Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton looking forward to Team USA experience at FIBA World Cup
Team USA is participating in the 2023 FIBA Men's World Cup, and the squad will begin training on August 3, which is just over one week away. Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is on the roster that is participating in the event, and he is excited for his first major event with the national team.
Haliburton played for the USA's U19 team in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and he was a member of the Team USA select roster ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Now, he's on the roster for the World Cup with some of the NBA's best players.
"I think just, you're being put in different situations," Haliburton said earlier this month on the pros of playing for the squad. He noted that every player on Team USA this cycle is among the best players on their NBA team, so more off-ball reps are coming for everybody. Haliburton mentioned New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson as someone he is specifically excited about sharing the court with for the red, white, and blue.
During a podcast appearance with Paul George on Podcast P, Haliburton also noted that he's looking forward to playing with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. Edwards and Haliburton both received large contract extensions this offseason.
On top of Brunson, Haliburton, and Edwards, the USA roster will consist of Paolo Banchero, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cameron Johnson, Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis, and Austin Reaves.
"Get used to doing different things that you don't do as much during the season," Haliburton said of what he will get out of the Team USA experience. He will likely play point guard often, but not 100% of the time.
Haliburton told George that the NBA became a reality for him during his experience on the U19 team. Team USA was formative in his basketball upbringing, and it could be again this year. Haliburton could help set the tone for next year's Olympics, and a strong showing could put him in consideration for an Olympic team in the future.
It's also a chance for him to get reps with other star players, which is great for his long-term outlook. Knowing how to play with the best of the best could help Haliburton in the future with the Pacers, should they acquire another star.
Haliburton playing for Team USA could help Indiana in the pursuit of another top player. He can build relationships with some of the NBA's best, and that could be vital for recruiting in the future.
"We'll see, we'll see. I'll do my fair share of conversations for sure," Haliburton said through a smile when asked about recruiting other players. Damian Lillard and Bam Adebayo formed a strong relationship for the Olympic team in 2021, and they have stayed close. Now, Lillard wants to team up with Adebayo's Miami Heat.
Haliburton and Team USA begin World Cup play on August 26 against New Zealand in the Philippines at Mall of Asia Arena. The Pacers will also be represented by Jim Boylen, who is an assistant coach for the Team USA Select team, and Daniel Theis of Germany in the World Cup.
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