League sources have confirmed that Josh Hart is committed to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup athlete, And his commitment rounds out the 12-man All-American roster. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hart, 28, the shooting guard for the New York Knicks, tweeted two American flags on Sunday, hinting at his commitment. A league source has confirmed that he plans to be involved with Team USA this summer.
- Hart averaged 9.8 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Knicks and Blazers last season and was a key part of New York’s push to the second round of the playoffs after being acquired in a trade.
- This team does not have any players with previous experience with the US national team, but it is nonetheless well-equipped to make up for the Americans’ seventh-place finish at the 2019 World Cup.
🇺🇸🇺🇸
– Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 2, 2023
the athleteInstant Analysis:
Who else is on the team?
Hart joins Defensive Player of the Year Garen Jackson Jr., Rookie of the Year Paulo Panchero, 2023 All-Stars Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, former All-Stars Brandon Ingram, rookie stars Jalen Bronson, Austin Reeves and Michal Bridges, standout rookie Walker Kessler and senior veterans Bobby Portis and Cam Johnson.
Team USA is assembled by Managing Director Grant Hill, Coach Steve Kerr, and General Manager Sean Ford. USA Basketball has not made any announcement about its roster; Training camp begins on August 3 in Las Vegas, and the first match of the World Cup begins on August 26 in Manila.
How does Hart fit into the crew?
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Hart fits the mold of the modern international. He is a great goalkeeper and a brave defender who can guard above his height and weight. He can also shoot from 3-point range at 37 percent last season. Hill and Kerr remained steadfast in their dedication to selecting players like Hart, at least to some extent.
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(Photo: Vincent Carchita/USA Today)