No Wilson? No Plum? What adjustments must Team USA make at upcoming World Cup?
How will the deepest roster in the world make up for A'ja Wilson's absence? And what might be next for Kelsey Plum?
The news that A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not be joining Team USA for the upcoming World Cup has sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Wilson, a dominant force in the paint, and Plum, a prolific scorer, were expected to play key roles for the team. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt, and the coaching staff will need to make some adjustments to compensate for the loss of talent and depth.
The good news for Team USA is that they have a deep and talented roster, with many players capable of stepping up and filling the void. Players like Breanna Stewart, Sylvia Fowles, and Napheesa Collier will likely see increased minutes and will need to take on more responsibility. The team will also need to rely on their bench players to provide a spark and contribute in meaningful ways. The World Cup will be a great test for Team USA, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the absence of Wilson and Plum.
As for Wilson and Plum, their decisions to sit out the World Cup have raised some eyebrows. While the exact reasons for their absence are unclear, it's likely that both players are prioritizing their WNBA seasons and potentially the 2024 Olympics. Whatever the reason, their absence will be felt, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how Team USA performs without two of their top players. Next up, Team USA will need to focus on geling as a team and finding a rhythm on the court - tune in to see how they respond to this adversity and what adjustments they make to stay competitive on the world stage.
Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsletter adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.