by Alex Kirschenbaum
Despite Team USA’s failure to earn even a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton would like to keep playing for the program, writes George Efkarpides of Eurohoops. The Paris Olympics next summer would mark the next big opportunity to do so.
“If they want me back, it’s a no-brainer for me,” Haliburton said of a return to Team USA. “You want to end on a high note; we didn’t do that, so it’s obviously disappointing. But it was a fun experience. Every time you can play for the USA, it’s a privilege and an honor.”
Haliburton, a reserve for the U.S. behind Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, proved to be a key contributor for the club. His passing and scoring were critical contributions for the Americans this summer, though they fell far short of their ambitions.
There’s more from the Team USA fallout:
- Haliburton may have some company from another Team USA comrade in the future. Nets small forward Mikal Bridges indicated after the club’s 127-118 overtime loss to Team Canada that he would be open to an encore appearance for his country in international play, writes Aris Barkas of Eurohoops. “I think I will never say no, it’s an honor every time,” Bridges said. “No matter the result, I wouldn’t trade those six weeks. The biggest thing is the relationship we built. That’s what I take away from this.”
- Although Team USA has won the gold medal in its last four consecutive Olympic appearances, it has failed to enjoy that same success during the FIBA World Cup, which it hasn’t won in nine years. Noting that the club’s roster will have more decorated players at the Olympics in Paris next summer, Joe Vardon of The Athletic pinpoints problems with defense and rebounding as the biggest reasons behind the club’s failure this summer.
Originally posted on hoopsrumors.com