A Dwyane Wade clone? This U.S. player is opening eyes at FIBA World Cup
With a 109-81 victory over Greece on Monday in the FIBA World Cup, Team USA continued to showcase its dominance. Now, it's setting its sights on lowly Jordan (0-2) on Wednesday.
The Americans' roster boasts talent such as Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) and Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers). But the burning question is: Who is the best player on Team USA (2-0)?
During the team's five preliminary showcase games and the initial two first-round clashes, several players stepped into the limelight.
In the win over Greece, Reaves delivered an exceptional performance off the bench, scoring 15 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out six assists. He joined LeBron James as the only American players to record a stat line of at least 15/5/5 since 1994.
In Team USA's 99-72 rout of New Zealand, the spotlight shined on reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), who netted 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the floor, blocked four shots and boasted an efficiency rating of +25.
But Banchero isn't close to being the best U.S. player. Neither is Reaves nor Brunson nor Haliburton.
The Americans' top player clearly is Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves' star.
Despite not playing his best offensively in the opening two matchups, Edwards has demonstrated his raw athleticism and unparalleled two-way ability. Opponents seem to dread facing him more than any other American.
Through the first two games, Edwards is averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and three assists and is shooting 42.9% from the field and 20% from beyond the arc.
But Edwards' impact isn't limited to scoring. Against New Zealand, he topped Team USA's rebound charts as the starting shooting guard, pulling down seven boards.
Additionally, when engaged, he's among the team's most elite defenders along with Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies).
"It's hard not to look at Anthony Edwards and not see Dwyane Wade," Team USA assistant and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said recently in an interview with CNN Philippines.
In Team USA's final showcase game against Germany, Edwards dominated, pouring in 34 points, grabbing six rebounds and blocking two shots.
Following that game, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr declared Edwards to be "unquestionably, the guy."
As his game continues to mature, Edwards is unmistakably establishing himself as an emerging superstar and the face of Team USA.
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