prestigious competition; that is the Olympics, instead of appearing in other tournaments like the World Cup. But this can only be a poor excuse for not winning. Firstly, this year’s US world cup roster had four all-stars, the rookie of the year, the defensive player of the year, couple of former number one draft picks etc. etc. So it is not a bad team. Secondly, Americans can talk about their true stars not showing up, but how about other countries? Like Serbia reaching the final despite missing two-time NBA MVP and current NBA champion Nikola Jokic? Or previous Euroleague MVP Vasilje Micic? How about Lithuania, one of the three teams that beat the USA, missing Domantas Sabonis, one of my favourite NBA Players and an all-star? Canada missing Jamal Murray, Jokic’s partner in NBA champions Nuggets, and still beating the USA? Greece playing without the ever-present, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo? Debutants Latvia missing Porzingis in their gallant run to finish fifth? Wembenyama not suiting up for France, yet? Do we still think it was only the Americans who did not bring their A-team? Last but not least, let’s not forget Tokyo Olympics where a star-studded US cast with Durant, Lillard, Adebayo etc. lost in the group game to France. It can happen again!

Myth 3:

Size matters in international basketball. US team didn’t have size. Others did. They exploited it.

Not true.

The USA team had size. They just didn’t use it. They brought 7-foot Walker Kessler, one of the most exciting young centers in the league. He averaged 8 mins per game! They had 6-11 Jaren Jackson Jr, current defensive player of the year in the NBA and blocks leader. They had Bobby Portis and Paolo Banchero, both 6-10 and above, both able to play #4 position on the court. They had 6-8 wings like Ingram and Johnson. What size were they missing? Eventual champions Germany didn’t have a 7-footer in their roster! The critical difference here however, is the fact that international teams know how to play the inside game. NBA has long moved, for reasons I cannot fathom still, to a kind of style that only praises speed, athleticism and show-time. The so-called ‘small ball’ sacrifices low post play at the expense of outside shooting and transition game. This is what others, mainly Europeans, do well in international basketball, in that they can adapt their play according to their squad structure and their competitors, whilst Americans unfortunately these days only know one way to play basketball. I’m pretty sure Serbia would have played a different game if Jokic was around, but probably could still make the final.

Myth 4:

The international game is played differently. Games are shorter. Court is different. Blah blah blah…

Not true.

Basketball is basketball. Most NBA players come from the NCAA where the game is even more different to the NBA. If they can adapt to it, why can’t they adapt to international basketball. Besides, look at the US coaching team. Head coach Steve Kerr, and assistant coaches Erik Spoelstra and Ty Lue; all NBA title winners. Supported by assistant coach Mark Few, winningest active NCAA coach from Gonzaga. If these guys can’t sort it out how you should adapt your game, who could? By the way, if this myth could explain losses to Lithuania or Germany, how does it work against Canada, another team playing in a similar way and filled with NBA players? Olympics are played the same way as every other FIBA tournament, so why not using the same excuse there when you win?

I hope this serves as a friendly reminder and a fair warning to my American friends that are passionate about basketball. I’m sure they will put together a much stronger team for next year’s Olympics. I’m also sure that team will be the one to beat. However, let’s not talk about whether the Europeans are catching up or not anymore. The real question will be what USA basketball will do to stay competitive in the international game.