The United States roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup was subject to some criticism as the players began to be revealed, but that's why you should wait until you see the final product.
As more players were announced and the entire roster came to form, it quickly became apparent that USA Basketball had a vision for this team. The plan was to go young, grooming some of the NBA's best up-and-coming stars to compete in FIBA and Olympic tournaments for years to come.
MORE: Team USA's full 12-man roster for FIBA WC
The oldest players on the roster are Josh Hart and Bobby Portis, who are just 28 years old. The youngest player on the roster can't even legally have a drink in the United States, as Paolo Banchero comes in at 20 years old.
The average age on the roster is 24.4 years old, with Brandon Ingram (25), Austin Reaves (25), Tyrese Haliburton (23), Jaren Jackson Jr. (23), Walker Kessler (22) and Anthony Edwards (21) all coming in at 25 or younger. Cam Johnson (27), Jalen Brunson (26) and Mikal Bridges (26) round out a talented 12-man unit that should mesh with ease based on projected roles and playstyles.
Who should head coach Steve Kerr go with for a starting five and rotation? Let's take a look at how Team USA's playing time could shake out at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
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Who should start for Team USA at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
Projected starting five
- Guard: Jalen Brunson
- Guard: Anthony Edwards
- Forward: Mikal Bridges
- Forward: Paolo Banchero
- Center: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Coach Kerr has a tough decision on his hands for a starting five, particularly in the backcourt and the two forward positions.
The only player who I can confidently say will be starting is Jaren Jackson Jr., who is the best true big man on the roster. Walker Kessler and Bobby Portis will likely fill backup minutes behind Jackson Jr. based on matchups.
After the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, the other four starting spots feel interchangeable.
The backcourt debate
Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are likely fighting for the two starting backcourt spots. Any combination of the trio works because they can all play on or off the ball.
Edwards has a case as the best player on the team and he'll probably end up leading the United States in scoring, so he'll get the nod at the two. Even though I think Haliburton is the best playmaker on the roster, I could see Kerr leaning on Brunson's seniority and leadership in the starting five, giving him the nod at the one.
Austin Reaves is the odd man out, but he should still see some minutes for a spark of offense off the bench.
MORE: USA Select Team for FIBA WC training camp
The forward debate
Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges and Paolo Banchero are in a similar situation as the guards, as there are three candidates for two spots.
Banchero might be the youngest player on the roster, but I firmly believe he should start because the frontcourt could use his size at 6-10, 250 lbs. He'll be able to help Jackson Jr. on the glass, and his skill set as a scoring and playmaking power forward gives the United States a unique weapon.
After Banchero, I don't think Kerr can go wrong with Bridges or Ingram.
Bridges is the better defender of the two and could make up for what Brunson lacks on that end on the perimeter. Ingram is the better scorer and offensive initiator, but his talents could be better suited for when Edwards isn't on the floor.
There is certainly a chance that Kerr elects to bring Banchero off the bench, and a Bridges-Ingram forward pairing gives Team USA a lethal offense and more perimeter shooting. I'm most intrigued to see which of these three players will fill the two starting forward spots.
Cam Johnson will see minutes as a 3-and-D floor spacer off the bench and Josh Hart will be a high-energy defensive stopper who can catalyze the United States with his contagious effort.
Don't be surprised to see Kerr mix and match lineups throughout the tournament — there are plenty of combinations that could work. Regardless of who starts, there is no denying that the United States is bringing the most talented roster to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Team USA schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
The United States will be in Group C with Jordan, Greece and New Zealand. All of their first-round group stage games will be played in the Philippines.
You can find Team USA's group stage schedule below.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Saturday, Aug. 26 | vs. New Zealand | 8:40 a.m. |
| Monday, Aug. 28 | vs. Greece | 8:40 a.m. |
| Wednesday, Aug. 30 | vs. Jordan | 4:40 a.m. |
