Tim MacMahon discusses Team USA's failure at the FIBA World Cup and the Lakers' place in the West after Christian Wood signing. Blake Murphy weighs in on Team Canada and the Raptors' outlook for the 2023-24 season.
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Quick takeaways
Christian Wood signs with the Lakers, but his fit remains uncertain due to defensive limitations.
Opinions are mixed on the Lakers' chances in the West, depending on the health and availability of key players.
The Lakers made significant off-season moves to add depth, but success depends on player availability and improved half-court offense.
Team Canada's impressive bronze medal in the FIBA World Cup showcased the emergence of superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Deep dives
Christian Wood signs with the Lakers for the minimum
Christian Wood, former player for the Dallas Mavericks, signs with the Los Angeles Lakers for the veterans minimum. Wood expressed that he believes there is a big role for him on the Lakers and looks forward to the opportunity. However, his fit on the team remains uncertain due to defensive limitations. Wood's performance in Dallas was not as expected and he did not receive a contract extension. Now, he joins a stacked Lakers roster where playing time may not be guaranteed.
Summary of the Lakers' position in the Western Conference
Opinions are mixed regarding the Lakers' chances in the Western Conference. While some recognize their potential as an inner circle contender, concerns remain about the health and availability of key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If the Lakers can stay healthy and reach their full potential, they are a formidable team. However, their half-court offense needs improvement and finding a reliable answer for dominant big men like Nikola Jokic remains a challenge for the Lakers.
Analysis of the Lakers' off-season moves
The Lakers made significant moves in the off-season, adding depth to their roster. The emergence of Austin Reeves as an ascending talent and the signing of Christian Wood offer potential contributions. However, their success hinges on the health and availability of their key players, as well as improved offensive performance in the half-court. The Lakers remain a team to watch in the Western Conference, but face tough competition from other contenders.
Assessment of the overall Western Conference landscape
When considering the overall Western Conference landscape, the Lakers fall into the tier below the Denver Nuggets, who are seen as favorites. Teams like the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are also highly regarded contenders. The Lakers' performance last season raised questions about the sustainability of their success and their potential going forward. However, if their key players remain healthy, the Lakers have the ability to be a strong contender in the Western Conference.
Team Canada's historic success in FIBA World Cup
Team Canada had a remarkable run in the FIBA World Cup, winning the bronze medal. Despite missing several key players, including Jamal Murray, their victory showcased the emergence of a true superstar in Shay Gilder-Salazar. Gilder-Salazar's dominant performances highlighted his ability to take over games and make crucial plays. His extraordinary skills and leadership on the court propelled Canada to their best performance in the tournament, marking a significant moment in the history of Canada basketball.
Challenges and decisions for Team Canada in the Olympics
With the upcoming Olympics, Team Canada faces challenges in assembling a strong roster. The absence of more NBA players during the FIBA World Cup highlighted the need for additional talent and depth. The team's success has sparked interest from various players, including Jamal Murray and Brandon Clarke, who might join the roster for the Olympics. However, tough decisions must be made regarding the current core players and potential newcomers. The coaching staff and management must carefully consider the balance between experience, talent, and chemistry in finalizing the team roster.
RJ Barrett's performance and impact on Team Canada
RJ Barrett's performance in the FIBA World Cup was somewhat inconsistent, with moments of brilliance mixed with underwhelming games. While he showcased scoring prowess and offensive skills, his playmaking and defensive contributions were less consistent. With his potential and young age, the tournament provided a platform to assess Barrett's growth and development. Evaluating his offensive efficiency, decision-making, and consistency will be crucial in determining his role and future impact on the Canadian national team.
Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Team USA's failure at the FIBA World Cup, look ahead to the 2024 Olympics, and size up the Lakers' place in the West in the wake of the Christian Wood signing. Then (58:30) Sportsnet's Blake Murphy joins to weigh in on Team Canada as well as the Raptors' outlook for the 2023-24 season.
Potential new resting rules (:46)
Team USA finishes 4th at the FIBA World Cup (5:03)
How many of the guys on the World Cup roster will be on Olympic Roster next year? (9:12)
Who are your dream 3 picks to have on the Team USA roster for the 2024 Olympics? (11:29)
Do you enough the aesthetics of FIBA basketball? (16:33)
Filling out the rest of the 2024 US Olympic roster (20:08)
Olympics will be fun (28:54)
Lakers sign Christian Wood (35:49)
Where do the Lakers stack up in the West? (47:35)
What did Canada's 3rd place finish at the FIBA World Cup mean? (1:00:03)
What big names might join Team Canada for the 2024 Olympics (1:02:12)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's tour de force in the FIBA World Cup (1:07:02)
