Knicks wing Josh Hart has committed to play for Team USA for the 2023 World Cup, which kicks off next month, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Hart confirmed the news by tweeting out American flag emojis.
As Wojnarowski notes, Hart will be the final addition to the 12-man roster that also features his Knicks teammate, Jalen Brunson. The other 10 players who have committed to play are Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Austin Reaves, Paolo Banchero, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cameron Johnson, Walker Kessler and Bobby Portis, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN (via Twitter).
Hart unexpectedly exercised his $12.96MM player option for 2023/24, forgoing free agency. It seems likely that he’ll sign a long-term deal with New York once he becomes extension-eligible in August.
In 76 games (32.3 MPG) with the Trail Blazers and Knicks last season, the 28-year-old averaged 9.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.2 APG and 1.2 SPG on a .529/.372/.750 shooting line. He’ll bring plenty of energy and toughness to Team USA this summer.
The Americans will start training camp for the World Cup in early August, with their first game scheduled later that month in the Philippines.
Haliburton, Ant, Mikal, BI & Jaren is def a strong (& long) starting 5… coming off the bench with guys like Portis & Brunson has gotta be a lil scary for opposing teams as well. It’ll be interesting to see how Paolo does off the bench. He’s always been the top guy everywhere he’s played. I’m sure he’ll be good tho.
Paolo could start with Jaren. There are big teams in tournament. Looks good to me. Plenty talent here. But I also see guys who play team ball. Share the ball and play D. This a solid team.
Josh took one for the team here. (Knick for life) I guess he wanted Donte bad. Knicks will do right by him. Imo DeR is the missing piece for us. With Donte signing. It would mean Grimes would have to be included in the trade. Considering all the movement so far. I’m surprised Knicks haven’t pulled the trigger on a big trade. Considering Wiz gave away Beal. I’m guessing this a good sign (patience).
This can be the worst “Dream team” ever, no one from this roster ever made an all nba team, who is their leading scorer, BI? Bronson?
True of the last one as well. Veteran stars have been dropping out of non-Olympic teams for awhile (since Coach K started to phase out). USA BB is comfortable with younger players in the FIBA. It’s not an All Star team model. That was the traditional model and it failed.
Our FIBA team is next years select players for the Olympic tryouts. That’s what we are sending this year. Select players.