Team USA Failing to Play Jazz C Walker Kessler Pinned ‘Massive Mistake'
While Team USA entered their latest match against Germany with plans to punch a ticket to the FIBA World Cup Final, the results did not quite go as initially planned. In a narrow 113-111 loss, the USA has now found themselves competing for a bronze medal rather than the highly-expected gold.
A portion of these shortcomings from Team USA could be linked to the lack of emphasis on size and defensive prowess in the frontcourt. Coach Steve Kerr consistently opted to go with a smaller, versatile lineup instead of a large, imposing one.
While Memphis Grizzlies F Jaren Jackson Jr. and Orlando Magic F Paolo Banchero gobbled much of the minutes at the five, it left the Utah Jazz C Walker Kessler spending likely way more time on the bench than necessary. As a result, a Germany team possessing players with extensive size exposed the shortcomings of the US.
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer called the decision to not play Kessler a "massive mistake," pointing out the efficiency of placing Jackson at the power forward slot alongside a defensive anchor to hold down the line:
While the NBA is very centric around positionless basketball and the small-ball trend (especially through Steve Kerr’s philosophy), international play is a different beast. With the starting Germany frontcourt members posting nearly 50 points alone, having a guy like Kessler stationed in the mix could stop such an event from happening.
Instead, Kerr went forward in match without Kessler to play smaller, inevitably leading to their downfall. Minnesota Timberwolves G Anthony Edwards attempted to pull it out with a line of 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Edwards noted the lack of rebounding and size after the game to BasketNews after the loss:
"Offensive rebounding. We got outrebounded all night. They were more physical than us...It was just toughness. We, and even myself, could've played tougher and got more rebounds, it was on all of us... We just have to go out there and play, we've got another game."
Team USA will have a chance for some slight redemption in their upcoming bout against Canada on Sunday at 2:30 AM MT. A team featuring another Utah big in C Kelly Olynyk could make for the chance to see both Jazzmen face off for the opportunity to take home some hardware for their countries.
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