httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA5on88xFWI
The 2016 Rio Olympics taught us that even when USA Basketball sends its B-team, the rest of the world still isn’t particularly close.
That could change by the time the U.S. is going for its fourth straight gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 2016 NBA Draft was the best example of this, as 10 of the first 16 players selected were born outside of the U.S. T appear to be four countries in particular that could have some legit star power by the time the 2020 games arrive.
Nando de Colo and Thomas Heurtel could still provide offensive firepower in the backcourt, while Nicolas Batum provides two-way stability on the wing should he return at age 31 in the 2020 games.
Trey Lyles is a 6’10 forward coming off a promising rookie year for the Jazz, while Jamal Murray comes to the Nuggets as the No. 7 pick in the draft after a great offensive season at Kentucky.
Canada also has a group of solid young veterans who have already realized their potential in the NBA. Point guard Cory Joseph has turned into a great defender for the Raptors, the Celtics’ Kelly Olynyk has proven to be a capable shooter in the front court and Tristan Thompson is already one of the NBA’s best rebounders.