Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is now a controversial podcast host with countless hot takes, including calling Team USA‘s 2023 FIBA World Cup roster a “sorry-ass group.”
Arenas, 41, offered his take during a recent episode featuring Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. He criticized the squad for lacking superstars, but was entirely wrong by saying none of them are starters for their NBA teams.
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“You see that list he [Steve Kerr] got? A sorry-ass group,” Arenas said. “Listen: I’m happy for the people who make it. It’s cool. It’s cool for some of the guys who got there that I don’t know. Some of them probably don’t even start on their team.”
The 12-man roster is, in fact, full of NBA starters, except for Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis and New York Knicks‘ Josh Hart.
Paolo Banchero starts for the Orlando Magic, Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson are both Brooklyn Nets stars, Anthony Edwards leads the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyrese Haliburton just signed a huge contract with the Indiana Pacers, Josh Hart is the Knicks’ superstar, Brandon Ingram has taken over the New Orleans Pelicans in the absence of Zion Williamson, Jaren Jackson Jr. won Defensive Player of the Year with the Memphis Grizzlies, Walker Kessler is a Utah Jazz starter and Austin Reaves was a key piece for the Los Angeles Lakers in the postseason.
Team USA’s World Cup squad
Arenas is just showing his lack of knowledge when it comes to modern basketball or trying to appease Young, who wants to play in the 2024 Olympic Games, but doesn’t fit the system.
Young, 24, does not fit Kerr’s defensive system in the FIBA style of play and this time around Team USA did not have a training camp to determine the World Cup roster, unlike in previous years.
“Because it’s embarrassing sometimes when you have star players who are really stars that do want to participate,” Arenas added. “And you just automatically say ‘He’s not going to fit our style.’
“How the F do you know that he’s not going to fit your style if you don’t give him a chance? There’s a reason there’s a trial. Invite us all and let us show you that we can adapt.”
