Team USA never puts their best in World Cup play — and they certainly didn’t this year.
Their roster for the 2023 tournament, which will begin in late August and take place in Japan, the Phillippines and Indonesia, is highlighted by New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, along with All-Stars Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic.
But with their level of talent in 2019 — including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell and Kemba Walker (an All-Star the following season), Team USA whimpered to a seventh-place finish that season.
They’re minus odds to win it all based on their talent, but here are three bets to consider if you’re going the other way.
Australia (+805, FanDuel)
The Case: The Aussies finished fourth in 2019 and have become a basketball powerhouse in recent years, finally medaling in the 2021 Olympics by winning a bronze medal.
They have the second-shortest odds behind Team USA on FanDuel with a preliminary roster that includes Josh Giddey, Joe Ingles, Jock Landale, Josh Green, Patty Mills and Dyson Daniels.
The most talent doesn’t always win internationally, and the Australian core veterans have been constants across many competitions — but they do have the talent to compete with anyone.
France (+1200, FanDuel)
The Case: France was third in 2019 and silver medaled in the Olympics.
They don’t have Victor Wembanyama and the much rumored Joel Embiid acquisition that may or may not unfold in time for the 2024 Olympics.
However, they have an incredible international pedigree and will have mainstays Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum and Nando De Colo on the roster.
Canada (+1400, FanDuel)
The Case: The Canadians likely won’t have all their best players, but this is a sexy longshot pick.
With the influx of Canadians in the NBA, their lack of international success to accompany it has been worrisome, but sooner or later, we’re anticipating their true arrival on this stage.
Betting on the NBA?
Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be the best players in the tournament if they competed, but we don’t know who suits up for Canada yet.
Still, it’s the most fun hypothetical talent bet you could make.
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