The 2023 iteration of Team USA basketball features a number of rising stars in the NBA. There was one young star, however, who was not included on the team.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young was left off Team USA’s roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup to be held in Manila later this month.
Young sat down with Gilbert Arenas on a recent episode of “Gil’s Arena.” The Hawks star was asked about his desire to play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. Young believes he should definitely be on the roster heading to Paris next year (24:32 mark).
“I’ve talked about playing on [Team] USA a couple of times,” said Young. “I definitely want to. It’s up to them if they want me to. … Obviously, I’d love to play, but I respect the OGs and understand you’ve got to wait your turn. But I believe I should be on there.”
Young was talking about some of the older players with the “OG” line.
Young also stated that he could contribute as a playmaker given the scoring weapons likely to be around him. Young finished in the top three in assists per game over the last two seasons. He also leads the NBA in total assists during that span.
Team USA basketball has often shied away from ball-dominant stars in favor of versatile players who can fill various roles. Young fits the archetype of a player that needs the offense to revolve around him in order to be productive. Interestingly enough, Team USA basketball head coach Steve Kerr appears to be relying on a different diminutive point guard as their “natural leader.”
While Young has remained a star on the NBA floor, it remains to be seen if Team USA will ever give him a call for some action overseas.
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