[Saba Sports News] Team USA fell short of a top-three finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, losing the bronze medal game to Canada with a score of 127-118. Following the defeat, Kyle Kuzma emphasized the need for the next generation of Team USA stars to embrace their roles and play a collective game.
“USA basketball must enlist NBA stars who understand the importance of playing specific roles,” Kuzma stated in a Tuesday post. “It’s not just about individual skills; can you contribute defensively and adapt to various positions?”
Team USA’s next opportunity for redemption comes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although the roster is still uncertain, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns expressed his eagerness to contribute, responding to Kuzma’s message with a simple declaration: “I’ll do it.”
Booker, who was part of the 2021 Team USA squad that secured gold at the Tokyo Olympics, showcased his readiness to rejoin the national team and embrace a defined role, reminiscent of their successful 2021 campaign. In that tournament, the United States overcame initial challenges, including a loss to France in the group stage, to ultimately triumph over the same opponent in the gold medal match.
Booker contributed as the sixth-leading scorer, averaging 9.3 points in six games played, signaling his commitment to don the national team colors once more in 2024.