08-07-2021, 10:43 AM
(08-07-2021, 08:49 AM)SwisherPrice Wrote: The USA also brought a weak roster without KD in the 2019 World Cup and didn't do well. They wouldn't have won gold in Tokyo if it wasn't for him, he carried a pretty underwhelming roster. Not sure if they get past Spain or survive that horrible 1st half against Australia without him. Also Pop has gotten a lot of heat compared to Coach K leading them.
They will always have All Stars and a better overall roster than any other country but as of now, it seems they are going to lack a generational superstar talent (ex: Kobe/LeBron/KD) that they have had in every Olympics after the 2004 bronze. Especially KD since he's perfect for the FIBA style. When the US has a Top-3 player in the world playing, they will always be fine because even with their B squad, they can win against the rest of the world. But unless someone from the next generation makes a huge leap, the US will probably have to go to the next Olympics without a Top-3 player for the first time in like 20 years.
I think Spain and Argentina will go on the decline as their main players for their golden era retire. But France and Slovenia are on the rise, their golden era should be this decade. And if Canada ever decides to figure it out and play to their potential with all the NBA talent they have, they could be a contender too.
This decade should really be competitive on the world stage.
They will have a Top 3 player, it just won't be Durant. And all the international games for the US. This is no longer US vs Angola in 92. The biggest thing that US has to adjust to is the rules in international ball, and just being cohesive as a team with little prep time. it isn't a talent issue. The US has the most talent and will always have the most talent than anyone else.