Anthony Edwards had a great reason, inspired by Kobe Bryant, for why he had no interest in coming off the bench for Team USA.
Edwards, of course, is one of the best NBA players participating at the FIBA World Cup. The former No. 1 overall pick, however, was not originally in the first unit for Team USA when they scrimmaged (and lost) to the Select Team, which featured Cade Cunningham.
Team USA’s original starting lineup included Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. (who was considered the best player at training camp). Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson, however, received the starting spot ahead of Edwards.
Edwards would play the role that Dwyane Wade won the gold medal for Team USA at the Olympics in 2008. Erik Spoelstra, who is currently an assistant coach for Team USA, recently compared Edwards to Wade.
Here is what Edwards thought about the decision (via The Athletic):
“I mean, of course I wasn’t cool with it,” Edwards said. “If that’s what it takes, I mean, I am willing to do it, but nah, I’m never cool with that. … He said Dwyane Wade came off the bench when Kobe played. I was like, all right, we don’t have a Kobe, but all right. But it was cool.”
After losing in the scrimmage with Johnson in the first five, the Minnesota star was eventually moved into the starting lineup.
Team USA then rattled off five consecutive wins, including victories against Germany and Greece, during exhibition play. Edwards had a game-high 34 points during the comeback win over Germany.
It’s safe to say that before the World Cup begins, Edwards is approaching the competition with The Mamba Mentality. Bryant won two gold medals at the Olympics while playing for Team USA.
