The Mavericks have three players participating in either FIBA World Cup action or preparation. The tournament tips off Saturday, August 31 in China. Team USA will, without doubt, be the central focus but the absence of many NBA superstars leaves legitimate uncertainty.
World Cup Ready
Boban Marjanovic has been a member of the Serbian national team since 2016. They wrapped up the AusTiger International Basketball Tournament on yesterday (August 27th) after participating in three exhibition games. Playing time has been scares for Boban mirroring his NBA career. However, versus New Zealand he put on a strong performance contributing 17 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. Serbia plays their first World Cup game on Saturday, August 31 versus Angola.
Maxi Kleber has played with the German national team since 2014. After cruising to a 3-0 record in the DBB Supercup they took on Tunisia on August 23rd. Maxi poured in 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 22.2 minutes of action. The star of this game, however, was former Maverick Salah Mejri who tallied 30 points 13 rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 39.2 minutes. Germany takes on France Sunday, September 1.
Jalen Brunson was named to the USA Select team where he participated in the Blue and White intrasquad scrimmage. He started the game-ending it with eight points, six rebounds, two assist and two steals in the eventual loss. Jalen was not selected to the final roster. The US National team takes on the Czech Republic Sunday, September 1 @ 7:30 a.m. central.
Team Notes
Ryan Broekhoff has been a member of the Australian National team since 2013. He recently advised he would be sitting out this year’s World Cup due to the birth of his son. A legit excuse for the long-range sharpshooter. Congrats!
Luka Doncic won’t be participating in any international basketball for awhile. His hiatus is said to be the fault of FIBA’s foolish qualification calendar. Catch up on the debate here.
Representing your country is a once in a lifetime opportunity and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The increasing dollar amount of contracts coupled with the unpredictability of injuries is reason enough to pass on these contest for NBA professionals. These factors could be detrimental to the US squad but the experienced gained could aid the Mavericks exponentially.
The FIBA World Cup will be exciting and it’s great a few Mavs are sprinkled in the world’s tournament.
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